Refuge Coaching

Veritas West has strong ties to the Refuge Ministries, a four phase disciple-making program that gives former addicts a knowledge of their true identity in Christ. Veritas West created ways for the body of Christ to connect with the men at various stages in recovery. One avenue is “Refuge Coaching,” where men from the church form intentional friendships with those in phase three of recovery. These men serve as financial and life coaches to offer support, resources, and advise. Read below if you’d like to know more about becoming a coach.

Address
12 S Terrace Ave
Columbus, OH 43204

Coaching
Thursdays, 7:00pm – 8:00pm

“Authentic relationships with those in need have a way of correcting the we-will-rescue-you mindset and replacing it with mutual admiration and respect.”
Robert Lupton

How to Be a Refuge Coach

Who

Anyone who has the time and energy for an intentional relationship.

Honest
Courageous
Bible-believing follower of Jesus
Prayerful

When

Refuge Ministries staff will match you with two guys in Phase 3
Once-a-week/Wednesday nights
At least a 6-month commitment

Why

Refuge is a place for the broken, the poor, the downtrodden. We can’t just have good theology though—we have to be intentional about living it out by pursuing relationships.
Our goal is to simply be intentional about bringing Phase 3 Refuge guys into the Body of Christ by organizing and forming friendships that offer support, resources, and advise.

Three Roles

Friend

Touch base weekly. This is not a rule, but a guideline. Do not obsess about what you will say or do; just be a faithful friend.
Pray daily for him and ask for opportunities to serve and lead this individual towards Christ.

Financial Coach

As believers, we trust God’s call to be good stewards of our finances. Your role as an Advocate is to help guide him specifically in the area of personal finances.
Once or twice a month, specifically discuss finances.

Life Coach

Fill out a Plan of Action the first time you meet.
Hold them accountable to their goals and walk hand-in-hand with them, providing the support necessary for them to make hard decisions and stop old habits.

Befriending-Addict2

Wes Thompson, Pastor at the West Congregation

Interview with Wes Thompson

In the audio clips below, Pastor Wes Thompson talks about the challenges the church faces when discipling people with substance abuse addiction.

Substance abuse is an epidemic in Ohio. In 2013, four people died each day from heroin. Now it’s twelve. Listen above as Pastor Wes Thompson tells us more about the seriousness of the drug epidemic.

“For some reason, healthy people with hearts full of compassion
forget fundamentals when it comes to building relationships with those they attempt to serve. Forging ahead to meet a need, we often ignore the basics: mutuality, reciprocity, accountability. In doing so, relationships turn toxic.”
Robert Lupton

Plan of Action

A “plan of action” is a tool that will help you focus on specific tasks to improve your current situation. Our goal as coaches is to create growth, not dependency. We want a plan that focuses on goals and solutions, rather than problems. Once a problem is acknowledged and change is desired, we will concentrate on dreams and desires for the future. This plan is most effective when complemented by Christian support and accountability. A “plan of action” is perfect for you if 1) you want to improve your current situation and 2) you are willing to work with a Refuge support person over a period of time to achieve your goals.

Download Plan of Action