FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Workshop Will Help Clergy Develop Supportive Ministries to Respond to Substance Abuse’s Impact on Families

The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) is cosponsoring a one-day workshop on January 28 designed to assist clergy and other pastoral ministers in building a supportive ministry for individuals and families dealing with substance abuse and in addressing the related challenging issues.

The workshop, “Spiritual Caregiving to Help Addicted Persons and Families,” seeks to equip clergy with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to help addicted individuals and their families. Co-sponsored with Southeastern Institute on Chemical Dependency, the workshop will be hosted at Simpsonwood Conference & Retreat Center in Norcross, Georgia.

Led by Rev. Christopher C. Bowers, the workshop is based on the “Studies in the Twelve Core Competencies,” a self-guided learning course that prepares faith communities to be in ministry with persons and families battling substance abuse and addiction. Bowers has more than 16 years’ experience in the substance-abuse treatment profession.

The workshop topics will include:

• Recognizing Addiction: definitions, elements, signs, and how to help persons and
families caught up in this disease.

• The Spiritual Care of Addicted Persons and Families: dimensions, stages of
change, family response, faith caregiver role, religion and recovery,
appropriate pastoral interactions.

• Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Oneself and the Community:
one’s personal view of addiction, substance-use prevention strategies.

• The Role of Community in Recovery from Addiction: faith community role, early spiritual support benefits, professional community supports.

• Prevention and Intervention ministries by the local church.

Please visit the SPSARV website for more information and registration form at: www.umspsarv.org. Press release: http://umspsarv.org/workshop-will-help-clergy-develop-supportive-ministries-respond-substance-abuses-impact-families