The theological and basic biblical principle informing this study is one of accountability. That is, this writer feels primarily accountable to Jesus’ pastoral ministry, as redeemer. He came to serve the many and not to be served (Matt 20: 26-28). I understand that in verse 28, the idea of “serving the many” is an inclusive term that extends beyond the boundaries of pastoral care, beyond the context of the church, and for that reason the spirit empowers us to do that task.
Hence, the purpose of this doctoral project is to develop a training program to integrate people in recovery and their families into the church and provide a greater opportunity to maintain and retain his/her sobriety, spirituality, serenity, and redemption. Thus, the project embraces, as partners in dialogue, the community-based secular agencies already providing services to the chemically dependent population.
