Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is SPSARV?
The United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) is a churchwide initiative that supports United Methodists and ecumenical partners in providing ministries of prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery and advocacy.
How do I pronounce SPSARV?
It is pronounced phonetically as “SPARV”. The second “S” is silent.
Why is “special” part of the name?
The 1992 General Conference created SPSARV as a “special” initiative, giving the ministry a four-year life span. However, when the 1996 General Conference reaffirmed the ministry, the “special” status was removed, making SPSARV an ongoing ministry of the church. Since SPSARV’s name was widely recognized throughout the church, church officials decided to maintain “special” in the ministry’s name.
What does SPSARV do?
SPSARV works to coordinate and promote the Church’s involvement in all facets of substance abuse ministry. SPSARV delivers resources through its five (5) components. Those components are G.R.E.A.T.: Grants, Replication of Model Projects, Education, Advocacy, and Training/Networking.
Who does SPSARV support in its grants program?
SPSARV disseminates grants for substance abuse ministries worldwide. While priority is given to ministries initiated through local United Methodist congregations, financial support is also available for larger institutions and broader partnerships. In a Wesleyan spirit, SPSARV works through our United Methodist structure with ecumenical partners. In addition, SPSARV supports individuals – lay leaders, clergy, and church professionals – who are engaged in substance abuse ministry with educational opportunities.
Do you offer counseling or referrals?
No. To find counseling services in the United States, please visit www.samhsa.gov.
What do you mean by “related violence”?
Research findings on addiction and violence reveal that an addiction to alcohol or other drugs does not necessarily cause violent behavior. However, research also recognizes a correlation between substance abuse, addiction and various forms of violence. These forms of violence range from child and domestic abuse, organized crime, terrorism and national and global conflicts to trafficking of substances, vandalism, and date rape on college campuses due to binge drinking.
Out of sensitivity to the link between violence and substance abuse and addiction, SPSARV is charged with responding to this related violence. It is important to note that the treatment of substance abuse and addiction will not eliminate violent tendencies of individuals, nor will treatment of violent behavior eliminate substance abuse and addiction.
For more information:
Correlation between violence and substance abuse
Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
What is the Interagency and Standing Committee Task Force (IASCTF)?
SPSARV is a general church initiative, which is housed and administered by the General Board of Global Ministries. As outlined in the 1992 General Conference mandate, SPSARV coordinates a denomination-wide response to alcohol and other drugs, involving the general boards, agencies and general leadership of the church. Each quadrennium, SPSARV invites representatives of general church agencies, boards, and clergy and lay leadership throughout the global connection to serve on the United Methodist Inter-Agency and Standing Committee Task Force on Alcohol and Other Drugs (IASCTF). The IASCTF offers expertise, resources and insight as SPSARV executes its work plan.
What is SPSARV’s relationship to the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS)?
The General Board of Church and Society played a key role in the Council of Bishops Initiative on Drugs and Drug Related Violence, a two-year study of substance abuse issues in the U.S. and the Church’s response, and in the establishment of SPSARV in 1992.
Since SPSARV’s inception, GBCS has been involved on the SPSARV IASCTF and in the mission of SPSARV, both as the church’s historical connection to drug and alcohol work and a modern-day voice on legislative advocacy and program efforts. SPSARV and GBCS collaborate to ensure a unified denomination voice is heard on these efforts.GBCS also provides leadership within annual conferences through its Drug and Alcohol Coordinator network. For more information on this network, visit GBCS at www.umc-gbcs.org.
How can I get support for a drug and alcohol ministry in my area?
If you are seeking grants, training, educational opportunities, or have other ideas about how to launch a ministry in your own area, please contact SPSARV.
What is the timeline for grants?
Grants may be submitted at any time and are reviewed on a rolling basis. However, GBGM Board of Directors makes a final approval of grants at the biannual meeting in April and October. Applications for spring and summer funding for grants more than $10,000 must be received no later than January 15. Applications for fall and winter funding at that level must be received no later than July 1. Please allow 3-4 months for the review/award of grant applications. For more information on applying for a grant, please visit http://umspsarv.org/work/grants.