Date

10-14-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Paul C. Esswein

Keywords

addiction recovery, Welcome Team Training Program, congregational integration church hospitality, relational ministry, volunteer training, church assimilation

Disciplines

Religion

Abstract

This Doctor of Ministry project addressed the relational disconnect between participants in the Reformers Unanimous addiction recovery ministry and their integration into Sunday corporate worship at Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Although many individuals regularly attended the recovery ministry, they did not consistently engage in the broader life of the church. The purpose of this project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a Welcome Team Training Program designed to equip volunteers with theological understanding, relational skills, and ministry confidence to foster greater congregational integration. Ten participants completed the eight-week intervention, which included biblical instruction, addiction education, guided discussion, experiential learning, role-playing, and practical ministry application. Data were collected through reflection journals, midpoint evaluations, final assessments, observational field notes, and participant feedback. Qualitative thematic analysis assessed participant growth and recurring themes. Findings indicated increased confidence in interacting with individuals in recovery, greater understanding of addiction, relational readiness, and empathy, along with reduced fear and greater willingness to engage. Results suggest that intentional hospitality training may strengthen congregational integration, cultivate a more welcoming church culture, and provide a practical ministry model for fostering belonging and discipleship among individuals recovering from addiction.

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