|
[PDF Version]
The referral process in our congregation began
with one person, Jim, stepping forward after a
Sunday morning worship service. He gave
me his business card, introduced himself as a
licensed addiction counselor and offered to serve as
a resource if anyone needed help due to substance
use. His help was soon needed. Over a few months,
we ended up working together with several people.
A pastor well known in our city for his
pastoral care in the recovery community
retired and moved away. Jim asked if I
would be willing to listen to 5th Steps
due to this loss and the great need. I
agreed to be trained by him. The retiring
pastor also coached me.
It wasn’t long until a waiting list was
formed. It was clear that my time could
be consumed by listening to 5th Steps so
I needed to limit the number of people I
would see within a month.
I asked Jim if he would speak at one of
our monthly clergy conference meetings to share the
need for involvement. He agreed and we formed a
panel of speakers who addressed the impact of
substance abuse on our community. As a result of
this program, additional members of the clergy
offered to listen to 5th Steps.
Soon Jim was asked to be a speaker at our annual
women’s salad luncheon. Shortly after that our
quilters became involved in making fleece lap robes
to be presented as gifts for people who complete
their 5th Steps. These robes serve as a reminder of
being “wrapped in God’s love” as people continue
their journey through the Twelve Steps.
Jim chairs our congregations’ mutual ministry committee.
As the vision of leadership became more
focused on mission and outreach, this committee
was invaluable at sharing that vision within the
congregation as well as supporting the staff.
Another important aspect of our referral network
was the development of an Outreach Recovery
Ministry Task Force involving congregational
members as well as community leaders who
represent medical, judicial, educational, and various
social service programs. A professor of neuroscience
at the University of North Dakota’s Medical
School, also a church member, agreed to chair the
task force. She has spent the greater part of her life
studying and providing needed research about
women and alcoholism.
A group of members from the recovery
community, chosen by the task force,
planned worship services for the
outreach ministry of the congregation.
The task force also began conversations
with our local university, with the hope
that our church will host an outreach
counseling ministry utilizing student
interns working toward their master’s
degree in counseling.
In January, Jim and I were asked to offer
a workshop at Luther Seminary’s annual
convocation on developing an outreach
ministry to the recovering community. We provided
the same workshop plus a workshop on listening to 5th
Steps at our synod assembly. Again, Jim was invaluable
in providing important, helpful information.
As a part of our system of referrals, I have been
asked to speak on the topic of spirituality to several
recovery groups. It is easy to proclaim the love and
grace of God as we watch the blessings of this
ministry unfold. It began with one person who was
willing to step forward and use his experience,
talents and vocation to help others. I thank God for
his presence and desire to serve.
If you are a member of the recovery community or
serve in a vocation that works with the recovery
community, please speak to your pastor and/or other
leaders in your congregation. If you are willing to
help, you might be amazed how God will use your
gifts to bless others.
Rev. Kathryn Ann Brown is pastor of Augustana
Lutheran, Grand Forks, ND.
|