We see the beginning of several states allowing businesses to open up and workers and customers to return. The economy, which has taken an enormous hit from this season of coronavirus, is the next “patient” that needs to be revived.
But in the midst of this pandemic, there have been other headlines to which the organization Shatterproof drew the attention of its followers. Headlines like these:
—”U.S. Alcohol Sales Increase 55 Percent in One Week Amid Coronavirus Pandemic,” Newsweek.
—”Officials Worry of Potential Spike in Overdose Deaths Amid COVID-19 Pandemic,” ABC News.
—”Trump Officials, Health Experts Worry Coronavirus Will Set Back Opioid Fight,” Politico.
“Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States” (from the organization’s website).
What is the church’s role in the addiction crisis that plagues our country and others around the world? Is it only to host recovery groups in a side room on a weekday night? Or is it much more?
Some churches boast of renting rooms to recovery groups. Others are recognizing that we have the one thing to offer that every human being, no matter what their brokenness, needs, and that is salvation in Jesus Christ and spiritual growth through the Holy Spirit. What is more, we have community marked by agape love where all can live and serve as one.
But we need wisdom in how to relate meaningfully to those in recovery, and we need to think again how to present Jesus persuasively, winsomely and powerfully so that all are drawn to Him.
For more on the church stepping more fully into its role as the premier place of welcome, healing and transformation for those in addiction recovery, listen to this interview on Rooted by the Stream.
