Pastors, health professionals, chaplains and church members from across western Washington came together for an intensive Journey to Wholeness facilitator training — a two-day event designed to equip leaders to address addiction and trauma through Christ-centered recovery groups.
The sessions, held Oct. 13–14, 2025 at the Washington Conference office, created a space for learning, reflection and transformation.
Led by David and Beverly Sedlacek, Adventist Recovery Ministries facilitators, in partnership with Washington Conference health ministries, the training explored how pain, trauma and brokenness often drive addiction and how the gospel offers lasting healing. Participants learned that addiction is not merely a behavioral issue but a misdirected search for God’s love. They discovered how building safe, grace-filled communities can help people move from shame and isolation toward freedom and wholeness.
“The moment you were hurt, God started your healing,” shared Beverly, emphasizing God’s compassion and ongoing work in the lives of those who have experienced trauma. Sessions throughout the two days offered both practical tools and biblical insights for ministry. Topics included understanding the science of addiction, setting healthy boundaries, creating safe group environments, facilitating Christ-centered 12-step meetings and guiding participants through emotional healing and forgiveness.
Attendees represented a wide range of ministries and backgrounds — from a physician and a hospital chaplain to local church members and community volunteers — all united by a shared desire to bring hope and healing to those struggling with harmful habits. Some participants came seeking tools to serve others, while others came seeking healing for themselves and their families. As one attendee reflected, the experience was “a powerful reminder that healing is a journey we walk together, not something we face alone.”
Throughout the training, a key theme emerged: the power of community in the recovery journey. “God brings healing through relationships,” presenters reminded the group, challenging churches to become places where people feel safe to be honest about their struggles and to experience transformation together. Recovery, they said, is not only about stopping harmful behaviors, but also about discovering a new identity in Christ — one rooted in freedom, grace and purpose.
Organizers encouraged attendees to consider hosting a Journey to Wholeness group as part of their ministry to the community. By providing a safe, supportive environment grounded in biblical truth, local churches and centers of influence can become powerful agents of God’s healing and grace.
Addiction and trauma touch every community and every congregation. Through initiatives like Journey to Wholeness, Washington Conference health ministries is equipping leaders to respond with compassion, courage and the hope of Christ, who continues to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18) and lead His people toward wholeness and restoration.
To learn more about Adventist Recovery Ministries, visit adventistrecoveryglobal.org.
Participants huddle for a moment of prayer and affirmation following a guided group session.
David Sedlacek, doctor, (left) and Beverly Sedlacek, doctor, (right) present Elida Jerez, Washington Conference health ministries director, (middle) with a Journey to Wholeness kit designed for churches to launch recovery ministries.
Participants enjoy a panel discussion sharing creative ways to begin recovery ministries in their work and church context.
The two-day certification gives participants tools to launch a community Christ-centered addiction recovery ministry.
