#376 - Partner with TAC: Needs, News (and Coffee!)#376 - Partner with TAC: Needs, News (and Coffee!)
The Addiction Connection Podcast
Dr. Mark E. Shaw talks about gospel-shaped generosity and how giving supports The Addiction Connection’s Christ-centred work with addiction. The episode explains their relational counselling approach, current financial needs, and practical ways people can partner with the ministry.
20:58•27 Aug 2026
Generosity, Coffee and Gospel-Centred Help for Addiction
Episode Overview
- Generous giving is presented as a joyful reflection of God’s character, especially towards local churches and specialised ministries.
- The Addiction Connection focuses on relational, gospel-centred addictions counselling through its CABC credential process.
- Most churches are described as unequipped for addiction care, so TAC seeks to fill that gap by equipping and training believers.
- Practical support options include financial donations and purchasing TAC-branded coffee to help sustain ministry work.
- Addiction is framed as a heart desire problem, with lasting change rooted in Scripture, the Holy Spirit and faith in Jesus Christ.
“"We have transformed lives... They don't say, 'Hi, I'm Mark, I'm an alcoholic.' They say, 'Hi, I'm Mark, I'm a redeemed sinner.'"”
What resources and support systems are available for sobriety? This episode offers a very specific answer: a gospel-centred ministry that’s asking people to partner with it in practical, heartfelt ways. Dr. Mark E. Shaw talks about how reading 2 Corinthians has reshaped his view of generosity, especially in hard times.
He shares Paul’s description of the Macedonian churches who faced "a severe test of affliction" yet showed "a wealth of generosity", using this picture to frame why giving matters so much in addiction-focused ministry. You’ll hear him stress that "giving, you know, it's not a command. It should be something you want to do," starting with your local church and, where possible, extending to The Addiction Connection.
The episode is aimed at Christians who care about addiction recovery, church leaders who feel their church isn’t equipped to help the addicted, and anyone who’s been touched by substance misuse and wants a Bible-rooted response. Mark explains how The Addiction Connection trains everyday believers through its commissioned addictions biblical counselling (CABC) process, emphasising that it’s "relational disciple making" rather than just academic study.
There’s a mix of honesty and gentle humour as he admits the ministry’s donations "are low right now" and describes himself as "the chief volunteer". He highlights practical ways people can support the work, from traditional giving to new ideas like the TAC coffee mug and coffee sales, all designed to keep training, content and counselling support going.
Throughout, Mark returns to the conviction that addiction is a "heart desire problem" and that real change comes as people meet Jesus through the Bible. As he puts it, "We have transformed lives... They don't say, 'Hi, I'm Mark, I'm an alcoholic.' They say, 'Hi, I'm Mark, I'm a redeemed sinner." If you care about Christ-centred help for addiction, how might generous giving and prayer be part of your role in this story?
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