Addiction and Recovery

“Addiction is an ‘equal opportunity’ illness, having no regard for our customary categories of religion, race, or culture. It impacts the totality of life–physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.Martha Postlethwaite has provided a unique account of her pilgrimage using both her professional experience as the pastor of the Recovery Church and her own personal experience to elucidate the dynamics of addiction and recovery. The book features a rich intermingling of the biblical tradition, her theology, the arts, the centrality of story, and the healing power of community. The reader is not only led on this expedition but is encouraged to participate by reflecting on what has been written and writing one’s own story as suggested by the exercises at the end of each chapter. It was a pleasure to read this book, savor its insights and its pragmatic value both professionally and personally. The writing stimulates the mind, touches the heart, and kindles hope for both resurrection and transformation.” –Robert H. Albers, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Pastoral Theology (Retired), United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities

“This book is gift. Postlethwaite invites the reader to a pilgrimage journey of healing from (and through) addiction. The reader is given practices to sustain sobriety and soul. There is truth, humanity, and resurrection woven through these pages. Through poetry and lyrical prose, Postlethwaite invites those dealing with the chronic brain disorder of addiction to know that ‘there are things no one should bear alone.’ Addiction and Recovery: A Spiritual Pilgrimage invites us to come into the community of those in recovery, to come home to our God-beloved selves.” –Rev. Elizabeth Macaulay, Lead Pastor, Christ United Methodist Church, Rochester, MN

“This is an important book for an audience interested in placing addiction and recovery within a context of the radical hospitality of the twelve steps, Jesus, and the Gospels. Martha guides us gently along this journey, or pilgrimage as she prefers, using stories of members of her beloved community the Recovery Church, where she serves as pastor. She also includes her own experiences, poetry, wisdom texts, and Scripture to reveal how a person who is addicted can break free through surrender, admission of powerlessness, and the essential step of reaching out for help. Throughout the book runs the thread of hope for the hopeless, possibility for those in despair, and the transformative power of love, both human and divine. Most attractive, perhaps, is the ability this author has of making spiritual matters quite practical. Each chapter concludes with questions for reflection and discussion and an invitation to a different spiritual practice. In language both precise and inviting, Postlethwaite’s expertise and experience shines through as she encourages readers to stretch into the possibilities of a life lived free from addictive habits and substances.” –JoAnn Campbell-Rice, Spritual Care Professional, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Martha Postlethwaite has spent her professional life listening to and sharing stories in numerous settings, including as a seminary chaplain and in congregations. A United Methodist Church pastor, she is trained in counseling psychology and spiritual direction. After twenty-two years in theological education, Martha found her true home as the lead pastor of The Recovery Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.