Introduction There are times in life when we have no idea what to do. It is as if we are stunned. Immobilized. It may be because things are happening so quickly that we can’t keep up. Often it is because a crisis has taken over our lives. Whatever the specific cause, there are times in life when we feel lost and confused. Few of us will go through life without experiencing such times. Even … [Read more...] about Keep Breathing
Bible Studies In the Context of Recovery Ministry
by Dale Ryan Many church-based recovery ministries use Bible studies on recovery themes as an 'entry level' recovery experience or as a way to help people integrate what they are learning in recovery with their faith. It is important not to confuse a 'bible study' with a 'support group'. They are usually very different kinds of group experiences. A Bible study on recovery themes … [Read more...] about Bible Studies In the Context of Recovery Ministry
12 STEP Workbook Study Groups
Another common strategy used in church-based recovery ministries are closed twelve step studies. Typically these groups are 'closed' to new participants after a specified group formation period. Closed groups typically last at least 28 weeks but can last longer. Most such groups use a workbook that provides homework assignments to be done prior to each meeting. These intensive step studies are not … [Read more...] about 12 STEP Workbook Study Groups
A Decade of Change in Gospel Rescue Missions
an interview with Michael Liimatta The local church is not the only arena in which recovery has made some progress in the last decade. There have been a number of remarkable changes, for example, in the rescue mission environment that are worth noting. To learn about these developments we interviewed Michael Liimatta, the Director of Education for the International Union of Gospel Missions, … [Read more...] about A Decade of Change in Gospel Rescue Missions
Theological Education & Recovery
by Dale Ryan When I left seminary I had only a very limited understanding of addiction and abuse. It was certainly not a high priority in the seminary curriculum. If they came up at all, addiction and abuse were usually assumed to be unusual. Recovery ministry was thought to be a kind of specialization within the general category of pastoral care. … [Read more...] about Theological Education & Recovery
The Recovery Church
an interview with Don Smith Another development in the last decade has been the emergence of Recovery Churches. These are not just churches that have added recovery groups to their other programming but are churches that seek somehow to make recovery a central feature of their identity. The specifics vary from congregation to congregation. We talked to Don Smith, pastor of Christian … [Read more...] about The Recovery Church