What Is The Importance Of Faith In Recovery? (Episode 1 - Archive)What Is The Importance Of Faith In Recovery? (Episode 1 - Archive)
Relational Recovery
Wes Thompson and Austin Hill talk about why Christian faith matters to their recovery and how it shapes purpose, worldview, and hope. The conversation speaks especially to newer Christians, non‑Christians, and those who have been hurt by church but are still curious about faith.
5:35•31 Mar 2026
Why Faith Matters in Recovery: A Gentle Conversation for Skeptics and New Believers
Episode Overview
- Faith is presented as a key support in recovery, shaping how people see their lives and struggles.
- The hosts contrast a general "higher power" idea with specifically placing trust in Jesus Christ.
- They acknowledge church hurt and encourage separating past negative experiences from the person of Jesus.
- Christian denominations may differ, but a shared belief in Jesus as the Son of God and source of hope is central.
- Having a sense of purpose and meaning is described as vital, and faith is one way they find that purpose in recovery.
“"If you did grow up in church and you have a bad taste in your mouth from it, that's normal not to be afraid of. But it's focusing on who we're putting our trust and faith in."”
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol and other unwanted behaviours, and where does faith fit into that picture? This first archive instalment of *Relational Recovery* takes on that question head‑on, with hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill chatting openly about why Christian faith matters so much in their own recovery journeys. Aimed especially at newer Christians or those who wouldn’t currently call themselves Christian, the conversation keeps things simple and down‑to‑earth.
Wes and Austin start with familiar territory for many in recovery: the idea of a “higher power” from Alcoholics Anonymous. From there, they explain how Christianity goes a step further by centring faith on the person of Jesus Christ, whose life and teachings are recorded in the Christian Bible. They acknowledge that churches and denominations can feel confusing or even painful, particularly for anyone who grew up in church and left with a “bad taste” in their mouth.
Austin stresses that the focus isn’t on religious institutions but on "who we're putting our trust and faith in"—for them, "this guy who is Jesus"—and on making a “very imperfect, messy attempt” to live like him. Wes shares that they aren’t speaking as researchers or theologians here, even mentioning a friend who’s doing a PhD on faith and recovery that he’s *not* quoting from.
Instead, they talk from personal and philosophical experience about how faith shapes a person’s worldview and helps them make sense of life. One key idea they highlight is purpose: that deep need to feel life has meaning, something books like *The Purpose Driven Life* have tapped into. If you’re curious about how Christian faith might support your own recovery, or you’ve been put off church but still wonder about God, this gentle, honest chat gives plenty to think about.
Could a fresh look at faith offer you a new sense of purpose in recovery?
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.