How to Start a Substance Abuse Ministry
Substance abuse is a problem that millions of people struggle with each day. Even when people try to stop abusing various types of addictive substances, relapse is common. Starting a substance abuse ministry within your church can be tremendously helpful to members of the congregation who are dealing with this condition. By planning carefully and following some helpful tips, you can begin a program that can substantially improve the lives of those around you.
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Things You'll Need
- Meeting place
- Funding
- Members
- Trained and licensed counselors/therapists
Instructions
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Pray for wisdom, strength and guidance as you begin to start the ministry.
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Meet with the other members of the ministry team or governing body within your church. Discuss your idea and find out what expectations and limitations are present.
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Find out what type of budget you'll have to work with or if you will need to fund the ministry through donations or other outside means. Also figure out where you can hold your meetings.
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Obtain the help of licensed substance abuse professionals. You might want to involve them in the planning phase and have them available periodically to speak to your group. You also will want to have business cards ready to hand out to group members so that they can seek extra assistance if necessary.
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Advertise your program in various ways, such as through verbal announcements in church services, church bulletins, newsletters and on the church website. Give information for a preliminary meeting (time, place, date) and what the group will be about (any substance abuse or a specific substance such as alcohol).
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Highlight the benefits of the program in your announcements. For instance, you might mention that the program can: (1) help those with substance abuse find support from other people going through the same thing; (2) offer Spiritual guidance, strength and insight; (3) offer professional resources to help those struggling with addiction.
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Survey those attending the preliminary meeting to find out a regular meeting time that will be best suited for your group. Of course, you won't be able to fit everyone's schedule, but you can aim for accommodating the highest number of people.
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Plan your meetings in advance. You might want to have a standard meeting of sharing, music and scripture. You'll also want to have special meetings with guest speakers or group outings.
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Offer childcare and food if possible if you want to really draw in as many people as you can.
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