Sex/pornography addiction and pastoral care

A one-day conference addressing the pastoral issues faced by ministers and church leaders helping those struggling with sexual addiction.

• Sex addiction issues are as present in the church as in the wider community
• A recent survey by CARE found that 97% of church leaders believe online pornography to be a serious issue within the church, but many are at a loss as to how to provide effective support in this area, which affects both men and women.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite. 

Limited to 25 participants.

About this event

This workshop has been specifically designed with a spiritual focus to help those in pastoral carer roles supporting Christians who struggle with sex or porn addiction. The day will explain addiction from a biopsychosocial perspective and explore biblical perspectives on dependency.

Ultimately, only the ‘addict’ can decide if their behaviour is ‘addictive’ or out of control. This experiential and information-packed day will help those in a supportive role to guide people towards that decision. Practical tools will also be provided along with guidance for how to set up help within the local church context and when to promote appropriate referral.

• "Peter’s workshop for church leaders on sex addiction was extremely well received by all who participated when we hosted the day at St Thomas with St Stephen due to a mix of relevant input, testimony, and space to do some processing for ourselves. He kept the focus on personal transformation through the gospel whilst being helpfully honest about the journey. At the end of the day, many church leaders were asking about the possibility of a longer course for churches." - Reverend Martin Gordon

Workshop aims

• To approach sex and porn addiction from a Christian faith perspective.
• To provide a definition of sex and porn addiction.
• To look at sex and porn addiction from a biopsychosocial perspective.
• To understand underlying causes and contributing factors.
• To provide an understanding of the cycle of addiction.
• To explore the underlying shame and wounded places or 'orphan heart'.
• To understand how escalation can lead to dangerous or illegal behaviours.
• To provide an overview of treatment options for those with addiction.
• To explore how church culture can help or hinder those seeking help.
• To explore what churches can do to support those seeking help with addiction.
• To understand the limitations of personal capacity and competence when offering hope and support.
• To understand when referral to others may be needed.

Testimonial 

• "This workshop was highly relevant and very useful in providing an understanding of the pastoral needs of those struggling with sexual addictions. Peter was clear, knowledgeable and approachable, with obvious experience in the field, and created an engaging and thought-provoking day. We were delighted to host the workshop while I was vicar of St Mark’s Battersea Rise, and I would highly recommend to anyone." Reverend Paul Perkins, former vicar St Marks Battersea Rise.