Heartland Recovery welcomed approximately 120 people to the third annual Addiction and the Church event, “Made for More.” It was encouraging to have people from more than ten churches, along with community partners such as Centerstone, Mark Twain Behavioral Health, the Dream Center in Troy, court liaisons, counselors, psychologists, pastors, elders, deacons, and others. Through helpful speakers, powerful testimonies, worship, and fellowship, we considered how the Church can respond to addiction with truth, compassion, and the hope of Christ.
Guest speaker Vic Comstock, from Family Life Fellowship of Moberly, explored the spiritual root of addiction as misplaced worship, unpacking why genuine healing goes beyond temporary behavior change to true spiritual transformation through worship, repentance, and seeking God’s presence.
Vic Porter (founder of the Institute of Self Worth) followed, reminding us that God does not define us by our performance but by His love for us.
Jerica Bowman, LMSW, from Landmark Recovery in Jefferson City also shared valuable insight on mental health and the ways churches can come alongside those who are struggling. Using the analogy of a “shared playground”, Jerica explained how clinical treatment and the local church are complementary partners—not substitutes—in long-term recovery. Her presentation shed light on what unique strengths each brings to the table, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why the church provides the essential elements of purpose and community that clinical settings cannot offer alone.
Recovery ministry leaders Scott Miller, Adrienne Miller, and JC Morgan also spoke about how Jesus responds to brokenness with intentional compassion—looking beyond destructive conditions and labels to speak to a person’s God-given identity and purpose. Rehabilitation and sobriety are not the finish line—they are the starting point; the next step is the “battle after the battle,” renewing the mind and walking in discipleship in everyday life.
Thanks again to Shottenkirk Toyota of Quincy for sponsoring lunch for the event, Bethel Fest Hall for catering, and the residents of the Heartland Men’s and Women’s Recovery Programs for their hard work serving throughout the day.
Archived videos of the presentations are available on the HlandTV YouTube channel.
