#386 - Are The Addicted Calling Your Church First for Help? | The Addiction Connection Podcast#386 - Are The Addicted Calling Your Church First for Help? | The Addiction Connection Podcast
The Addiction Connection Podcast
Dr. Mark E. Shaw discusses how churches handle addiction, contrasting pulpit-focused ministry with true shepherding based on Scripture. The episode stresses gospel-centred, relational care and encourages ordinary Christians and leaders to be equipped to help those struggling with addiction.
12:44•9 Nov 2026
Shepherds, Not Pulpiteers: Is Your Church Ready to Help the Addicted?
Episode Overview
- Church leaders are called to be shepherds who seek people themselves, not their possessions or status.
- Biblical shepherding involves willing oversight, humility, and being an example to the flock rather than domineering or seeking shameful gain.
- Many churches outsource addiction struggles to secular programmes, yet gospel-centred churches are presented as better equipped to address the heart issues of addiction.
- Addiction is described as a sin and unbelief problem that needs spiritual care alongside appropriate medical support.
- Ordinary, "uneducated, common" Christians can be trained to skillfully handle the Bible and help the addicted through structured counselling processes.
“"Every Christian who's out there who is born again is better equipped than any secular psychologist or psychology program or 12-step program."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol and addiction, and where does the church fit into that picture? This episode of The Addiction Connection Podcast focuses on how local churches respond to people in addiction, and whether those struggling are calling the church first for help. Dr. Mark E. Shaw talks openly about the difference between "pulpiteers" and true shepherds.
Using 2 Corinthians 12:14, he highlights Paul’s heart: "I seek not what is yours, but you." That line sums up the core message – real shepherding is relational, sacrificial, and focused on people, not their money or status. Drawing from 1 Peter 5, Shaw challenges elders and church leaders to "shepherd the flock of God that is among you" with willingness, humility, and genuine care, rather than shameful gain or domineering control.
He contrasts pastors who spend all week crafting polished sermons with those who actually live among their people, saying the church needs leaders who "be an example to the flock" and are present in everyday life. A key theme is how churches often hand addicts off to secular programmes that promote any "higher power" and talk about "restored sanity".
Shaw argues that addiction is "a sin problem" and "unbelief", and that a "solid Bible-believing born-again Christian" in a healthy church is better equipped to help the addicted than systems that ignore Jesus Christ. He also stresses the need for both medical care and spiritual care, warning that drug withdrawal carries serious physical risks while insisting that real change comes from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit working in the heart.
With a bit of humour about seminary degrees and "uneducated, common men" like Peter and John, Shaw invites everyday Christians and church leaders to get equipped to help those in addiction. If your church phone rang today with a plea for help, would it be ready to answer?
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