Addiction

The Rev. C. Don Jones is the author of “The Sun Still Shines: The Legend of a Drunken Pastor,” which chronicles his battle with alcoholism. Jones is the pastor of Andersonville (pictured) and Heiskell United Methodist churches in East Tennessee. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The burdens of an alcoholic pastor

Being a pastor abusing drugs or alcohol is a hard life, with shame and deceit as constant companions. The Rev. C. Don Jones of the Holston Conference made it through and is sharing his story in a new book.

Global Health

Faith communities can respond to substance-use epidemic with hope

September is Recovery Awareness Month. Pastor and advocate Matt Johnson encourages churches and faith communities to engage with those struggling with substance use disorder.

Local Church

Billie Jean Baker has an apartment now but for about three years had no home of her own and often slept outside Dallas’ Oaklawn United Methodist Church. She recently received a Harry Denman Evangelism Award for helping the church expand its ministry with the homeless. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Evangelism award winner slept outside church

Billy Jean Baker is honored for using her personal experience with homelessness to help Dallas’ Oak Lawn United Methodist Church open its doors wider.

Mission and Ministry

Eric Nyenow (left) and Emmanuel Gbuie, residents of the United Methodist New Life Recovery Center, review their notes during an addiction and substance abuse seminar in Monrovia, Liberia. The United Methodist Church in Liberia hosted the seminar to help local churches expand and strengthen their recovery ministries. Photo by E Julu Swen, UM News.

Church in Liberia focuses on addiction ministries

United Methodist seminar helps churches expand and strengthen programs for those struggling with substance abuse.

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