Oct 17, 2016
It is extremely difficult to watch a family member or friend struggle with an alcohol or drug addiction. You feel so helpless. You are uncertain as to where to turn or what to say. Pastors, too, struggle with counseling the addict.
Hopefully this month's guest will give us some insights into the life and struggles of an addict. Our guest for this episode is John Burghauser. John is a Pastoral Care Worker with Stauros Ministries. He ministers daily to men and women who struggle with addiction.
Like those he helps, John once was an addict. But Christ delivered him from this dependency. Now he is living our 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 which says:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
And John does just that. He ministers to addicts from a place of understanding.
John and been married to his wife Peggy for 26 years. They live just north of Baltimore in Nottingham Md. He has served 14 years with Stauros Ministries.
John Touched On
John shared his journey and struggles. He also shared the work he does with Stauros Ministries.
Resources
- Soul Talk: The Language God Longs for Us to Speak by Larry Crabb
- Encouragement: The Unexpected Power of Building Others Up by Larry Crabb and Dan B. Allender PLLC
- Spirit-Controlled Temperament by Tim LaHaye
Contact Info
Email John at John@Stauros.com
What We Learned
I think John taught us many things today. Let me focus on just three: The first thing that struck me was the fact that we are no longer who we used to be now that we are in Christ. You may have been an addict when Christ saved you, but now you are an addict no longer. You are a new person in Christ. You are a child of God.
Of course we are sinners saved by grace. But I think we need to modify our view of self. I am more than a saved sinner, I am a new creature. Pastors, you need to share that with those you counsel and those you disciple.
The second thing that John taught me was the importance of the local church in the life of an addict. The church can provide love and grace over and above that of any addiction ministry. However, the church must remember that it is for the long-haul. Walking with an addict can be sloppy, it will have its setbacks, and it will take time.
Finally pastors, don't blow off local resources that can help the addict. Get informed and find out what city, county, or state services can be of service. Some will be beneficial, others will not be. You need to know which ones can truly help the addict.
Your Point of View
We would love for you to share your insights. Many of you have counseled and worked with addicts. What has worked or not worked with you? Please share in the comment section below.
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