Walking in Promise, Living in Reality: Exploring the Mental Health Implications of the Pentecostal Discourse of Divine Calling

Pentecostalism places a strong emphasis on the discourse of divine calling, where individuals believe they are purposefully created, guided, and empowered by God to fulfill a specific mission. This sense of calling profoundly shapes Pentecostals’ sense of identity and purpose. Using Grounded Theory, this study analyzes open, in-depth interviews with Pentecostals in the U.S. to explore the impact of the Pentecostal discourse of divine calling on their mental health. The metaphor of ‘walking in’ one’s calling emerges as the central theme used by participants to explain the interaction between their perception of divine calling, their lived realities, and their mental health. Initially, participants experienced conflict between their perceived divine calling and their lived realities, resulting in stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. Participants felt trapped by unmet expectations in their calling and reliance on the Spirit’s guidance. However, the data indicated that, over time, ‘walking in’ their calling evolved into a more flexible, adaptive concept, allowing participants to adjust their understanding of divine calling to align with their life circumstances. Often marked by emotional and mental strain, this adaptive resilience reflects a form of ongoing spiritual and emotional negotiation. It reveals the transformative potential of reconstructing one’s understanding of divine purpose, enabling participants to maintain their spiritual identity while managing the demands of everyday life. This brought participants a semblance of control and a sense of agency, which are elements essential to mental health. The study contributes to broader discussions on the intersection of faith and mental health, offering insights for more flexible theological frameworks within Pentecostal communities to support mental well-being. Implications for mental health professionals include integrating spiritual beliefs into care plans and recognizing the role of faith in both resilience and mental distress.