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Alcoholism and drug dependence create chaos and painful dysfunction in the lives of so many otherwise good and decent people. This disease devastates families, can cause lifelong suffering for impacted children, and blocks the spiritual development of both the addicted person and affected family members.
Studies in the Twelve Core Competencies is a practical and critically needed pathway for clergy and other pastoral ministers to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively and appropriately address the needs of individuals and their family members who are suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction. This short course is a welcome and valuable tool to support the education of clergy and other pastoral ministers interested in providing life-saving help and spiritual guidance so desperately needed by hurting families they serve.
- Sis Wenger
- President and CEO - National Association for Children of Alcoholics
- Director - The Clergy Education and Training Project
"When one in four children under 18--across all economic, social, religious and cultural groups--lives in a family with alcohol abuse... it is crucial that clergy and other pastoral ministers have a clear understanding of addiction's effect on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of their parish families." (Latcovich and Wenger, 2003)
The development of this short self-guided study course regarding the Core Competencies provides a needed resource for congregational leaders. It enhances the awareness of clergy and increases skills to address a growing substance use problem. As a result, clergy will be more able to respond to those who are impacted by addiction and decrease the suffering of individuals, families and children.
- Douglas M. Ronsheim, D. Min.
- Executive Director - American Association of Pastoral Counselors
Research shows that individuals in crisis routinely turn to clergy for assistance. Because alcohol dependence and the ready availability of illegal substances remains a societal scourge, competent pastoral care for clergy of all faiths will be enhanced as they become familiar with Studies in the Twelve Core Competencies.
This brief, self-guided course is a highly readable and clinically competent resource for all professionals who provide treatment for chemically dependent people or their families. Through the study Mr. Bowers introduces clergy to these core competencies in ways that are relationally relevant and effective.
- Donald D. Denton, D. Min.
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- The Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care
- Author: "Religious Diagnosis in a Secular Society: A Staff for the Journey," University Press of America.