Reflection Verse:
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

Addiction doesn’t stop at the church door. It doesn’t discriminate between the “churched” and the “unchurched.” Behind the Sunday smiles, some in our congregations are battling addictions or life-controlling negative habits they long to be free from—but shame keeps them silent. Why is this? It is probably a combination of ” Is this a safe place to share? am I going to be judged? Can I even “out” this? What will other people think?” and “I am so ashamed that as a Christian I still struggle with this sinful habit?” 

Just maybe people don’t see a clear place to go in their local church. 

A Jubilee+ study found that while many Christian projects offer addiction support, most are small and locally run, and many churches still don’t have anything in place. Without safe spaces for honest conversation, people suffer in secrecy. As one recovery advocate put it: “Addicts are already filling the pews, the Church just doesn’t know it.” (Jubilee+, 2023).

Why the Local Church Is Uniquely Positioned

The church is not just another community centre—it’s a family of hope, healing, and belonging. Churches (hopefully) already have what recovery thrives on:

• Community – built-in relationships for encouragement and accountability.

• Accessibility – open doors for people who wouldn’t go to a clinic.

• Holistic healing – the Gospel brings not only behaviour change, but heart transformation.

Yet stigma is still a huge barrier. Surveys show that 91% of Christians believe mental illness remains stigmatised in the Church, and over half say their church rarely or never talks about it. Silence only deepens the struggle.

Surveys show that 91% of Christians believe mental illness remains stigmatised in the Church, and over half say their church rarely or never talks about it (Kintsugi Hope, 2022).

Recovery groups in local churches break the silence. They provide safe places to speak honestly, encounter God’s grace, and find strength in community.

You may be saying, well our church does have life-groups or home groups. In an ideal world, where there is no condemnation,  judgement and where everyone’s sin is placed on the same hierarchy, yes gossip comes alongside over use of alcohol, a well run church group could provide a place of community, prayer and freedom. However, I would argue that, for a short time at least, a recovery group could help someone get the tools and specific help they need alongside others in the same boat. This can be a significant help before someone shares in a mainstream church group. Maybe some people need to do both for a while. 

Check out Free! Recovery’s material as a possible basis for a local church recovery group. 

Ponder

Who in your church might be silently struggling today?

Action

Take time to pray and ask God to show you someone who needs encouragement or a safe space to talk.

Prayer

Lord, help us to see those suffering silently in our churches. Give us courage to break the stigma and compassion to walk with them into freedom. Amen.

Challenge

Before this week ends, speak to a leader or trusted friend about the possibility of a recovery group ministry at your local church.  If there is such a group why not get involved.