By Floyd Godfrey, PhD

One of the most influential environments in a believer’s life is the local church. Within the church community, individuals often seek guidance, healing, and restoration. However, not every church culture fosters spiritual growth and emotional recovery. Some environments may unintentionally reinforce addictive behaviors and unhealthy patterns. Understanding how to discern a church culture that promotes healing versus one that cultivates addiction is vital for pastors, parents, and everyday believers navigating their walk with Christ.

Healing Cultures: A Climate of Grace and Truth

A healthy church culture creates an atmosphere where people can be honest about their struggles without fear of unfair criticism. It fosters transparency, cultivates grace, and acknowledges that healing often comes through community and connection.

In James 5:16, we are reminded, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." This verse reflects the value of mutual vulnerability and the healing power of supportive relationships. Churches that live out this principle emphasize grace, encouragement, and truth rather than fear and performance.

Authenticity is another hallmark of a healing church. When leaders model honesty about their own weaknesses, it signals to the congregation that it's safe to be real. Authenticity doesn’t mean broadcasting every detail of one’s life; rather, it reflects a commitment to living in truth rather than hiding behind religious facades.

Addictive Cultures: When Shame, Isolation, and Legalism Dominate

In contrast, some church environments unintentionally create conditions that reinforce addiction and emotional brokenness. These churches often rely on strict legalism, performance-based acceptance, and shame-based teaching.

1. Isolation and Lack of Connection
Addiction thrives in isolation. When a church doesn’t foster close relationships or small groups where people feel known, individuals may withdraw and hide their struggles. A lack of connection can make it nearly impossible for someone battling addiction to seek support.

2. Lack of Transparency and Authenticity
When vulnerability is not modeled by leaders, or when congregants fear judgment, transparency dies. A culture that avoids honesty inadvertently teaches people to suppress their pain. Addictions often develop or worsen when individuals feel they must manage their struggles alone.

3. Over-Promotion of Accountability without Relationship
While accountability can be a helpful tool in recovery, it must be handled carefully. In some settings, accountability is emphasized without proper relational depth or discipleship. This often turns into a checklist of behaviors rather than a path toward heart change. People become focused on “doing right” rather than being transformed by the Spirit.

4. Shame Induction Versus Grace-Filled Restoration
Some churches use shame as a tool to modify behavior. This includes harsh preaching, public rebuke, or fear-based messaging. Shame tells people, “You are the problem,” while grace says, “You are loved, even as you grow.” Romans 2:4 reminds us, "God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance." True repentance arises from experiencing God’s love, not from being crushed under guilt.

5. The Influence of Legalism
Legalistic churches often equate spirituality with rule-keeping. In such environments, people measure holiness by outward behavior rather than inward transformation. This approach often backfires. Individuals battling addiction may feel they’ll never measure up, leading them to hide their issues and sink deeper into destructive habits.

Paul warned the Galatians about the dangers of returning to the law after being set free by grace. In Galatians 5:1, he writes, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." When churches rely too heavily on rules rather than the power of the Holy Spirit, they risk creating an atmosphere where addiction and shame can quietly grow.

What to Look for in a Healing Church

If you're evaluating your own church or helping someone else discern a healthy environment, here are some questions to consider:

• Do the leaders model authenticity and transparency?
• Is there an emphasis on both truth and grace?
• Are people invited into real relationships, or are they expected to manage their growth alone?
• Is accountability relational and restorative, or is it behavior-focused and punitive?
• Does the church emphasize transformation by the Holy Spirit or rule-keeping and performance?
• Is shame used to control behavior, or is grace extended to promote growth?

Healing happens in environments where the love of Christ is evident, grace is abundant, and people are invited into safe relationships. When a church emphasizes connection, authenticity, and spiritual growth through the power of the Holy Spirit, recovery from addiction becomes not just possible, but expected.

Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.