RIP Jarrid Wilson — Mega Church Pastor And Mental Health Advocate Dies At 30
RIP.
Instagram Churches and religion don't often take a kind stance when it comes to suicide, but lately, younger pastors have been looking to change all that Pastor Jarrid Wilson was one of them. He didn't just preach love and acceptance, he advocated for mental health and ministered to people who were considering suicide. That's only a part of what makes his death so tragic. How did Jarrid Wilson die? Tragically, Jarrid took his own life, but the legacy he leaves behind him isn't exclusively one of sorrow.
1. Meet Jarrid Wilson
The world has lost someone truly special, Jarrid Wilson, a pastor known for his work with mental health advocacy who often wrote about suicide prevention has died by suicide at the age of 30. Jarrid worked at the megachurch, Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. He was also the co-founder of Anthem of Hope, a mental health non-profit where he spoke often about his own struggles with mental health, including his severe depression and struggles with suicidal ideation. His loss won't just be felt by his family, but by the network of people all over the country who he touched.
2. His Wife's Words
Jarrid left behind a loving wife named Juli. Since her husband's passing she's been opening up about her own grief and what she has to say is equal parts touching and heartbreaking. “My loving, giving, kind-hearted, encouraging, handsome, hilarious, give the shirt of his back husband went to be with Jesus late last night. No more pain, my Jerry, no more struggle. You are made complete and you are finally free. Suicide and depression fed you the worst lies, but you knew the truth of Jesus and I know you’re by his side right this very second.”
3. Founding Anthem of Hope
Founding Anthem of Hope was a passion project that both Jarrid and his wife Juli participated in. According to the group's website, the couple “founded Anthem of Hope in 2016 with a passion devoted to help equip the church with the resources needed to help better assist those struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide. Jarrid and Juli have traveled the globe, sharing their love for Jesus and equipping Christian leaders to reach the next-generation in a relevant and authentic way. Both Jarrid and Juli believe that authenticity breeds community, and their determination to be authentic stands at the forefront of everything they devote their time to.”
4. Jarrid And His Family
Jarrid's sons Finch and Denham mourn the loss of their father keenly. You can tell based on Jarrid's social media posts just how much the kids meant to him. One of his posts on Instagram reads: “Happy first day of school little buddy! Your mommy (@itsjuliwilson) and I are so proud of you, and we cannot believe how quickly you are growing up. You’re going to bring so much joy to the world, and we’re so excited to watch you grow up into the man that God designed you to be. You’ll always be my little bird man. Love you, Finch!”
5. Jarrid's Ministry & Social Media
Jarrid used Twitter as a way to reach out towards those who were suffering, particularly those people grappling with thoughts of suicide. “Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure suicidal thoughts. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure depression. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure PTSD. Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure anxiety. But that doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t offer us companionship and comfort. He ALWAYS does that. Officiating a funeral for a Jesus-loving woman who took her own life today. Your prayers are greatly appreciated for the family,” he wrote in one tweet.
6. Words From Greg Laurie
The head pastor of Jarrid's church, Greg Laurie, issued a statement following Jarrid's death: “Jarrid joined us as an associate pastor at Harvest 18 months ago and had spoken out many times on this very issue of mental health. At the end of the day, pastors are just people who need to reach out to God for His help and strength, each and every day. Over the years, I have found that people speak out about what they struggle with the most. Sometimes people may think that as pastors or spiritual leaders we are somehow above the pain and struggles of everyday people. We are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers. But we do not.”
Rebecca Jane Stokes is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cats, Batman and Margot. She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime.