Ministers and the Local Church

With it well documented that the weakest link in prevention is the absence of informed and involved adults, the church stands in a unique and responsible position. The church is the only organization left in our society that speaks to families as a whole on a regular basis. The responsible church leader will address the issue of drug prevention with information and insights on parent action for prevention.

It is also imperative that the local church accept its responsibility in ministry to the addicted family. While the addicted person may have little regard for the church or its message because of its conflict with his or her lifestyle, the family certainly needs its support. Knowing how to assist the addicted family in breaking through denial and patterns of enabling is vitally important. Compassion which reaches out with understanding from the local church and minister may be the only hope an addicted family has. It is also extremely important to forewarn the elderly and extended family members of the tendency of addicted family members to use them to support their addictive lifestyle. Godly, caring grandmothers are common targets for addicted youths.

The role of the minister in counseling and referral of alcohol or other drug abusers is certainly important. The minister will find that it is impossible to provide the intensive care required to walk with someone through recovery. The minister has a role but is not the agent for recovery. Realizing and performing that role in the community can make the minister an important part of the recovery of addicted individuals.

The first step of any 12 Step Recovery Program is admitting that one is powerless over a substance, emotion or action. Second to that is claiming the strength of a higher power to assist them in overcoming that addiction. The strengthening of the spiritual lives of persons in our society is mandatory if we are to see character and personal values restored. The minister and the church are vitally important.