The ability God has given us to seek freedom is a powerful thing. We have seen firsthand the relief experienced when people break free of the hold addiction can have. HPUMC’s Recovery Ministry exists to this effect, aiming to help those struggling receive the guidance and encouragement they need without shame. We are here for you. Continue reading to learn what the Recovery Ministry team believes about addiction, and discover how we can help you seek freedom, experience recovery, and see transformation in your life.

At HPUMC, we believe that substance addiction is a disease that can lead to devastating social, economic, spiritual, and physical consequences for individuals, families, and entire communities.

We believe that grace and acceptance are necessary in order to live a healthy and whole life. We believe the church should be a safe, shame-free space for individuals and families seeking transformation and recovery. God loves everyone, including those suffering from substance addiction and those close to them, and calls the church to respond.

We support individuals struggling with this disease through groups and studies, referrals, staff support, and community. We also provide care and support for loved ones and families of alcoholics and addicts.

Our goal is to equip, love, and encourage each person who struggles with substance addiction in our church community and beyond. You are not alone in your struggle, and we are here for you.

Our Beliefs:

1. We believe substance addiction is a disease. It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s not a lack of faith. Alcoholism (or alcohol dependence) and drug addiction are mental illnesses. Therefore, our church provides on-site meetings, classes, and education around addiction and recovery, and ongoing support, encouragement, and community to addicts and their families. We have referrals to various forms of evidence-based treatment given by members of our church with direct experiences with the recommendations.

2. We believe people who are suffering from substance addiction are beloved children of God. We are all in need of God’s grace, and those of us who are alcoholics and addicts deserve to be loved and supported by our church communities. Therefore, our church will be a safe, shame-free space for those suffering from substance addiction to seek help, guidance, and encouragement.

3. We believe substance addiction can thrive in the dark. We have hundreds of people suffering from substance addiction in our church and know they can often be stigmatized and judged for their struggle. Therefore, we will not only use positive, inclusive messaging in all of our language around substance addiction, but we will also share stories of healing and transformation through recovery. How we talk about this matters and, while anyone might choose to keep their illness private, no one should be made to feel ashamed or to hide their current or past struggle with substance addiction.

4. We believe that families and loved ones of those suffering from substance addiction need just as much support, encouragement, and shame-free spaces to experience transformation as the alcoholics and addicts themselves. Substance addiction doesn’t just affect the alcoholic and addict. Whether the loved ones are parents, children, siblings, or friends, the family members of someone with a substance addiction are often isolated, shamed, and lost. They often need to heal and experience their own recovery alongside their loved ones. Therefore, our church will connect with families, be a place for them to find help and encouragement, and provide comfort and community for those who love someone who is addicted to any substance.

We are so glad you are seeking recovery from substance addiction. This is a big step, albeit a necessary one, and you are not alone in this walk. We now want to empower you to take the next step in the process and reach out to our transformative Recovery Ministry. We believe we will see a change in your life as you move from the darkness into light, and step fully into your true identity as a child of God.