'Sometimes sheep need a vet': A qualitative study of Pentecostal clergy knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours regarding mental health.

Pentecostal clergy held a multifactorial understanding of mental illness that incorporated both biomedical and spiritual attributions.

• 29 PAOC ministers participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews
• Participants acknowledged biomedical causes of mental illness alongside beliefs in spiritual causes
• Clergy also held beliefs in divine healing as a component of their understanding of mental distress
• Data was analyzed using thematic analysis techniques

PAOC ministers typically offered spiritual care themselves to congregants experiencing mental distress.

• Participants provided some level of spiritual care as a first response to mental distress
• Clergy recommended church-based curricula as part of their pastoral care response
• This spiritual care was offered alongside, not exclusively instead of, professional referrals

PAOC ministers frequently urged formal mental health service use and made referrals to mental health professionals.

• Participants often directed congregants toward formal mental health services
• The study title metaphor 'Sometimes sheep need a vet' reflects clergy recognition that professional help is sometimes necessary
• Referral behavior was described as common practice among the sample

The majority of PAOC ministers reported a lack of formal mental health training.

• The sample 'largely reported a lack of formal mental health training'
• Participants also reported inconsistent support from the wider church institution regarding mental health
• All 29 participants had at least 2 years of experience offering pastoral care, yet formal training gaps persisted

Clergy may require additional training and support to better address mental health issues in congregants.

• The study recommends that PAOC ministers receive additional formal mental health training
• Wider church support for clergy handling mental health issues was described as inconsistent
• Clergy are often the first point of contact for religious Canadians when in mental distress and can impact help-seeking behaviours, underscoring the importance of adequate preparation

Clergy serve as a primary point of contact for mental health concerns among religious Canadians.

• Clergy are described as 'often the first point of contact for religious Canadians when in mental distress'
• Clergy can impact help-seeking behaviours among their congregants
• The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC) is described as a 'diverse and growing Christian denomination'
• Eligibility required at least 2 years of experience offering pastoral care