Connecting to the Church

As a pastor of a local church in our community, I love working with Champion Recovery Community. CRC plays a tremendously important role in connecting those recovering from addiction, codependency, and trauma with the bride of Christ, the church. Here’s what I mean.

The church can be scary for those who have been running from it or hurt by it. CRC helps in these situations in at least three ways. First, CRC identifies the “insider/outsider” language problem. Most churches have “church-speak” or “insider” language that communicates to “outsiders” that they are, in fact, outsiders. Most of us who are leaders in the church are often unaware of our unwelcoming messaging. CRC help us see how we do this and how we can be more sensitive in our language and more conscious of our posture. Second, CRC works with those recovering from addiction, codependency, and trauma to see the church as Jesus sees His church—as a bride (consisting of flawed individuals He promises to never leave or forsake as He makes each person better) whom He loves deeply. One of the best avenues for this to take place is the mentor/intern relationship. As mentors (members of various churches in our community) model vulnerability and humility, it helps our interns trust the church more readily. Third, even with a better understanding of the church and more trust, entering into a group of Christians who have strong and long-standing relationships with one another is intimidating. Again, the mentor/intern relationship forged through time, conversation, and prayer is extremely helpful. Entering a church building full of unfamiliar faces who have years of shared experiences is much easier with someone you know. The mentor/intern relationship offers more than a friendly face, it offers a friend. And this is beautiful.

I am thankful to serve Jesus by serving His bride. And I am thankful for Champion Recovery Community who connects me to members of His bride that I sometimes make feel like outsiders. I am thankful I get to work alongside knowledgeable, patient, and godly people who teach me regularly. And I am thankful for mentors and interns who risk being involved in one another’s imperfect lives.

Pastor Erik McDaniel 

CRC Board Secretary