"Tell someone who cares" is one of the catch-cries of the last few years. In Christian ministry, it's taken for granted that we care. But in the case of people and families in crisis because of addiction, caring is not enough. Ministers, church workers and lay volunteers soon find themselves out of their depth in seeking to help those who have a complex web of problems ensnaring them.
Overcomers Outreach, the ministry at St Andrew's Cathedral working with people with addictions, knows this only too well. Dean Phillip Jensen says that's the key idea beyond a seminar next month for ministers and church workers. "Full-time Christian workers may see the problems more than most, but that doesn't mean they are equipped with skills to help. This seminar provides a model of ministry which is gospel-centred and, based on our experience at the Cathedral, attracts people from every demographic and strata of our society."
Those attending the seminar will see a model "Overcomers Outreach' meeting given by people currently participating in the program. The meetings are similar to the 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous but with one key difference " Jesus is clearly the "higher power'.
The Dean believes that not only does the model provide the means to reach individuals and their families in AA (and similar programs) with the gospel, but that it will unearth and give opportunity for Christians who are hiding their addictions to have a "safe' environment in which to receive help and then in turn minister to others with similar issues.
Mr Jensen says the model has been primarily run those who are affected by alcohol, but "in the group are those who have issues with food, pornography, substance abuse, relationships and co- dependency to name a few."
The seminar runs across the afternoon of Wednesday 10th of February and the Dean says "It is not just a matter of reading about the program. Seeing it run in person is the key. "
