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Our Mission and Values

Our Mission

Bearing witness to God’s love and grace, the United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) working through its Inter-Agency and Standing Committee Task Force coordinates a global response to alcohol, chemical abuse and dependency and its related violence. SPSARV prepares clergy, lay leaders and church professionals to be informed and compassionate responders to the needs of individuals and families impacted by the disease of addiction. To facilitate this, SPSARV provides resources across the United Methodist connectional system - congregations, districts, conferences, institutions and ecumenical partners that:

  • diminish the stigma associated with the disease of addiction;
  • foster ministry responses of prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and/or public policy;
  • nurture networks of committed United Methodists who provide peer support and inspire leadership throughout the global connection;
  • Celebrate wholeness, the recovery from brokenness.

Inter-Agency and Standing Committee Task Force

The Inter-Agency and Standing Committee Task Force (IASCTF), comprised of United Methodist agency staff and board members and ministry network representatives, provides leadership on the Church’s global response to alcohol, other drugs and related violence concerns. With SPSARV as the coordinating ministry, the IASCTF marshals resources to congregations, mission institutions, and community-based organizations to develop prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery and public policy advocacy responses, giving priority to local church ministries.

The IASCTF 2009-2012 Quadrennial Priorities are:

  • Awareness: Raise awareness on alcohol, other drugs and related violence concerns with special attention to the health implications of the disease of addiction.
  • Resources: Equip clergy, laity and youth/young adults with ministry resources.
  • Public Policy Advocacy: Develop United Methodist advocacy leadership to wage successful campaigns to bring about effective systemic change around the globe.

Our Values

  • Knowing and Sharing the Power of Christ’s Healing Touch
  • Serving all God’s Children inclusive of nationality, gender, race/ethnicity, geographic context, church role, and language
  • Using our God-given gifts and talents with excellence
  • Empowering the least, the last and lost