Why is he unemployed? Is he unable to hold a job?

He worked 2 different places years ago (maybe 15) & didn't stay either place longer than 1 month.
First job, he was yelled at from the manager, meat dept in grocery store. He quit. Second job, told his supervisor he couldn't work with the different equipment he had to use (floor jack, etc). This was in a warehouse. Walked off the job.

Has he tried to get a job lately?

You should have in see a shrink, and maybe put in a mental home or something. What he is doing isn't healthy, for him, or those around him.

He has a set of rules that he has set up for himself that is probably at the cause of this. but who knows what those are.

He should probably be on meds though.

He needs prozac lots and lots of prozac. Or maybe paxil.

It sounds like he does not want to take medication, although this is someone who is obviously and genuinely depressed it sounds like to me (the DSM clearly identifies true depression as having these symptoms that affect your daily life, jobs and relationships which it sounds like him).

Now, you have to look at every situation individually at it is great that he is passionate about church, but maybe the church he is at is not good for his situation. I personally grew up in a "fire and brimestone" baptist church and there is a lot of guilt and fear, but since have moved to churches that focus on the love and peace that God brings. You should ask him more about that and see how you can use that passion he has for God to help motivate him and give him hope.

Joel Osteen, despite what critics say is a fantastic pastor who is preaches a message of hope and sounds like a motivational speaker. If this were my nephew, maybe buy him the new book or better yet watch him on TV or get a DVD. I hope that helps!

I'm sorry to say he may be on drugs and has you all snowed or is heavily depressed. Seek medical help for him immediately. You can not change this person. They have to do it themselves. Do not under any circumstances enable him to remain like this. This means setting boundaries that he needs to move out and get job and be on his own. He may flounder and fail but it is up to him. Under no circumstances give him money. Only be emotionally supportive and a good listener.

Sounds as if this person qualifies for social security disability. If he won that he would have access to dr's and quality meds. even in home treatment, psychiatrist etc... See if you can get him to apply for social security disability. Get a drs statement regarding his situation and all the proof you can find. I understand your problem, my son is exactly like that, I finally got him to see a dr. and he was placed on zypresa, and prozac, and diagnosed as bi-polar and severely depressed. It wasn't his fault all the time. He is sick and needs help and cannot do it for himself. a dr. should help you with diagnosis, and depending on the state you are in you can get help to apply for disability.