Churches and Christian employers have a unique opportunity to minister to those under their care. The Holy Spirit encourages us to love, serve and care for one another. How we manifest this behavior is unique to each of us, but clear to others.

As Jesus said, "...all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (JOHN 13:35)

Through the Holy Spirit's presence, Christ-centered recovery support groups become a place where God's grace can work miracles.

Ten years ago, few of us would have considered chemical dependency, sexual addiction, or eating disorders suitable topics for polite conversation within the Christian community. These were among the "silent issues" in the church. Today, however, addiction, compulsive behavior and abuse are widely recognized as problems of enormous personal and social significance. Consider these statistics:

• At least six million Americans are addicted to cocaine.


• Between five million and ten million are addicted to prescription drugs.


• Ten million Americans are alcoholics.


• More than 50 million Americans are addicted to nicotine.


• Countless more are addicted to television, shopping, exercise, sports, and even cosmetic surgery.


• Further, it is estimated that every addict directly affects at least ten other people.

Adapted from: Living Free: A Guide to Forming and Conducting A Recovery Ministry
by Ron and Valerie Halvorson. Copyright © 1992 RPI Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.