What Would You Do?

What would you do?

A pastor enters into the ministry with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder, but doesn't reveal the diagnosis to the committee who hired him. (As a matter of fact, he actually disposed of the part of his medical review that covered his mental condition). He has been in the ministry nearly 12 years, after working in manufacturing management for nearly 25 years.

In the past, when his illness would "act up", he would make excuses for his behavior. Since his strange behavior was becoming more common place, he was known as a bit excentric. He figured that was better than letting people know. Success in his position was based on trust and good advice, and knowledge of this illness might jeopardize the faith people had in him. Although his disability was covered under ADA, he knew that, if they really wanted to, they could come up with another valid reason to terminate his employment.

However, lately his diagnosis is becoming more noticable, and the reasons and excuses he previously used are becoming less and less effective. Also, he feels he is doing the mental health community a real disservice by not "comin out", and proving that a person with a Bipolar diagnosis can function successfully in a position of responsibility.

He really doesn't know what to do. Do you have any advice for him?