Post 66

Back Then  ...  at least,  10 Years Ago

This month, I gave a presentation to teachers, all members of an honorary organization of women educators.  The program was entitled, TEEN GAMBLING: An Emerging Concern for a Healthier America. The PowerPoint was an updated version of one I had presented at a United Methodist sponsored 2008 national conference, in the Washington, D.C., area.  As I reviewed the slides' details, I marveled at two realities: (1)  the statistics for teen gambling, at the turn of the 21st century, were and presently are similarly alarming;  and  (2)  the early cautions concerning youth involvement in internet betting (and like endeavors) bear even deeper depths of warning now!

To illustrate the above, take note of the following statements circa 1998- 2004.

•  1998 Louisiana State University Study of Problem Gambling in the State of Indiana:  Survey of Indiana Adolescents in Grades 6-12 ... Problem Gambling Rate: 11.2%; Compulsive Gambling Rate: 7.5%
• Year 2000:  In a recent review of 14 U.S. and 6 Canadian Adolescent Gambling Studies, researchers found that in the past 10 years, the number of teenagers ages 12 to 17 reporting serious gambling problems has increased by 50%.  The age of onset for gambling has dropped so that now throughout America, the majority of 12 year-olds have already gambled. (Jacobs 2000) 
• March 2001:  The American Psychiatric Association issued a mental health advisory on Internet gambling and addiction, with a special emphasis on the dangers for young people.
• 2003 Nebraska Risk & Protective Factor Student Survey:  Of the students who had gambled, the most common age to begin is 10 or younger for both genders;  ... 80-90% parents report knowing their children gamble for money and do not object. 
• 2005: National Council on Problem Gambling ... 30-45% of college students gamble on a weekly basis ... 8% of college-age adults are pathological gamblers

So where are we now?  Continuously, over the years, I hear similar reports to those above.  It seems that within every professional conference on problem gambling that I attend, there is a call for additional and ongoing research, plus societal awareness of youth gambling. 

With this said, I want to share again, in the spirit of awareness, information on the January 29-30 Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling Annual Education and Awareness Conference and the January 30 - February 1 Lexington GA/Gam-Anon Mini-Conference.

UPDATE ON CLERGY/LAY MINISTERS CERTIFICATION TRAININGS In collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, initial Training Sessions for the  Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification (sponsored by the  American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board) will take place before and during the Kentucky Council's 18th Annual Problem Gambling Educational and Awareness Conference on January 29-30, 2015.  The Conference will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, KY  (I-64/75 at Newtown Pike, Lexington).  These sessions will compose the beginning segment of the required curriculum for national certification.

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Sessions will begin on Thursday, January 29 at 9:00 AM at the Clarion.  The Conference begins, also, on Thursday  ... at 1:00 and continues until Friday at 5:00 PM. 
** ALSO, if you are planning to attend the Clergy/Lay Ministers training sessions (beginning Thursday morning), PLEASE INDICATE THIS ON YOUR KENTUCKY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.

 Registration details for the Conference can be found on the Kentucky Council's website at
www.kycpg.org  and/or by contacting the Council's Executive Director Mike Stone at kmstone@mis.net

Hotel room group rate deadline is January 8.  Make room reservations to jgunsten@clarionhotellex.com 

50 Scholarships are available for the $100 registration fee and one night's lodging. Apply to kmstone@mis.net   Application for scholarship application is January 5.

Along with the Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Training Sessions (Trainers, Curtis Barrett, Ph.D. and Rev. Janet Jacobs), other highlights of the Conference feature topics on Sports Gambling (Speakers, Tom Brew and Rick Benson), Prevention Efforts (Speaker, Julie Hynes), PTSD, Military, & Gambling (Speaker, Jose Flores), PTSD & Veterans (Speaker, Dr. Lionel Phelps), and Problem Gambling Awareness in Eastern Kentucky Research (Speaker, Rev. Scott Hunt, Ph.D.).   

For information on the Lexington GA/Gam-Anon Mini-Conference on January 30-February 1 at the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, visit www.gamblersanonymous.org  This open conference begins at 5:30, on Friday, January 30, with a Joint Reception (refreshments) with the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling and the Mini-Conference participants. 

I close this month's GRM Blog with a certain and ominous conclusion from the 2003 Nebraska Survey (see above): 

With the increase in gambling in the U.S., the true impact on youth will likely take years to realize.

Amen!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit www.grmumc.org








               

Post 65

GIFT RESPONSIBLY!

Earlier this month, at the American Board's Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Training in New Jersey, our presenter of clinical curriculum spoke about "gifting responsibly" ... that is, being mindful of the age-appropriateness factor when giving presents to children.  He shared that as a child on family vacations, he and his brother would each be given money for a roll of arcade tickets - to last for the week.  However, by the first day's closing, he  - unlike his brother - would have spent all of his money!  The rush, the thrill, the excitement of winning (or almost winning) was far too tempting to keep on spending rather than to parcel out tickets for each day.  

This month of December finds many folks spending and spending.  It seems the "season of gift-giving" can occupy the mind - and wallet!  Finances stretched; time spent shopping (and fighting traffic); angst over how much to give whom ... YES, definitely, we can make a point on each topic concerning how we approach and carry out gifting others.  And they all have a great deal to say about healthy perspectives and responses.  Yet there's another angle to gifting responsibly when it comes to problem gambling and recovery issues. 

Sometimes, adults gift children in ways they would enjoy receiving.  The present might be something they had hoped for as a child or now as an adult.  Yes, you guessed it, how about lottery tickets or scratch-offs.  Of course, the child cannot cash in a winning ticket - but the grown-up can.  Unfortunately, often these thoughts do not go beyond that point.  However, it's a serious argument to say that giving such opportunities to minors to gamble can set in motion hopes, aspirations, and/or feelings of excitement to a mind not ready to understand the reality of gambling as only a chance (not a certainty) for winning.   

Therefore, December's GRM Blog carries a Press Release from the National Council on Problem Gambling.  Below are the first three paragraphs of the article.  For the full report, go to www.problemgambling.com  It is a timely reminder for us to give responsibly!

STUFF STOCKINGS RESPONSIBLY

If you give a lottery product as a gift, please make sure you keep the person's age in mind.  Studies suggest that gambling remains a popular activity among youth and adolescents who receive lottery tickets as gifts tend to begin gambling earlier in life - a possible risk factor for more severe gambling problems.  Researchers have also reported a correlation between age of gambling onset and problem gambling.

This information, along with the concern about adolescent problem gambling, has prompted the National Council on problem Gambling (NCPG) and the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors at McGill University as well as dozens of lottery corporations around the globe to collaborate in the annual Holiday Campaign aimed at increasing public awareness about the impact of gifting lottery products to underage minors.

NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte explained that it's vital to raise awareness because research has shown that some problem gamblers report beginning gambling during childhood - as early as 9-10 years of age.  "The Holiday Campaign is a way to remind people that they can keep the fun in the holidays by gifting lottery tickets responsibly to adults."

UPDATE ON CLERGY/LAY MINISTERS CERTIFICATION TRAININGS

In collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, initial Training Sessions for the  Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification (sponsored by the  American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board) will take place before and during the Kentucky Council's 16th Annual Problem Gambling Educational and Awareness Conference on January 29-30, 2015.  The Conference will be held at the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, KY  (I-64/75 at Newtown Pike, Lexington).  These sessions will compose the beginning segment of the required curriculum for national certification.

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Sessions will begin on Thursday, January 29 at 9:00 AM at the Clarion.  The Conference begins, also, on Thursday  ... at 1:00 and continues until Friday at 5:00 PM. 

Registration details for the Conference can be found on the Kentucky Council's website at
www.kycpg.org

Hotel room group rate deadline is January 8.  Make room reservations to jgunsten@clarionhotellex.com 

50 Scholarships are available for the $100 registration fee and one night's lodging. Apply to kmstone@mis.net   Application for scholarship application is January 5.  

ALSO, if you are planning to attend the Clergy/Lay Ministers training sessions (beginning Thursday morning), PLEASE INDICATE THIS ON YOUR KENTUCKY CONFERENCE REGISTRATION.

For information on the Lexington GA/Gam-Anon Mini-Conference on January 30-February 1 at the Clarion Hotel in Lexington, visit www.gamblersanonymous.org  

I hope to see many of you next month in Lexington!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries


For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org


 




  

Post 64

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification Trainings:
Off and Running ... with More to Come!

Training is now in place - and going on - for the brand-new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification in Gambling Addiction Prevention, Education, Awareness, and Spiritual Outreach Care!  This national Certification is a pioneering project of the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board that specifically addresses the role of clergy and lay ministers, within faith-based settings, to provide the most effective first responder care to individuals impacted by problem gambling.

The American Board's vision for this program is nationwide in scope!  Imagine:  trained and certified faith leaders - of all faiths - who are bridging the gaps between those seeking help and treatment resources and support groups.  It's a huge vision ... but one that's not too large for the oldest national certifying gambling counselor certification board in the country!

The initial pilot training program is currently underway in New Jersey.  Modules 1 and 2 have already taken place and the final training Modules 3 and 4 are scheduled for December 2 and 3. The classes take place at St. James Church, 115 E. Delaware Ave., Pennington, NJ (in Trenton Area) from 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM. 

It is not too late to register for Modules 3 and 4!  Each Module is self-contained; and additional re-runs of these trainings will be scheduled in the future.  Contact the American Board for registration information at (609) 588-9338.

Furthermore, plans are in the making for the Trainings to come to Kentucky - in January!  In collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, initial segments of the Clergy/Lay Ministers trainings will be scheduled during the Kentucky Council's Annual Education Conference in Lexington (Clarion Hotel) on January 29-30.  More information will be forthcoming so check GRM's December and January Blog Postings!  Also, contact the Kentucky Council's Director Mike Stone at (502) 223-1823 for details on the January Conference.

Then too, the Gamblers Anonymous/Gam-Anon Lexington Mini Conference will take place at the Clarion on January 31-February 1. This is an "Open" event, filled with information on recovery from compulsive gambling; and the welcome mat is extended to all!  The phone number for the Lexington GA Help Line is (855) 222-5542.

Join with me, please, in thanksgiving for this special clergy/lay ministers certification program ... for its expanding outreach, and the real difference trained and certified, faith-based first responders can make!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, go to www.grmumc.org



             

Post 63

FEAR: Is It Sealing Your Fate?

Here in Midwest USA, we are enjoying the height of autumn: brilliant colors of red, orange, and golden foliage, apple orchards ripe for the picking, cool - yet sunny - crisp days, and fresh pumpkin pies.  The Halloween holiday is fast approaching and little trick-or-treaters dressed in costume will be ringing doorbells with their sacks opened wide for more candy.  It was a favorite holiday for me during elementary school days.  My identity masked, I could sit anywhere in the classroom and celebrate (for a short time) being someone - or something - else.  Rarely though, were my classmates fooled as my height usually gave me away. 

 Most of the spookiness attached to Halloween was in fun and not scary at all.  However, there was a notable exception.  During my freshman year in college, several very creative members of my young adult ministry organization decided to conduct a haunted house tour of their own.  It was just for us - not a public event ... and the only one I knew of in the Toledo area.  Driving past the outskirts of town and down a lonely country road was creepy enough ...  but when we came upon a solitary figure garbed in full-length shepherd’s robe and shadowed face, the fright began.  We knew better to be truly scared – however, the newness of our adventure and the anticipation of unknown happenings stretching before us did give us more than a taste of fear.  We weren’t sure we really wanted to step into this unmet-before arena!        

As I revisit that haunted house experience, I must admit – yes - that even though I knew no harm would take place, there were actual moments of surprising fright.  Then too, there was, indeed, a fear of the unknown as the tour continued.

Likewise, in our journeys of recovery (all kinds), the future – without the companionship of active addiction and/or reliance upon old, familiar coping behaviors – can be seen as a frightening place to enter.

So what are we talking about?  Fear?  Yes.  Courage?  Again, yes.  Actually, it’s about facing one’s fear of re-entry, so to speak, as a recovering person – solely armed with brand new skills and lessons from therapy and/or 12 Step group support.  BUT … why then, the fear? (And it can be sensed as real fear too.)  Once more, and sadly, the terror of facing life without the old companions (addictive/self-abuse responses) can hold back progress in recovery.   

Basically, the flip side of fear is courage … the stepping ahead, the moving forward, the no-turning-back.  In his book, Three Steps to Integrity, the Reverend Dr. Bill Jenkins details an entire section on courage.  In response to the five common fears listed below, I am including supporting thoughts (italicized) shared by Dr. Jenkins, as well as other practical suggestions. 

Five Common Fears in Facing New Life in Recovery

(1)   What will I do to fill my time when I am no longer ________?  I’ll need to find new interests but I don’t know where to begin.  If I have too much free (empty) time, I’ll get bored – and that’s a sure ticket to _____________.  What if I try new hobbies and don’t like them?  What if they’re too expensive?  What if there’s nothing to do, etc., etc.?

Short term goals are often stepping stones, or intermediate steps, toward achieving a long term goal. (WLJ)

Fill spare time with multiple and accomplishable tasks and activities.  Eventually, you will achieve a balance of things to do and enjoy, in your spare time.        

(2)  What if I fail?  Feeling failure will just sink me deeper into my depression.  Then I’ll seek comfort by _________ and then I’ll feel more like a failure.

Courage includes perseverance, continuing to seek a goal in the midst of opposition, obstacles, discouragement and even failure. (WLJ)

If you experience a slip, get back on the one-day-at-a-time wagon.  Return to the ways of recovery (again, take each day as it comes)  – attending support meetings, checking back with the counselor, reading recovery material, and counting on your Higher Power for help.

(3)  I’ll lose my identity … I actually like to/find pleasure in  _____________.  My self –image is that of a ____________; and I can escape to this other “life” and be “myself”.

Plato placed an emphasis on being rather than just doing.  Morality stems from your character identity, rather than being a reflection of the actions alone.  (WLJ)

This is a toughie.  How intertwined we can be with an image we have come to adopt – actions and all.  Has this identity associated with __________  given you a perceived sense of  strength and valor …  helped you to lose shyness and be social and, perhaps, feel glamorous … OR simply enabled you to claim a personal identity when there seemed to be none?

Untangling one’s self from the ___________ identity, in reality, opens the door to hard and consistent recovery work … but it’s worth it!  Find others successfully  in recovery; learn from them; notice how they value themselves AND how they value you for yourself ! 

(4)  I’ll lose my friends … how can I find new ones?

Counselors know from experience that many people are unhappy because they expect their spouse, children, or employer to “make them happy”.  No person or thing can make you happy.  You are the only one who can make you happy.  That can only happen when you have inner wholeness, peace, and integrity.  (WLJ)

The 12^th Step in the Gamblers Anonymous Recovery Program (paraphrased) calls for the recovering gambler to pass on the message of hope and help to those in need of recovery from compulsive gambling.  Commonly, we hear the saying that by helping others, we receive more of a blessing than those receiving help.  Service to others plays a significant role in recovery; and working alongside others, in service, provides an arena wherein new friendships are made.

(5)  Can I really lose this FEAR that rules my life?  What if my family never trusts me again?  What if my friends never forgive me?  What if I never get out of debt?  What if I lose my job?  What if I wind up in a treatment center?  What IF?  What IF?  What IF?

A more modern context of courage involves things such as overcoming addictive habits, irrational anxieties, and negative co-dependent relationships. … Dr. Theodore Malloch wrote, “Virtues are seen at their most admirable in adversity, when they seal the fate of the one who has them.  We know this from the virtue of courage…” (Malloch, Theodore R., Doing Virtuous Business: The Remarkable Success of Spiritual Enterprise, Thomas Nelson, Inc. 2011; also quoted in Three Steps to Integrity, The ABC Model, William L. Jenkins, Xulon Press, 2012, p.67)

As the expression goes, borrowing trouble describes our What ifs as they project both present and past fears into tomorrow - and the days beyond.  Yes, healthy anticipations and concerns about the future need to be considered and accompanied by appropriate responses.   Worry that never ceases, however, preoccupies the mind … and harbors a seeking of relief, often in unhealthy ways. 

The bottom line to all of the above “fears” is this: Do you allow things you cannot do (out of fear, or for some other reason) prevent you from doing the things you should in order to experience and grow in recovery?

Blessings,

 

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on the 12 Steps to Recovery Program, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org

To visit the Christ Ministry Center website, in San Diego, and read further articles by Dr. Bill Jenkins, go to www.ChristSD.com

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit www.grmumc.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Post 62

A SLIP:  Up Front and Personal

If you have kept up with the GRM Blog this summer, you will know that I suffered a foot fracture almost four months ago.  Recovery has been going well ... lots of pain, at first, and big-time swelling.  Gradually, the tenderness subsided and my sasquatch paw has taken the shape and appearance of its right-side companion.  

Walking is comfortable now and every day, I'm feeling stronger and stronger ... so much so that my gait is back to normal and I frequently forget to - purposefully - watch my step.  Therein, lies the problem!  Sometimes, when things are starting to feel almost normal again, we may be tempted to replace our precautionary, recovery-mindsets with actions/thoughts that could very well be counterproductive to a complete return to health and wholeness. 

Take my friend's advice for me to hold onto the stairway railing always.  So the slip came. Yes, it was only one step ... but as I clutched the railing, I thought of what could result from such a misstep.  Somewhat shaken and safely seated in the family room, I then formulated some essential lessons-learned  to put back on my radar screen.  They are lessons for me; but perhaps, these barebone basics will provide wisdom and forethought for any of you in the process of recovery (for any reason!).  

This is what I am re-learning:

• When I think I'm safe to return to "normal", I need to be cautious of quick, automatic responses (maybe I can ...  but maybe not: be deliberate and think!)
• Think about those automatic responses: were they ever safe or wise?
• Are friends/family members repeatedly cautioning me about the same actions? (they actually could have a valid point) 
• Were there mini-slips (or maxi-slips) prior to the most recent one?  Have I reminded myself previously to watch out about certain actions and/or thoughts?
• After the slip, I have needed to re-plug into my getting well mindset ... and vigilantly keep it plugged in.
• Re-evaluate the situation: author new lessons-learned ... and follow them!

The Gamblers Anonymous Yellow Book (p. 17) reminds recovering gamblers to be - and stay - alert.  "Don't test or tempt yourself.  Don't associate with acquaintances who gamble.  Don't go in or near gambling establishments.  Don't gamble for anything."  This is true wisdom for the recovering gambler!  And yet, there's more ...  I close now with the final piece of advice from page 17:

Be patient!  The days and weeks will pass soon enough, and as you continue to attend meetings and abstain from gambling, your recovery will really accelerate.      Amen!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs
Founding Director
Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on the Gamblers Anonymous 12 Step Program of Recovery, go to www.gamblersanonymous.org .  Also, information on Gam-Anon, for family members, friends, and/or associates of problem gamblers can be found at www.gam-anon.org   

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit www.grmumc.org

Post 61

Declining Churches and Ministry to Gamblers

This month, we are celebrating our one year anniversary of establishing a resource ministry "outpost" at Christ Ministry Center in San Diego, California.  It's a modest start ... but from the beginning, Rev. Dr. Bill Jenkins, CMC Director, has referred to our two fully stocked mini-libraries (located within the Center) as the "West Coast Headquarters for Gambling Recovery Ministries". 
(see GRM Blog Post 42 at   www.grmumc.org )

Throughout the year, I have appreciated Bill's encouraging support and welcome mat to GRM. Not long ago, he extended - again - a welcome for Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon Meetings to meet at the Center.  Actually, we toured several nice rooms that would be quite suitable and very accommodating for weekly meetings.  As we walked the halls and visited the spaces, the vision of a resource center - with room for meetings, consultations, drop-in discussions and a library brimming with free take-home materials on problem gambling - filled my mind.  Now, I am committing this to concerted prayer ... that the Lord will bring the people and resources together to create such a center of outreach and safe harbor to seek help for recovery.

In the early ‘90’s, before God’s Call for me to enter the ministry, I was actively involved in mission at the parish level.  My pastor, at the time, shared with me a personal revelation, derived from scripture: without a vision, the people perish.  Before “visioning” ever became pop terminology, I was asked to head up a “Vision Committee” for our local church.  We met regularly for almost two years with amazing discussions and planning sessions.  It was an experience that, later, encouraged me, as a pastor, to utilize visioning in church settings and with Gambling Recovery Ministries.  Now – again – I pray for God’s visions:  for GRM and the new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification program of the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board (see Post 60 of the GRM Blog  www.grmumc.org ).  

Back to Christ Ministry Center … the facility was not always a multi-use/multi-ministry/multi-church neighborhood center.  The original structure, built during the 1950’s, housed First Evangelical United Brethren Church of San Diego, a mega church for its time.  Fast forward fifty years, along with church membership dwindling to the point of serious door-closing discussions, the call for visioning came.  Yes, eventually the Church discontinued in 2011  AND  yes, Christ  Ministry Center was born to bring hope, help, love, care, and resurrection-power to all entering the doors. Now, CMC is the home for 12 churches and multiple ministries and agencies of help - including Gambling Recovery Ministries!   

So I continue to pray for vision – not mine, but God’s.  How can GRM most effectively serve problem gamblers and their loved ones, not only in San Diego and Indiana, but wherever those impacted by gambling addiction are?  Will you join me in prayer … for Divine vision and direction … to expand this pioneering outreach of hope and help … to those on the margins of care. 

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director

Gambling Recovery Ministries

NOTE!!  The recent, fascinating article “Officially Closed, but Open to New Ministry” on Christ Ministry Center has been written by Linda Bloom, foremost journalist for the United Methodist News Service (national/international audience).  A thumbnail history describing Dr. Bill Jenkins’ work with the Center’s development is an excellent read. The message of hope and resurrection is evident and the tone is clearly one of inspiration!  Included, as well, is Dr. Jenkins’ listing of advisory suggestions for those considering the re-birthing of a “dying” church.  Check it out!

To read the article, visit:

 www.umc.org/news-and-media/officially-closed-but-open-to-new-ministry

 

For more information about Christ United Methodist Ministry Center, go to  www.christsd.com  

Post 60

ANNOUNCING ......... NEW CERTIFICATION!!

Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification 

in Gambling Addiction Prevention, Education, Awareness

and Spiritual Outreach Care    

I am very pleased to share with you breaking news about a brand-new, first ever, certification - of national stature - for clergy and lay ministers, provided by the American Compulsive Gambling Counselor Certification Board (ACGCCB). 

The American Board  now provides a process for recognizing and certifying clergy and other faith-based workers who are proficient in gambling addiction prevention education, awareness, and supportive outreach, non-clinical care.  With specialized training leading to certification, knowledgeable clergy/faith-based workers, can offer guidance, educational materials, support, hope, spiritual care, and other resources, and  help lead people to certified gambling counselors and recovery support groups.  

Generally, there are few, if any, formal systems of support within faith-based structures for persons affected adversely by disordered gambling. Responding to this need, the ACGCCB Clergy / Lay Ministers Certification is designed to provide basic knowledge about gambling addiction and treatment and recovery resources, to enhance the clergyperson’s skills at recognizing compulsive gambling, and to provide information for the gambler’s family on dealing with their loved one’s addiction. 

Additionally, ACGCCB Certification assures that Clergy and Lay Ministers possess high standards of training, competency, skills, and knowledge.  This enables people with compulsive gambling problems to have confidence that they have  professionals who can provide the very best  first responder care to persons affected, directly or indirectly, by problem gambling.

For more information on attaining this new Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification, starting the process of certification, and the locations and dates of the required Core Curriculum Training, contact the following:

                                                       

 ACGCCB

 3635 Quakerbridge Road, Suite 7

 University Office Plaza 1

 Hamilton, NJ   08619

 Phone:  609-588-9338

 www.certificationboard.com

As I stated at the beginning of Post 60, this gambling-specific Clergy/Lay Ministers Certification is a pioneering project of national scope.  Vision with me ... faith communities (all faiths!) across the country

• lead by clergy and lay ministers knowledgeable about gambling addiction and recovery issues
• equipped with a wide variety of educational materials on problem gambling
• providing information of referral to gambling-specific certified counselors and treatment programs
• welcoming Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon to meet in their faith-centers

Vision with me and pray for clergy and other faith-based workers to catch this vision and join in this new frontier of outreach to those in need of healing and hope!

Blessings,

Rev. Janet Jacobs

Founding Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries

For more information on problem gambling and recovery issues, visit www.grmumc.org