Wesley
Students Engage in Addictions Recovery Ministry
By Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.
Questions. There were a lot of questions from the first day
of class all the way through the last day of class. Addictions, both substance-related and
behavioral addictions, and social support were among the topics of discussion
and study during the Addictions Recovery Ministry course during the January
term (J-term) class at Wesley Theological Seminary.
Questions: they flew fast starting on the first day of
class. Students were taken aback by the responses of the opening group exercise.
The class was asked to list 5 characteristics of an addict or an alcoholic.
Addiction behaviors and appearances were listed; however, the small groups
neglected to remember persons with addiction are also children of God. It set the tone for the remaining two weeks
of class, indicating the stigma individuals with addiction issues face, even in
the life of the church.
Questions: they came from the diverse group of students,
even though most in this pastoral care and counseling course had some exposure
or personal experience with addiction. The course provided an overview of the
bio-psycho-socio-spiritual aspects of addiction, which included understanding
of it as a chronic disease. Ways to provide care for families, crisis
counseling, an overview of mental illness, pastoral boundaries, administering
Narcan (for overdoses), suicide prevention, and other practicalities comprised
much of the course study. Angela Neal, one of the students, said, “I now have
a better understanding of what someone in recovery will need in order to be
successful.” A comprehensive overview of treatment and support, one that encompassed
ways to provide pastoral care for a person’s continuum of care on the road to
abstinence or recovery was the path of the course, said Rev. Leo Yates, Jr.,
the professor of the course. “It’s difficult to jump into church programming if
the pastor or church leader doesn’t have the background knowledge of addiction
and the different levels of care/treatment, including aftercare,” said Yates, a
licensed clinician under an episcopal appointment as a behavioral health
specialist at a Maryland agency. As a result, Jeremy Means-Koss, an
Episcopalian student serving as a student intern at Emmanuel United Methodist
Church in Laurel, MD, learned the importance of spiritual direction and formation,
not only for the person and family in recovery, but for the congregation as
well.
Part of the learning process and course study focused on
how individuals, including clergy, are susceptible to addiction problems. The
class heard from an anonymous guest speaker, who shared struggles of a behavioral
addiction and how recovery is more likely with social support, some of which
can be from the church. In addition, Yates shared his own recovery story,
highlighting the need for mercy and grace for persons struggling with addiction,
including their families. Both shared that 12 Step participation works well
with church support, but sometimes shame and judgement from others holds
persons back from being forthcoming with their pastors and church family.
In the journey to understanding support, the class learned
that Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, both of which are 12 Step type
groups, typically do a better job of welcoming individuals with addiction than
churches do. Churches sometimes shy away from being involved because of
uncertainty or distrust, perhaps even feeling overwhelmed with some of the needs
persons and families may face. Once we
move away from judgment and fear, we can offer grace and care in the form of ministry
programs. It’s important for us to remember that those of us who have more hope
have a Christian responsibility to share it.
As a part of their coursework, each student developed a ministry program
proposal for their present or future church to consider, which included receiving
feedback from their fellow students. This way students are ready to bring, for
some, life changing opportunities and support to their churches and communities.
Most pastors are not addictions counselors, but we can
share in the human service work and/or lead others in doing so, said Marci
Matthews, the daughter of Bishop Marcus Matthews, who was one of the students.
If we are not recognizing the signs and struggles of addiction in our parishes,
then we are not wanting to see it. One could argue that we are turning our back
on Christ himself (e.g., Matthew 25:35). Christian witness is a part of
addictions recovery ministry, yet Christian service comes in many forms and
fashion, such as doing prevention education with youth groups, sharing space
for 12 Step meetings, offering annual overdose prevention trainings for the
community, even adopting a recovery house (a sober living environment) that
supports others through friendship and prayer (students were introduced to 35
ministry programs). Accompanying this was the importance of accessibility to
church programs for persons with disabilities, in particular Deaf and hard of
hearing persons. Students learned sign phrases (e.g., “Hello. Welcome.”) and
how churches can be welcoming to people with disabilities and Deaf and hard of
hearing people.
The need is there. The struggle is real. Thankfully,
Christ’s presence is too, and we all can help shine His light in places of
darkness.
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| The Addictions Recovery Ministry Class |
This is incredible! The Church is the best alternative for addicts and thank you for such a profound course. I am interested in deepening my understanding in this area as I am working with over 400 addicts in Liberia.
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