Date

12-19-2023

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Paul Esswein

Keywords

Addiction, Crisis, Pastors, Training, Addiction Model, Stigma

Disciplines

Christianity

Abstract

The current addiction epidemic has heightened human suffering in many ways globally. This action research project built and implemented a training system to prepare pastors for encounters with individuals and families in substance addiction crises. The primary focus of the training system was to integrate existing approaches to pastoral equipping while advancing the theological framing of addiction models. In doing so, pastors developed understanding and confidence for facing the logistical, personal, and theological challenges in ministry to addicts and their families. Twelve pastors participated in the designed intervention, a 3-hour training workshop, and their shifts in perspectives and strategies for ministry practice were observed longitudinally before, during, and after the workshop. The resulting data was analyzed through a survey, questionnaire, and a concluding interview. It leveraged a less dogmatic stance in addiction modeling, reduced stigma, and increased confidence among pastors for future and lasting engagement with those with a substance addiction. The advancement in theological framing of addiction models yielded results that warrant further study for broader application for observation of human plights beyond the quandary of addiction. Participating pastors' identities were protected, and participants were given pseudonyms.

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