#371 - A Challenge to Shephard Souls | Mark E. Shaw#371 - A Challenge to Shephard Souls | Mark E. Shaw
The Addiction Connection Podcast
Dr Mark E. Shaw reflects on Micah 7 to challenge churches and counsellors to truly shepherd people dealing with addiction and suffering. He stresses biblical care, repentance, and equipping believers to comfort and support others in need.
13:31•20 Jul 2026
Shepherding Souls and Addiction: Mark E. Shaw’s Call to the Church
Episode Overview
- Addiction is described as a sinful heart desire and belief problem that needs biblical truth, not just secular programmes.
- Micah’s plea for God to shepherd His people is applied to modern churches that often fail to offer genuine care.
- Listeners are urged to seek a biblical, caring church where their soul is shepherded rather than financially exploited.
- Personal suffering is presented as something God can use to help comfort others facing similar hardships.
- Those sensing a call to shepherd are encouraged to pursue training in addictions biblical counselling to meet the growing need.
“"How about they shepherd you and care for you and then train you up to be equipped to shepherd other people?"”
What can we learn from those who have battled addiction? This episode of The Addiction Connection Podcast centres on a heartfelt challenge from Dr Mark E. Shaw to churches and counsellors to truly "shepherd their souls". Drawing from Micah Chapter 7, Mark reflects on the prophet’s prayer, "Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance," and links it to the present-day church and addiction recovery.
He points out how Micah’s context of corrupt political and spiritual leaders feels uncomfortably familiar: people are exploited rather than cared for, and spiritual help is treated like a paid service. Mark contrasts this with God as the "good shepherd" who "casts all our sins into the depths of the sea" and delights in steadfast love.
You’ll hear Mark emphasise that addiction is a "sinful heart desire problem" and a belief issue, and that genuine recovery means dealing with those deeper desires and beliefs through biblical truth. He urges people to find a "shepherding church" where their soul matters more than their wallet, and where they’re discipled, challenged to repent, and equipped to comfort others through their suffering.
Mark also talks practically about the huge need for shepherds in local churches, sharing how his own counselling schedule is packed "back to back to back" with hurting people. He encourages those sensing a call to shepherd to seek training in biblical counselling and addictions work, highlighting courses on topics like grief, anxiety, anger and sin.
The tone is direct yet caring, with moments of light humour (including a warning not to throw your mobile into the ocean to illustrate God’s forgiveness). If you’re wrestling with addiction, serving in ministry, or wondering whether your church truly cares for people, this episode might prompt some honest questions: are you being shepherded, and could you be called to shepherd others too?
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