Pastoral care for addicts in the congregation, with special regard to aftercare and spiritual growth

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Across Transylvania, countless people struggle with addiction, to the extent that nearly everyone is affected, either individuals themselves or at least one of their close or distant family members. The issue of addiction is exceedingly complex, as it manifests on physiological, psychological, familial, and social levels, while also impacting the spiritual life of the individual. Just as addiction is complex, so too is providing assistance to those affected. In my thesis, I sought to answer how pastors and congregations can collaborate with the church-based assistance currently available in Transylvania. For decades, The Bonus Pastor Foundation has been helping individuals seeking recovery by combining person-centered therapy with family-focused attention. Pastors need to complement this ministry to make it even more effective. Essentially, this involves continuing the work the Bonus Pastor Foundation: the aftercare of individuals with addiction and their integration into the community of the congregation.

Content category

Thesis type: MA Thesis
Subject area: Practical theology