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 at Fuller for four hour sessions on June 23, 24, 30 and July 1,2 and 3. On Wednesday June 25-Saturday June 28 students will participate in STEPS 2003, a national conference for Christians in recovery to be held at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi, Porter Ranch, CA 91325 (near Northridge). Conference fees are waived for students enrolled for credit in CN533.

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

Ryan, D. & J. The Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Kindergarten. Christian Recovery Int'l, 1999. [129 pp.]

Schaef, A. W. The Addicted Organization. HarperSanFrancisco, 1990. [240 pp.]

White, William L. Pathways: From the Culture of Addiction to the Culture of Recovery: A Travel Guide for Addiction Professionals. Hazelden, 1996. [560 pp.]

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

Johnson, D. & J. VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. Bethany, 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. Jossey-Bass, 1988.

Miller, K. A Hunger for Healing. HarperSanFrancisco, 1991.

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. Science and Behavior Books, 1981.

Wuthnow, R. Sharing the Journey. Macmillan/Free Press, 1994.

(1) Read all required texts and submit one-page critiques of each book. Due August 1, 2003. (2) Additional reading to bring total to a minimum of 1200 pages of reading. (3) Write a short critique/analysis of 6 different workshops or plenary sessions at the STEPS 2003 conference (due July 11). (4) Write a 12-15 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 (due August 1, 2003). (5) Active participation in class discussions and activities.