#18 - Worshipping Our Way Out of Addiction (Justin Lakemacher and Dr. Shaw)

Dr. Mark E. Shaw interviews Justin Lakemacher, Program Director of Redemption House in Minnetrista, Minnesota which is found on The Addiction Connection's list of residential programs with a genuinely biblical approach. He serves on The Addiction Connection's Advisory Board. Justin discusses the ministry's slogan, "worshipping our way out of addiction." He explains that because every heart needs a radical transformation, immersion in the Gospel and teaching of the Biblical narrative and its practical application to life is the focus of the curriculum and teaching at Redemption House. Cultivating a new affection for God (with new desires that follow) is the goal that replaces the worship disorder of finding comfort and relief in things other than God. Justin's life verse is Romans 8:1, and he tells his redemption story through it. He explains his role at The Redemption House, the phase structure of the program itself, the integration of the residents into a local church, and the transition back home. Justin agrees that there are personal challenges to consider when working in residential addiction ministry so he must remain intentional to ensure he has relationships within his local church who care for him personally, and that he take breaks to make sure he has times of refreshing.