A Harbor for Alcoholics and Addicts

[Dr. Shane]

In my experience, the Seventh-day Adventist church is a wonderful harbor for alcoholics and addicts wanting to find freedom from their chains.  First of all is our stand on temperance and total abstainance from alcohol.  That creates a spiritual environment for a recovering addict where he or she can make friends and socialize without control substances ever being present.

 

Most Adventists are compassionate.  Of course there are always some judgmental freaks in every relgious organization but for the most part Adventists are very compassionate.  Addicts need that as they freaquently struggle with a host of other sins that they will need time and love to break free of.

 

My mother was a drug addict and alcoholic and this same Seventh-day Adventist church loved our family.  Nearly all the acts of loving kindness I can remember from my childhood were acts that the loving Seventh-day Adventist church members did for our family.  And they did them knowing who we were and the secrets families are not proud of.  It is only because of the kindness of this church that my siblings and I were educated in church schools.  Many times the Dorcus ladies came to our home with food baskets.  At times the church took us out and bought us clothing.  When I think of the Seventh-day Adventist church, I think of love.  It tears me up to recall all the acts of love I have witnessed in this organization.  I have been impressed with the television programs like "Celebrating Recovery" that are on our television networks like 3ABN and Hope Channel. 

 

I have read studies showing the churches that experience the most growth are those that help recovering addicts and alcoholics, and also those that have after-school programs.  A word of caution, never help an addict by giving him or her cash - you may be enabling them.  Give them food and such things but beware of those that are only coming to the church for assistance and not really interested in recovery.  A practicing alcoholic or addict will typically not change until they experience enough pain.  If the church lessens their pain while they are still practicing their addiction, the church may actually be contributing to their problem rather than helping them find the solution.

 

Another word of caution: Addicts and alcoholics should have at least two years of sobriety before being trusted with any financial responsibility in the church.  And as with all members, background checks need to be done before they are allowed to work with children's ministries.

[Gail]

Thanks, Shane! I am glad that your experience within the church was positive! When one refers to "harbouring" certain individuals, depending on the context that can be either a good thing or a bad thing!

[Lauralea]

Thanks for sharing your story Shane. I am glad people were supportive of you, and also that the Adventist stance on abstaining from alcohol was helpful.