Nearly one person in three has a family member who struggles with addiction. Even more face related mental health issues. The faith community can provide awareness, education and recovery support to address stigma and guide individuals and families to needed help. An informed clergy, supported by trained congregational members has a tremendous opportunity to offer real hope, help, and healing.

According to the national study, “So Help Me God” from the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse of Columbia University: 

• 94% of clergy surveyed consider substance abuse to be an important issue they face; 
• 12% of clergy report having had any education on substance abuse in their seminary training.

Faith Partners, a non-profit organization established in 1995, provides leadership, training, and consultation to educate clergy and develop congregational prevention and recovery support team ministries. This evidence-based intervention model has been established in hundreds and hundreds of congregations from 24 different faith traditions in 30 states. Faith Partners, in partnership with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, through a five-year Mental Health Awareness Training SAMHSA Grant, is working with clergy and congregations to develop greater capacity and establish effective, sustainable ministries to address substance use disorders, other addictions, and related mental health issues. 

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP SERIES

Goal: This interactive training series is to equip clergy and pastoral care workers with the needed knowledge and skills to develop an informed, compassionate response to addiction and related mental health issues and initiate congregational prevention and recovery support activities.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this series, participants will be better able to:

• Understand the impact of addiction on individuals, families, and congregations.
• Utilize opportunities to educate & support those suffering from addiction and mental health issues.
• Demonstrate essential self-care skills when working with these ministries.
• Describe how clergy, staff, and laity can successfully work together in this vital ministry.