Louisa United Methodist Church (Prestonsburg District) hosted the “Core Competency Training: Addiction Survival Kit for Clergy” in their new family life center on March 9-10, 2009. Forty persons from around the Kentucky Annual Conference came together to learn more about the issues surrounding substance abuse and hear first-hand accounts of the recovery process. The program was part of Prestonsburg District’s long-term commitment to addressing the problem of substance abuse in the area.
Rev. Guy Moyer, pastor of Louisa UMC, said, “The conference was exceptional. It was presented in a professional and profoundly powerful way. Rarely have I seen conference participants so engaged, energized, and honest in their dialogue concerning the challenges of addiction, the opportunities for ministry, and the hope that is in Christ to make all things new.”
The goal of the two-day seminar, led by Trish Merrill and Drew Brooks of the Austin, Texas, based Faith Partners, Inc., was to equip participants with knowledge and skills to build confidence and commitment for the initiation and support of addiction prevention and recovery ministries.
“It was one of the most helpful continuing education events that I have ever attended,” said Rev. Brad Smart of Bagby Memorial United Methodist Church in Grayson, Kentucky. Funding for the cost-efficient seminar was provided through the clergy education monies set aside from the Pikeville Hospital settlement.