There is an opioid epidemic in Central Illinois. It is tempting to believe it is “out there”, in the world, and not “in here”, in the church. However, the experiences of those in our congregations indicate that those in the church are not immune from addiction and its impacts. How do we engage in ministry with and alongside those who are impacted by opioid addiction?

The first step is equipping our pastors and church leaders; providing them with good information so that they can engage those in their communities well. That will be our focus at the December 14 Downstate Pastor Peer group.

Our guest speaker is Chris Schaffner, an addiction recovery specialist who works in the area of opioid addiction. Chris is also a youth pastor, author, and conference speaker. Currently, Chris works at educating people (churches, civic groups, schools, etc.) with how best to respond to opioid addiction and how to prevent death by opioid overdose. You can explore Chris’s ministry at conversationsonthefringe.com

Pastor Peer groups are monthly meetings for area pastors for the purpose of worship, equipping, prayer, support, and relationship building. The first Thursday of every month, Chicago area pastors gather for their group. The downstate pastor peer happens the second Thursday of every month at the Mennonite Church of Normal.  This is the primary meeting that provides relational accountability to IMC pastors and leaders.