The Gospel and Addictions Seminar

Pain and suffering are part of the human experience in a fallen world. Scripture is clear that we grow through adversity and the suffering such adversity often brings, and not by running from it or seeking to eliminate it. Addiction flows out of a refusal to embrace suffering, and embracing escapism.

Addiction is actively at work within every human being at the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Thus, it is akin to sin and finds its roots in idolatry. Neural science has shown this, and now addiction encompasses numerous conditions (including compulsive, repetitive behaviours), beyond substance abuse.

As Christians and ministers, being aware of the dynamics of addiction, and connecting the medical and scientific research to the truth of Scripture, enables us to better address many of the social problems from a gospel perspective.

Also, as we become willing to explore the effects of addiction in our own lives, and to apply the gospel’s pattern for healing, we become better equipped as ministers and ambassadors of the gospel through expressing compassionate love, mercy, and grace into other people’s lives from a place of Christ’s power being perfected in our weakness.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

The Revd Mark Hall is currently the pastor of All Saints’ Anglican Church in Bakersfield, California. Before coming to faith through the Alpha Course in 1999, Mark first encountered God’s grace while getting sober through the 12 Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous in 1994.  

His ministry has included walking alongside the poor, homeless, and addicted as well as serving in traditional congregations.  Presenting addiction within its biblical context as idolatry, Mark has been able to point people in all walks of life and with various afflictions to the hope found in Jesus. He also helped to found the of One Door Recovery Center, and is a Registered Drug and Alcohol Technician