Dr. Mark E. Shaw talks about the group of individuals and ministries that comprise The Addiction Connection. Reading 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, Mark explains the theme for the previous Addiction Connection Summits (TAC's annual gathering every fall). Verses 9-12 paint a broad picture that Dr. Shaw applies to those who are helping the addicted and their families. CABC (Commissioned Addictions Biblical Counselors) are sacrificing, working hard, serving in their local churches and their own ministries. They are persevering saints. Verse 13 talks about the Word of God being at work inside a believer's heart. Mark mentions the Selfie Dad movie, which is about an average marginal Christian who was not really doing much in his walk with Christ. The Word of God was exalted as something to be feasting upon... reading, studying, memorizing, and focusing upon the Bible.
When the Holy Spirit does this work in your heart, people become dear to you – not problems you have to fix or cases that you have to counsel. Loving those who are living for themselves is a powerful message that is only perfectly done by God. God is the picture of loving the unlovely hearts. The counselors we have on our TAC website emulate God in this way. We say they are amazing people and we mean it. Because we have people on our TAC website who have adopted children even one who was left at their ministry by someone who they had helped. These people are helping the addicted and their families in ways that are mind-blowing.
We have residential programs. We have non-residential programs that meet weekly. Several counselors that are listed are genuine, faithful to God as they honor God and serve the hurting addicted and their loved ones. The common thread is that you will find people who are trained and ready to share not only the Gospel but those who are ready to lay down their very lives for the addicted.
"I couldn't be more honored to be a part of this group." -Dr. Shaw
The Gospel Coalition featured Dr. Mark Shaw on its Q&A podcast on July 29, 2020.
