How much do you know about alcoholism?

I grew up with alcoholism in my family. I've discovered that as a youth director I do not know enough to be helpful to families struggling with the issue. Don't get me wrong - I understand the signs, I get the concept of co-dependency and I believe in AA and Al Anon and Alateen. However I was faced with a family in need and hadn't yet thought through how I could or should be of help to them. I've done a lot of phone calling in the last two days. I talked to family members who are in recovery about how I could be of help to the practicing alcoholic and the rest of the family. Now I have the phone number for the Alcoholics Anonymous Central office locally so I have somewhere to refer the alcoholic. I know where and when the Al Anon meetings are in my area. I'm ready to help folks get to a meeting and begin to recover.

If you've read this blog before, you know I am not perfect. I'm just trying to get better at being a Christian. Christians make sure they are equipped to help others. As youth directors we must know that 5-10% of our congregations are likely to be alcoholics. What are we ready to do about it? How can we prepare our teens and families ahead of time? Know who to contact. Have someone speak to the group at least annually. Be clear about what you can, will and should do when the situation arises, because it will.

The dangers of cruise control

Cruise control is a wonderful thing. I had become so used to it in my car. And then my car was stolen. Now I have a car with cruise control but it doesn't work. Ha! I have become very used to a lack of cruise control for driving. Now I am faced with the fact that my ministry has been on cruise control for a while.

Cruise control is not something that everyone notices at first. It's only when you continue to move at the same speed for a period of time that people without it begin to notice. So the fact that those around me have finally (and thankfully) come to me to tell me that they could see it in the youth ministry means that I've been on cruise control for a while. Probably longer than I even realize.

It's sooo easy get into a groove and like it and leave things there. I mean, after a while it almost feels like I deserve it. The problem is that I don't. And neither do those I minister to and with. Cruise control is a disengaged state. No ministry can afford that.

Are you in cruise control in your life? Maybe, like me, you think you have a good reason for it (if you are.) I would now argue that none of us has that right. It means the heart isn't in it. Wouldn't that grieve Jesus? I am repenting. I ask you to do the same if you're where I am.