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To Address Addiction A Virtual Conference |
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners" - Isaiah 61:1
Thursday, October 23, 2025 10 am--6 pm central time
"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners" - Isaiah 61:1
It was a great privilege to be in the presence of individuals making
such a meaningful impact in the field."
--T. Keming, 2024 conference
Awakening The Church
To Address Addiction
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Why Attend?
Addiction is everywhere, and yet many churches feel unprepared to face it. This one-day virtual conference will give you the insight and tools to change that. You’ll hear from experts who separate fact from myth, explore the science of the addicted brain and the longing soul, and share practical ministry strategies that really work. By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding, renewed hope, and concrete steps to make your congregation a safe, welcoming, and recovery-friendly community. |
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Dispelling the Myths
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" John 8:32 
Dr. Kate Gaudet Associate Director of the Hamel Honors and Scholars College at the University of New Hampshire, where she is also faculty in Humanities. Her scholarly interests are about the role of reading in culture, and how readers use texts to shape their understanding. She teaches courses that use narrative models to explore topics including criminality and addiction. She is the editor of “What Is a Criminal? Answers from Inside the US Justice System,” a collection of essays sharing diverse experiences of criminal justice. The Wounds That Bind Us
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3 
Rev. Dr. Ed Treat Recovery from addiction for 39 years. He received his Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Seminary, serving as parish pastor in rural Nebraska and around the Twin Cities. Treat helped develop the Fellowship of Recovering Lutheran Clergy (FRLC) in 1990. In 2020 he launched the the Center of Addiction & Faith (www.addictionandfaith.com) to educate, inspire and equip congregations in addiction ministry. He is author of The Pastor, a psychological novel about a small-town pastor and will release his next book, The Lie That Kills Us, in 2026. |
Neuroscience of Addiction
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalm 139:14 
Dr. Nicole Labor Nationally recognized addiction medicine physician with over 20 years of experience, including fellowship training. She has pioneered addiction fellowship programs, consulted with leading health systems, and authored The Addictoholic Deconstructed. Known as the "Addiction Architect," she is a sought-after speaker who blends deep clinical expertise, functional medicine insights, and real-world storytelling to challenge stigma and reframe how society understands addiction. Love That Shows Up: Serving People Facing Addiction and Mental Health Realities
“Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” – James 2:17, The Message 
Pastor Greg Delaney A dynamic voice in faith-based recovery, recently celebrated with the prestigious 2023 President's Award from the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) for his extraordinary contributions. In his role as the Strategic Partnership Director for The CLEFT and GOODLIFE, he champions innovative, evidence-based prevention solutions for youth. Collaborating with the HHS Partnership Center and serving as a key member of Governors Recovery Ohio initiative, Pastor Delaney's faith, his recovery journey and advocacy efforts have allowed him a front row seat to many lives transformed. |
Our Conference Partner
Virtual Training Conference
October 23, 2025, 9:30a.m.—6 p.m. central
October 23, 2025, 9:30a.m.—6 p.m. central
9:30-10:00 AM | Virtual Lobby Opens: Music, slideshow, informal chat
10:00-10:15 AM | Welcome & Opening: Prayer, framing the day, poll
10:15-11:15 AM | Session 1: Dispelling the Myths Dr. Kate Gaudet
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:32
A Narrative Approach to Understanding Addiction and Recovery. This talk explores the stories we learn and tell about addiction and recovery. By identifying narrative and structural tropes, it provides a framework for expanded understanding diverse experiences of addiction.
11:15-11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Session 2: Neuroscience of Addiction Dr. Nicole Labor
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" - Psalm 139:14
This session introduces addiction as both a brain disease and a societal condition. We’ll break down dopamine, reward circuits, and decision-making into simple concepts that explain why use continues despite consequences. Key themes include how repeated exposure hijacks the brain, the difference between disease and choice, and why compassion—not judgment—opens the door to healing. Participants will gain a scientific yet practical framework for better supporting those affected.
12:30-1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM | Session 3: The Wounds That Bind Us Rev. Dr. Ed Treat
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" - Psalm 147:3
How do early relationships and childhood adversity shape who we are—and why do they leave us all vulnerable to addictive patterns? In this session, we’ll connect attachment theory, ACEs, and trauma to the realities of addiction, showing how these forces affect every one of us to some degree. You’ll leave with fresh insight, a trauma-informed lens, and practical understanding of healing, connection, and compassion.
2:00-3:00 PM | Session 4: Breakout Discussions:
3:00-3:15 PM | Break
3:15-3:30 PM | Ministry Resources
3:30-4:00 PM | Story of Redemption—Pastor John Sutherland, Cross Lutheran, Wisconsin
4:30-5:30 PM | Session 5: Make it Happen in Your Church Pastor Greg Delaney
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" - James 2:17
This session will explore how faith communities can become safe, welcoming, and supportive places for people living with addiction and those in recovery. He’ll share practical steps and inspiration for making your congregation truly recovery-friendly.
5:30-6:00 PM | Closing Devotions & Commissioning
10:00-10:15 AM | Welcome & Opening: Prayer, framing the day, poll
10:15-11:15 AM | Session 1: Dispelling the Myths Dr. Kate Gaudet
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" - John 8:32
A Narrative Approach to Understanding Addiction and Recovery. This talk explores the stories we learn and tell about addiction and recovery. By identifying narrative and structural tropes, it provides a framework for expanded understanding diverse experiences of addiction.
11:15-11:30 AM | Break
11:30 AM-12:30 PM | Session 2: Neuroscience of Addiction Dr. Nicole Labor
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made" - Psalm 139:14
This session introduces addiction as both a brain disease and a societal condition. We’ll break down dopamine, reward circuits, and decision-making into simple concepts that explain why use continues despite consequences. Key themes include how repeated exposure hijacks the brain, the difference between disease and choice, and why compassion—not judgment—opens the door to healing. Participants will gain a scientific yet practical framework for better supporting those affected.
12:30-1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM | Session 3: The Wounds That Bind Us Rev. Dr. Ed Treat
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds" - Psalm 147:3
How do early relationships and childhood adversity shape who we are—and why do they leave us all vulnerable to addictive patterns? In this session, we’ll connect attachment theory, ACEs, and trauma to the realities of addiction, showing how these forces affect every one of us to some degree. You’ll leave with fresh insight, a trauma-informed lens, and practical understanding of healing, connection, and compassion.
2:00-3:00 PM | Session 4: Breakout Discussions:
- Preaching and Teaching on Addiction: Breaking the Silence from the Pulpit--Rev Martha Postlethwaite Addiction touches nearly every family, yet the church often avoids it in sermons, classes, and prayers. This session explores how pastors and teachers can speak honestly, faithfully, and compassionately about addiction—without shame and with the hope of grace.
- Prevention in the Parish: Building Protective Communities--Rev. Joy Gonnerman What can congregations do to prevent addiction before it takes hold? This session looks at practical strategies—mentorship, safe spaces for youth, community partnerships, and honest education—that help parishes become protective, healing environments.
- Trauma and Mental Health: The Wounds Beneath Addiction--Rev. Ed Treat Behind every addiction is a story of pain. This breakout explores the connection between trauma, mental health, and substance use, and how these realities drive all of us to one degree or another.
- Clergy and Leadership Health--Rev. Otto Schultz Pastors and church leaders are not immune to addiction, burnout, and denial. This session names the unique challenges clergy face, the cost of unaddressed wounds in leadership, and the path toward honesty, healing, and resilience.
3:00-3:15 PM | Break
3:15-3:30 PM | Ministry Resources
3:30-4:00 PM | Story of Redemption—Pastor John Sutherland, Cross Lutheran, Wisconsin
4:30-5:30 PM | Session 5: Make it Happen in Your Church Pastor Greg Delaney
"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" - James 2:17
This session will explore how faith communities can become safe, welcoming, and supportive places for people living with addiction and those in recovery. He’ll share practical steps and inspiration for making your congregation truly recovery-friendly.
5:30-6:00 PM | Closing Devotions & Commissioning
Conference Sponsors and Resources
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