Book Review: “The Recovery Minded Church: Loving and Ministering to People with Addiction” by Johnathan Benz with Kristina Robb-Dover
If we went for a coffee today, I hope it would be at the newly renovated Main Brew here in Fort Walton Beach near the corner of Racetrack Rd and Beal Parkway. They just opened in a new spot and the decor and ambiance is spectacular. It’s become a go to spot for evangelical Christians and I usually see a small group meeting there, or someone reading and studying the Bible. They brew from “The Lucky Goat” roaster in Tallahassee and have an excellent decaf and occasionally some yummy Gluten-free treats.
If we did, maybe we could chat about this book I read over the holidays.
How did I get this book?
My new friend, Kimber Kauffman, brought in a stack of them on a Sunday last fall. One of his friends had shipped him a box of them asking him to distribute them to all of his pastor-friends. Kimber is a retired pastor from Minnesota, loves the Lord, theology, ministry, pastors and Christians well. I met him through a man who stumbled in our church last summer. Kimber had been discipling at work.
What is it about?
It’s written to Pastors and church leaders to encourage them in their ministry to people caught in addictive behaviours. The author has a deep background in recovery ministry and many practical bits of advice to share. It’s obvious that his education has had an opportunity to be fleshed out with real people, real problems and real situations.
Here’s an example of some of the practical advice in the book. He quotes this from Welch and Shogren’s book “Addictive Behavior.” This is how to answer someone who is believing common lies that will lead to more pain:
“One [drink, hit] isn’t going to hurt.” This one hit could cause me to overdose and die.
“I am hopeless anyway, so why bother to stop?” I’ve been promised a future and a hope.
“If I do it only once, it will prove that I have self-control.” One is too many, and a thousand is never enough; with one I lose all self-control.
“Maybe I’ll just hang out with the guys and not drink anything at all.” I’ll set myself up for a fall if I do this.
“If she wouldn’t treat me that way, I wouldn’t have to drink.” I do not have to react to the actions of others.
“I just need a little something to relax with.” I am capable of relaxing without a substance. I can meditate, listen to music, etc.
On page 32, he shares a comprehensive policy for financial assistance. On page 106, he chronicles how shame is at the root of most of the issues involved in addiction. On pages 120-122, he shares several practical ways of approaching and dealing with the root issue of shame as a pastor or church/ministry leader.
Overall, his aim is to encourage churches to open their hearts and their ministries to this group of people in wise and effective ways.
What did I think about it?
I appreciated all the practical suggestions and was blessed by the stories and illustrations he provided.
What was troubling for me was his overall framework and approach to it all. He leans deeply into sources and resources that the academic community has embraced. Richard Rohr is interesting, but in my mind not a reliable source of truth or wisdom.
This wouldn’t be my first choice for someone leading a ministry down this road. It would be for someone that’s been in it a while and is curious what the other side is doing and thinking, and how to partner with an organization or ministry that is influenced by this worldview. There are valuable insights, and helpful suggestions that we can learn from anyone.
Conclusion:
Overall, I rejoice that the book was written. This is a person that is seeking to encourage fellow Christians and leaders to not ignore the needy and oppressed among us. We certainly need more of that.
But, I read another book in January on a similar topic that made my heart rejoice, my mind informed and my eyes wet. I’ve purchased a bunch of copies of that book for our church.
soon!
andy