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 12-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.

Berry, C. When Helping You Is Hurting Me: Escaping the Messiah Trap. Harper & Row, 1988.

Hart, A. Healing Life's Hidden Addictions. Servant Publications, 1990.

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

May, G. Addiction and Grace. Harper & Row, 1988.

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

Schaef, A. W. The Addicted Organization. Harper & Row, 1988.

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.

Morris, B. The Complete Handbook for Recovery Ministry in the Church: A Practical Guide to Establishing Recovery Support Groups within Your Church. Thomas Nelson, 1993.

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.

Anti-Recovery Literature:

Peele, Stanton. Diseasing of America: Addiction Out of Control. Lexington Books, 1989.

Playfair, W. L. The Useful Lie. Crossway Books, 1991.

Kaminer, W. I'm Dysfunctional, You're Dysfunctional. Addison Wesley, 1992.

A minimum of 1200 pages of reading, with one-page critiques for each book. An 8-10 page 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.