Addiction is a disease. But unlike other diseases, true addiction encompasses more than just the biological component. Addiction is a disease of mind, body, and spirit. Consequently, treatment involves a multi-tiered approach.

At ProdigalSong, we believe that the best way to help those who suffer—and those who love them—is through education. Until we eliminate the misunderstandings concerning the disease / sin relationship, true healing will not be possible. As Christians reaching out to a world struggling with ever-increasing materialism and relativism, we must fully understand the roots of the problem before we can offer lasting help.

Addiction is about much more than chemical dependency; it involves each of us, dramatically affecting our ability to be fully open to Christ. He wants us to be whole. And as long as we worship anything else, we can never be wholly His.

ProdigalSong offers comprehensive education and training for both
the church leader and the church family.

Our approach is one of love and understanding, but with an emphasis on the tough boundaries each helper and loved one will need to effectively counsel those who suffer. Together, both individually and collectively, we will learn what we can do to help the addict, and what we must do to protect ourselves and break the destructive patterns of denial and enabling. Together, we will strive to dispel the myths and misinformation that exist about this disease, to see the addict as Christ would see them, and to discover those hidden places within ourselves that also need His healing.

Below is a basic outline of available educational approaches, designed for any size church or group. And we can adapt our curriculum for your specific needs. Please contact us, and we will be pleased to help with your questions and concerns.

PRODIGALSONG LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
“THE CHURCH AS A HEALING COMMUNITY”

The Church’s Role in Addiction and Recovery Leadership training for the pastors, church staff, and lay leaders of the local community. These groups will study the following:

1. Overview of Addiction will be an examination of both the disease and sin concepts of addiction’s history and root causes, from a biopsychosocial model as well as a spiritual perspective. Focus-points will include aspects of the disease such as Denial, Increasing Tolerance, the phenomenon of Cravings, and Withdrawal. Also, a basic primer on Pharmacology, including an overview of drug classifications and how each affects human physiology and psychology.

2. The Dynamics of Forgiveness and Healing framed in the story of the prodigal son. Emphasis on Christ’s teachings pertaining to the lost and downtrodden, the spiritually bankrupt, and those suffering from issues of shame.

3. Needs Assessment Training, which will enable leaders to identify problems within both the church membership and staff by walking through a checklist/questionnaire. This will allow facilitators to determine the current state of awareness within the church community.

4. Understanding the 12 Steps will explore the biblical roots of all 12-Step truth, and separate fact from fiction in terms of (A): The History of AA (B): Where the 12 Steps come from, and (C): How to implement these truths into the church community. Focus in part will be in a comparative study between 12-Step principles and the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes.

5. Q&A

PRODIGALSONG FAMILY SEMINAR
“COMING HOME”

Equipping families and individuals touched by addiction, with emphasis on education about the disease as a “Whole Family” illness.

1. Overview Of Addiction (See above.)

2. Functional & Dysfunctional Families will discuss and compare the dynamics of families, examining topics such as Rules & Guidelines, Acceptance, Privacy, Nurturing, Spirituality, Boundaries, and Discipline.

3. Family Systems looks at breaking the cycle of the addiction related issues for coming generations and it’s effects on the family unit. Here, participants will learn the dynamics of the Addicted Family, including Epigenetic Development, Shame Through Abandonment, Emotional Abuse, and specific Role Playing within the family unit, such as The Chemically Dependent, The Hero, The Primary Enabler, The Mascot, and The Lost Child.

4. The Family Sculpt is an informative, often touching and sometimes-humorous presentation featuring members from the audience. A small group of people will be chosen beforehand, and will be coached in their “roles” for the “skit”. Through this entertaining approach, much can be learned about the “pre-scripted parts” members of a dysfunctional family play in order to support and enable the negative consequences of addiction.

5. Getting Help will explore treatment options, and provide recovery resources.

6. Q&A

Calendar of Events