Training Series
For many individuals, spirituality and religion are important components for the prevention of and recovery from substance use disorders. According to a National Study, “So Help Me God” from the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse of Columbia University:
- 94% of clergy surveyed consider substance abuse to be an important issue they face.
- 38% find alcohol abuse involved in half or more of the family problems they confront.
- 12% of clergy report having any education on substance abuse in their seminary training.
These statistics reveal the gap between a clergy’s experiences with substance abuse in their pastoral care and their level of education in providing an effective response. We also know the very nature of the faith community is a powerful healing force, but this intergenerational setting is often under-utilized in addressing prevention and recovery support across the life-span. Faith Partners understands that building capacity within the faith community can help with any effective, sustainable community prevention and recovery support effort.
An informed clergy, supported by committed and trained congregational members, has a tremendous opportunity to serve their congregational community. They can offer help to those who suffer by addressing individuals and families through recovery support services and assistance to those who want to prevent problems through awareness, education and early intervention strategies. A ministry of prevention and recovery support offers real HOPE, HELP, and HEALING.
Initial Community Training
Securing the “Building Permit”
Audience: Faith Leaders and Other Community Stakeholders
Core Congregational Training Series
It takes a careful and well-planned process to build an effective lay team ministry to address the whole congregation. To begin this congregational ministry, we recommend an important four step process including: Building Congregational Support, Equipping the Leadership, Developing the Team, and Sustaining the Ministry and Service to the Community.
Reviewing the “Blue Prints” and Assembling your “Tool-box”
Audience: Congregational Leadership: Clergy, Staff, Laity
“Pouring the Foundation”
“Framing the Walls”
Audience: Lay people (avg. 3-8 members)
Procure “Additional Tools”
“Building Inspection”
Audience: Team Facilitators/Members and Interested Congregational Members
Additional Training
It takes a careful and well-planned process to build an effective lay team ministry to address the whole congregation. To begin this congregational ministry, we recommend an important four step process including: Building Congregational Support, Equipping the Leadership, Developing the Team, and Sustaining the Ministry and Service to the Community.
Secure additional “Tools” and
“Scaffolding” Strategies
Audience: Clergy and Pastoral Care Workers
Building Congregational Ministries and
Service to their Community
Audience: Key Stakeholders in related fields and settings