Workshop Will Help Clergy Develop Supportive Ministries to Respond to Substance Abuse's Impact on Families

Church leaders are in a position to help families struggling with alcohol and drug addictions, yet more often than not, most do not have the training and skills to respond to chemical dependency issues that impact entire families.

To fill this gap, SPSARV is cosponsoring a one-day workshop on January 28 designed to assist clergy and other pastoral ministers in building a supportive ministry for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and in addressing the related challenging issues.

The workshop, "Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families," seeks to equip clergy with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to help addicted individuals and their families. Co-sponsored with Southeastern Institute on Chemical Dependency, the workshop will be hosted at Simpsonwood Conference & Retreat Center in Norcross, Georgia.

Led by Rev. Christopher C. Bowers, the workshop is based on the "Studies in the Twelve Core Competencies," a self-guided learning course that prepares faith communities to be in ministry with persons and families battling substance abuse and addiction. Bowers has more than 16 years' experience in the substance-abuse treatment profession.

The "twelve core competencies" are basic concepts that clergy and other pastoral ministers need to provide care to the addicted and their families. The day-long workshop will feature a PowerPoint presentation format with ample opportunity for in-depth discussion and interaction with the presenter and among participants. It will engage participants in small group discussions on pastoral care situations and other case-study materials related to substance abuse and addiction.

Self-reflection on one's views and attitudes about people who abuse alcohol and drugs will be emphasized to support self-encounter and to enhance learning, Bowers noted.

The workshop topics will include:

• Recognizing Addiction: definitions, elements, signs, and how to help persons and families caught up in this disease.

• The Spiritual Care of Addicted Persons and Families: dimensions, stages of change, family response, faith caregiver role, religion and recovery,
appropriate pastoral interactions.

• Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Oneself and the Community:
one's personal view of addiction, substance-use prevention strategies.

• The Role of Community in Recovery from Addiction: faith community role, early spiritual support benefits, professional community supports.

• Prevention and Intervention ministries by the local church.

"The intention of the workshop is to enhance the capability of clergy and others in ministering to persons who are trying to cope with substance misuse and dependence," said Bowers. "Clergy and other pastoral caregivers may expect a broadened understanding and perspective about what it means to be chemically dependent, an expanded appreciation for addiction as an entirely human condition, and a more deeply felt sensitivity about the need for ministry to those impacted by addiction disease."

Additionally, the workshop will focus on ministries of prevention and intervention for congregations planning to launch alcohol and drug ministries. A Prevention Ministry aims to educate and support positive decision-making for many generations in the church and surrounding community about chemical abuse avoidance.

"This is more than a one-time church event, but a well-planned series of varied emphases throughout the year, as many or few as needed," said Bowers.

A congregational intervention ministry provides direct assistance to persons in the congregation who are dealing with addictions, as well as their families and friends. Bowers emphasized that intervention is not the church becoming involved in conducting alcohol and drug counseling. Instead, members of the substance-abuse ministry team are trained in what to do if called upon to assist someone directly involved with chemical abuse, or to help their family members in the church or community, he added.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will receive a PowerPoint presentation and other handouts that are helpful in addressing the ministry to addicted persons and their families.

Bowers said faith leaders attending the workshop can expect to gain enhanced confidence about their pastoral care and counseling in a variety of difficult circumstances for persons and families living with substance abuse and dependence.

Please visit the SPSARV website for more information and registration form at: http://umspsarv.org/training-schedules, or contact Rev. Cynthia W. Sloan, SPSARV Program Associate, at csloan@gbgm-umc.org; phone (704) 882-0282.