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Heartland Recovery held a 1-day informational seminar designed to provide church leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to help their congregation effectively identify, support, and welcome these individuals impacted by addiction and incarceration. Speakers for the event had a broad range of experience in areas which included licensed counseling, prison ministry, recovery programs and support groups, higher education, leading churches and outreach ministries, and more.

Addiction and the Church | Session #1 Addiction Awareness Introduction – Dave Evans

Session1 Addiction Awareness Introduction – Dave Evans

Dave Evans started off Addiction and the Church seminar. He became a bi-vocational pastor in 1985. In 1996 I began my career in forensics, moving into Corrections a year later as a half-time chaplain and full-time Substance Abuse Counselor before becoming Licensed as an LPC in 2005. He has worked in Corrections, been director of a residential program, president of a Substance Abuse Task Force as well as worked in programs with Drug Courts in Missouri and Arkansas. With an emphasis in bi-vocational ministry, He continued to have a passion for individuals in recovery while working in the counseling field.

Presently, Dave still pastors bi-vocationally in a church in Rome, MO, which supports outreach programs for youth and adults in recovery. He is a professional counselor at Missouri Ozarks Community Health doing mental health and substance abuse in the community where he lives.

For Dave, addiction isn’t just about poor decisions—it’s a disease that fundamentally alters the brain, taking control over a person’s life and behavior. Drawing from his experience working in prisons and recovery programs, he highlights how even individuals society might view as “throwaways” deserve compassion and a chance to heal. Dave believes the church should be a place of refuge for those struggling with addiction, offering grace and support without judgment. Dave believes the church can play a crucial role in helping others find their way back to themselves.

Addiction and the Church | Session #2 Being a Welcoming & Loving Church

Session2 A Welcoming and Loving Church -Dr. Kris Palmer
Session2 Being a Welcoming & Loving Church -John Hanley

For session #2, we get to hear from two dedicated leaders: Pastor Kris Palmer from Heartland Community Church and John Hanley from Life Church in Kirksville, MO. Here’s a little more about their backgrounds and what they will share:

KRIS R. PALMER, PhD President, Heartland Christian College and Pastor, Heartland Community Church With a background in probation and parole, Dr. Palmer has spent over two decades at Heartland, actively working in a community devoted to healing and restoring broken lives. In this session, Dr. Palmer will provide insights into understanding addiction through a theological lens, focusing on how the church can serve as a welcoming and loving space for all individuals.

JOHN HANLEY Business Owner and Church Deacon John Hanley, a deacon at Life Church in Kirksville, Missouri, draws from his experience with Celebrate Recovery and his day-to-day interactions in business. He will speak about the importance of walking alongside those struggling with addiction, showing empathy, and living life with them, just as Jesus did, without judgment.

This session will provide valuable perspectives on creating a church environment that embraces and supports individuals through the challenges of addiction.

Addiction and the Church | Session #3 Discipling Through Addiction – Adrienne Miller

Session3 Discipling Through Addiction – Adrienne Miller

Adrienne Miller, MCB Supervisor and CRADC, shares her insights on “Discipling Through Addiction.” As the Director of the Heartland Women’s Recovery Program, Adrienne brings over 20 years of experience, having once been a resident in the Heartland Recovery Program herself. Her journey from addiction to freedom inspires her commitment to helping others achieve the same hope and healing.

In this session, Adrienne will cover essential topics including: Effective communication strategies for engaging with addicts Understanding the boundaries of giving and support Managing expectations while assisting those in recovery Providing practical resources to aid in the healing process

Whether you’re involved in a church ministry or simply seeking to support loved ones struggling with addiction, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to disciple effectively through addiction. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Adrienne’s experience and passion for empowering others in their recovery journey.

Addiction and the Church | Session #4 Recognition & Right Response – JC Morgan/James Bridges

Session4 Recognition of an Addict Coming to Church – JC Morgan
Session4 Recognition & Right Response – James Bridges

J.C. Morgan and James Bridges tackle the critical topics of recognizing addiction within the church community and responding effectively. Both speakers bring personal experiences and insights gained through their journeys of recovery and ministry.

J.C. Morgan, M.A.A.D.C. 1, is a Group Leader at the Heartland Men’s Recovery Program. After enduring 20 years of active addiction and nearly 13 years in prison, J.C. found healing and deliverance through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ at Heartland 10 years ago. For the past eight years, he has been dedicated to helping men navigate their recovery journeys through a specific discipleship program. J.C. will share vital insights on the “Recognition of an Addict Coming to Church” and the “Right Response for a Pastor,” equipping you to better support those struggling with addiction.

James Bridges has a powerful story of transformation, having started his journey with substance abuse at a young age, leading to years of addiction and incarceration. After calling out to God for rescue in 2003, he has dedicated the last 20 years to addictions ministry. As a co-founder of Harvest Outreach Sober Living Ministries and a member of the 10 District Court Treatment court team, James has extensive experience in supporting individuals in recovery. He will address the “Right Response for a Pastor,” “Connecting with Others,” “Offering Practical Support,” and “Respecting Their Privacy.” James looks forward to sharing his dual perspective as both an addict and a pastor, offering insights into effectively working with addiction in the church.

This session is designed to empower pastors and ministry leaders to recognize addiction and respond with compassion and effectiveness.

Addiction and the Church | Session #5 Pursuing the Addict – Raymond Stedman/Bobby Godwin

Session5 Pursuing the Addict Outside the Church – Raymond Stedman
Session5 Pursuing The Addict – Prison Ministry- Pastor Bobby Godwin

Raymond Stedman and Bobby Godwin explore the vital topic of reaching out to addicts beyond the church walls. Both speakers bring a lot of personal experience and a deep commitment to ministry, providing insights into how the church can effectively engage with individuals struggling with addiction in various community settings.

Raymond M. Stedman, Jr., Director of Recovery at Addicts Victorious Horizons Social Services, grew up in a pastor’s home but faced his own battles with addiction, becoming an alcoholic and drug user before finding hope through the Adult & Teen Challenge program in 2011. Raymond is passionate about pursuing individuals struggling with addiction, particularly in homeless and shelter ministries and street outreach. He will share his insights on how the church can actively reach out to those in need and foster transformation and hope in their lives.

Robert “Bobby” Godwin has a rich background in leadership and ministry. After committing his life to Christ at 18, he built a successful career with General Electric before answering the call to pastoral ministry. As the founder of Life Church and now Senior Pastor of Central Christian Church, Bobby is dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing the Gospel wherever he can, including prisons and rehabilitation centers. He will speak on “Pursuing the Addict Outside of the Church,” emphasizing the importance of prison and rehab ministry as vital avenues for outreach.

Here are some practical ways the church can engage with and support addicts in the community, fostering a culture of love, support, and transformation.

Addiction and the Church | Session #6 Q&A

After listening to our speakers the audience had chance to ask questions of the speakers during a Q&A session. Our panel of experts provided thoughtful insights and practical advice on a range of topics, including:

Exploring the implications of marijuana use and how it relates to addiction and spiritual health. Guidance on how to effectively talk to a grandson struggling with addiction, focusing on compassion and understanding. Strategies for reconciling relationships affected by addiction, fostering forgiveness, and rebuilding trust.