Dealing with Addicts

One of the things I have a huge heart for is addicts. I prayed that God would send us a ton of addicts when we started RSC and he has rocked our world in that regard. We actually have what I call “addict row.” Seriously the entire front row of church is FULL every week with addicts who are doing all they can to overcome their addictions. I love it.

A lot of churches don’t want to fool with reaching addicts and I can’t say I blame them. However we love having them! I can’t wait until we have an entire section of them sitting together and rocking it out for God!

Reaching addicts is MESSY. We have learned a lot along the way and since this is one of the main questions I get when talking to planters, I thought I would share with you some things I have learned in ministering to addicts.

1.) Stand Strong On Right and Wrong - We don’t in any way sugar coat their addictions. We let them know very quickly what the bible says about their life style and make no apologies about it. The biggest mistake I see is pastors “baby” those with addictions.

2.) Don’t allow their addiction to be a crutch - Many addicts will use their addiction as an excuse as to why their life sucks.  Don’t allow that.

3.) Don’t allow their recovery to come before God - The “program” is great.  God is better.

4.) Find someone who can relate to them because they have “been there, done that” - I grew up with and addict for a dad (he’s been clean for years) so I can relate some but not like someone who was an addict.  We have some sharp guys in this regard that know what it is like.

5.) Expect from them what you expect from everyone else - We don’t treat them any different.  They are held to the same expectations as everyone else at The Stone.

6.) Be real with them - Shoot straight with them.  Cut through the crap and just be a real dude around them.

7.) Realize they are needy - Don’t mean this in a bad way, but our addicts are a needy bunch and they will tell you that upfront. :)  They are the ones who will just drop in at the office, they are the ones who want a handshake, they are the ones who want you there for them.

8.) Realize they bring baggage - That is life and I love it!  Some of the stories from our addicts and the baggage they carry is rough.  It comes with the job.

9.) Keep them accountable - EVERY week when I am around one of our addicts on Sunday, I NEVER hesitate  to ask about their soberity.  They know I am going to ask and they expect it.

10.)  Get them in a support group - You can’t break addictions alone.  The ONLY type of program we do outside of Sunday morning and Home Teams is an addiction group on Wednesday nights.  I love those meetings.