theaddictionconnection
theaddictionconnection
#345 - 7 Ways to Shepherd in Your Church | Dr. Mark E. Shaw
#345 - 7 Ways to Shepherd in Your Church | Dr. Mark E. Shaw
#345 - 7 Ways to Shepherd in Your Church | Dr. Mark E. Shaw
Sunday 14th December 2025
Dr. Mark E. Shaw shares seven practical ways churches can effectively shepherd their members in addiction recovery.
35 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Encouraging
Compassionate
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
theaddictionconnection
Overview:
Categories:
Religion & Spirituality
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Family Recovery from Addiction
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Creative Recovery Journeys
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Episodes:
360 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!7 Practical Ways Churches Can Shepherd Their Flock
Episode Overview
- Churches should prioritise biblical truth over psychological expertise.
- Active involvement and personal relationships are key to effective shepherding.
- Pastors must integrate sermons with small group discussions and individual meetings.
- Church leadership should focus on spiritual growth over administrative tasks.
- Encouragement for churches to support addiction recovery through community care.
"We need the word of God. You've got to get in the word of God. Read and study and meditate and marinate your brain in the word of God."
What are the common struggles and victories in addiction recovery? Dr. Mark E. Shaw takes us on a journey through the heart of church-based addiction counselling, offering seven practical ways to shepherd effectively within a church community. He addresses the lack of personal shepherding that many church members face and emphasises the importance of biblical truth over psychological expertise. Dr.
Shaw passionately argues for a return to the roots of biblical counselling, encouraging pastors to embrace their role as under-shepherds, guiding their flock with compassion and understanding. Throughout the episode, Dr. Shaw shares his personal experiences and observations, highlighting the gap between church leadership and the congregation's needs. He stresses the importance of knowing your congregation, being actively involved, and providing pastoral care through counselling.
By integrating large group sermons with small group discussions and individual meetings, churches can foster a more supportive and nurturing environment. Dr. Shaw also challenges listeners to consider whether their church leaders are truly shepherding their flock or merely focusing on administrative tasks. His call to action is clear: churches must prioritise spiritual growth and community care over business-like operations. With a touch of humour and raw honesty, Dr.
Shaw inspires church leaders and members alike to re-evaluate their roles and responsibilities. If you're curious about how faith can play a pivotal role in addiction recovery and how churches can become beacons of hope for those struggling, this episode is a must-listen. How can your church better shepherd its members? The answer might be closer than you think.