Addiction and the Local Church

Breaking Chains: A Biblical Approach to Addiction Ministry

In this groundbreaking book, Andy Constable and Mez McConnell draw on decades of frontline ministry experience to offer a biblical framework for understanding addiction and caring for those trapped in its grip.

Challenging simplistic views of addiction as merely a choice, disease, or emotional response, the authors present a holistic biblical perspective that addresses addiction as a sinful habit that enslaves and destroys. With unflinching honesty and deep compassion, they explore how addiction intersects with our relationship with God, others, and creation.

Addiction and the Local Church provides practical wisdom for churches seeking to:

• Reach those battling substance abuse
• Disciple new believers with addiction backgrounds
• Train former addicts for kingdom service
• Persevere through inevitable setbacks

The authors share powerful real-life stories of transformation alongside biblical insights, making a compelling case that the local church--equipped with the gospel, healthy community, and biblical discipleship--is uniquely positioned to offer what addicts truly need: not just recovery, but spiritual transformation.

A must-read resource for churches committed to reaching the broken in their communities with the life-changing power of the gospel.

Andy Constable is married to Debbie, and they have 3 kids (Isla, Isaac and Ezra). He has been at Niddrie Community Church in Edinburgh for the last 15 years in a variety of capacities but now serves as the senior pastor. He is also one of the trustees for 20 Schemes and oversees the East Hub. Mez McConnell is the pastor of Grace Church Orkney. He is also the Director of 20schemes which is dedicated to revitalising and planting gospel churches in Scotland’s poorest communities. Previously he was a missionary with street kids in Brazil. He is married and has two children.