DESCRIPTION:

This course will cover both the theological foundations of recovery ministry, the personal dynamics of recovery (with particular reference to pastors) and the practical concerns and how-to's of developing a local church based recovery ministry.

The recovery movement has involved millions of people in Twelve Step and other kinds of recovery groups. Many more have learned to see themselves and their relationships in new ways. Addiction and abuse can no longer be ignored by the Christian community without risking the perception that the gospel is irrelevant to the most deeply felt needs of individuals in our congregations and community. Because the fundamentals of recovery ministry are deeply rooted in Christian convictions, many local churches are in the process of developing distinctively Christian recovery ministries.

Class sessions will consist of lecture, discussions, and small group participation. Class will meet twice weekly for five weeks.

Johnson, D. and J. VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority within the Church. Bethany House, 1991 [235 pg].

May, G. Addiction and Grace. Harper & Row, 1988. [208 pg].

Miller, K. A Hunger for Healing: The Twelve Steps as a Classic Model for Christian Spiritual Growth. HarperSanFrancisco, 1991 [ 288 pg].

Ryan, Dale and Juanita. The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Kindergarten, Christian Recovery International, 1999 [129 pg].

Schaef, A. W. The Addicted Organization. Harper San Francisco, 1990 [240 pg].

Arterburn, S. and J. Felton. Toxic Faith. Thomas Nelson, 1991.

Laaser, M. R. The Secret Sin: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction. Zondervan, 1992.

McCormick, P. Sin as Addiction. Paulist Press, 1989.

Metzger, L. From Denial to Recovery: Counseling Problem Drinkers, Alcoholics and Their Families. Jossey-Bass, 1988.

Seeburger, F. F. Addiction and Responsibility: An Inquiry into the Addictive Mind. Crossroad, 1993.

Smedes, L. B. Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve. HarperCollins, 1993.

VanVonderen, J. Good News for the Chemically Dependent. Thomas Nelson, 1985.

Wegscheider, S. Another Chance: Hope and Health for the Alcoholic Family. Science and Behavior Books, 1981.

Wuthnow, R. Sharing the Journey: Support Groups and America's New Quest for Community. Macmillan/Free Press, 1994.

(1) Read all required texts and submit one-page critiques of each book. (2) Additional reading to bring total to a minimum of 1200 pages of reading. (3) Write an 8-10 page research paper, typed, double-spaced. Paper may examine in more depth one of the topics covered in the course, design a recovery strategy suited to your community of faith or be a reflection on some element of course content as it applies to your personal journey. (4) Active participation in class discussions & activities.