Addiction and the Local Church
Published on 11. November 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-5271-1300-8 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"... an overdue and needed resource that will guide you on both the care of those struggling with addiction, as well as show you the value of these precious and hurting souls in desperate need of hope. Everyone should read this.
"Brian Croft
"
This book will stretch your theology, stir your compassion, and strengthen your church's mission.
"Liam Garvie
"
Drawing on theological insight and personal experience, Andy Constable and Mez McConnell offer a guide to gospel-centered ministry that tackles the sin and suffering inherent in addiction. For churches working to bring Christ's transformative power to broken communities, this book is a vital resource.
"Mario Maneville
"
Drawing upon their experiences discipling dozens of people from addicted background, they have given us a fantastic tool to not only think through the nature of addictions, but to truly help those from addicted backgrounds as they come into contact with our churches.
"Stephen Kneale
"
The strength of this book is found in its deep love of Christ, the gospel and discipleship, but perhaps its greatest strength is its understandability!
"Stephen Bray
"
... the new gold standard for Christians and local churches who want to better understand addiction and, more importantly, how to help addicts find victory through Christ.
"Timothy K. Beougher
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Tain
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-trade)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 128 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
181 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5271-1300-8 (9781527113008)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
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 three children.
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 three children.