Pastoring in the Context of Addictions

How does a pastor provide pastoral care in the context of addictions? How does one provide appropriate care both to those exhibiting addictive behaviors and to others in the congregation affected by these addictions?

This daylong workshop will pay special attention to psychological understandings of addictions, theological reflection on the issue, appropriate pastoral responses, effects of addictive behaviors on congregational dynamics, and related available resources.

Presenter

Brice H. Balmer, D. Min., is Chaplaincy Director at House of Friendship in Kitchener, Ontario, and teaches occasionally at AMBS. In his chaplaincy role he developed and oversees a program of spiritual discovery groups for clients of House of Friendship, a non-profit agency specializing in addiction, community and family services. Brice earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Toronto School of Theology, where a significant focus of his work was male sexuality and spirituality, with a special emphasis on addiction.