recovery

In the company of church members in recovery from addiction, I’m feeling more open to the doctrine of original sin.

The truth of God's grace is always messier than appearances let on.

Twelve-step groups have a rule against crosstalk. It’s a good rule for churches, too.

In opioid country, churches get to know their recovery communities.

A healing community in Nashville

During the testimony portion of a worship service at Central Park United Methodist Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, “Karen” walked to the front and confessed for the first time that years earlier she had killed a woman while driving drunk, had served five years in prison, and had then begun drinking again. “I was a menace to society,” she said. When she finished, she waited anxiously for the congregation’s response. Immediately some moved forward to embrace her; then the service continued and Karen joined other volunteers in serving communion.