Common sense and the Bible say we don’t have to go to church, but they also say we need to feed our soul to thrive, or even survive. The most wretched, the most uncertain, the weakest believer is a part of the Body of Christ, the Church, and is welcomed and loved by faithful children of God. But the sad truth is, not every local church is capable of sharing the road to recovery an ex-offender must travel.
Perhaps that is the way it has to be — after all, the number of people who fall into addiction and crime should be as few as possible. So when checking out a church, try to understand any awkwardness they feel, just as they should be understanding of your own newcomer anxiety.
The place you might find the best spiritual connection is among people with struggles like your own. A 12-Step program is probably the place to find people like that, people who are working on the same personal traits and walking in the same direction as you. But all the same, as you grow and heal, you may find that it is among fellow Christians in a healthy church that you find the best spiritual food.
How to Find a Good Church – Click for Video
You might like to check out:
- The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship – led by Pastor Les Theiss who is also a correctional chaplain.
- Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples – Edmonton’s Roman Catholic First Nations, Métis and Inuit parish.
- Edmonton Native Healing Centre – Honoring Native culture through Spiritual development centered in the heart of the Creator.
- Fusion Church – Also hosts a recovery group Mondays @ 7pm
- News Destiny Church – Also hosts a recovery group Tuesdays @ 7 pm