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Today’s episode will help us understand the journey from addiction to recovery, offering practical insights and compassionate guidance for supporting others in recovery ministry.

Finding Redemption: A Pastor's Journey to 45 Years of Sobriety and Helping Addicts

In this moving and heartfelt session, Pastor Dave shares his incredible journey from addiction to sobriety, having been clean for nearly 45 years. He talks about growing up in a strict Christian household, struggling with alcohol as a high school athlete, and the pivotal moments that guided him towards recovery and a ministerial calling. Pastor Dave outlines his efforts in leading a recovery ministry, drawing from programs like AA, NA, and Celebrate Recovery, and emphasizing the importance of helping addicts understand their addiction's underlying causes. He also discusses the critical role of community, the power of scripture, and the challenges faced in this impactful yet demanding ministry.

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Key Takeaways 

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

01:17 Struggles with Addiction

02:44 Turning Points and Influences

04:28 Journey to Ministry

06:49 Recovery Ministry Insights

13:30 Practical Steps for Recovery

18:59 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

See below for a longer description:

In this powerful episode, Dave Hamlin shares his journey from addiction to recovery and how it has shaped his life and ministry. With honesty and humility, Dave recounts pivotal moments that led him to sobriety and the lessons he now uses to help others on the same path.

Early Life and Addiction: Growing up in a devout Christian family in Lexington, Kentucky, Dave still found himself drawn to heavy drinking in high school, trying to fit in with the "cool athletes." His drinking led to risky nights and a growing problem by his senior year.

Key Turning Points: Dave’s journey took a turn when two people reached out: his youth minister, Larry Green, subtly confronted him, and a girl from his church persistently told him she was praying for him. These interactions planted seeds of change.

Path to Recovery and Ministry: Entering Milligan College on a baseball scholarship, Dave initially resisted ministry but had a spiritual encounter that led him to commit to youth ministry. Ironically, he’s now spent 28 years preaching and working in recovery ministry, celebrating 45 years of sobriety.

Building a Community Recovery Program: Dave's program, “Community Recovery,” adapts the 12-step model to his church, incorporating scripture and making steps more memorable to reinforce recovery.

Impactful Stories and Realities: Dave’s experiences are filled with stories of hope, like his emotional moment on a baseball field, and recovery stories from his ministry. He also shares the tough realities, from the physical demands of supporting someone in withdrawal to the safety precautions needed in some environments.

Final Thoughts: Dave calls for compassion, seeing addiction as a condition, not a flaw, and focusing on Christ’s transformative power. His testimony offers hope for those struggling and insight for anyone in recovery ministry.

This episode captures Dave Hamlin's inspiring journey and practical wisdom for anyone navigating recovery or serving those who are.

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