Through a new ministry called Recovering Hope, the Rev. Chris and Jennifer Goers are offering C4SO clergy couples a safe place to walk out freedom from pornography addiction and build their sexual integrity. In January, the Goers will launch their first 12-week recovery group using a curriculum they have developed from biblical principles, 12-Step wisdom and life experience.
Chris and Jennifer believe God’s ministers can be set free from addiction, and their loved ones encouraged, because they’ve walked this road themselves. Chris, a bivocational church planter at Shared Life DFW, offers men and women support and guidance based on his own journey. Twenty-three years ago, Chris was afraid he would lose everything if anyone discovered his pornography addiction—his wife, his youth ministry job, his reputation. Ashamed and fearful, he chose to hide his behavior.
But God began sending him messages in the form of other ministry leaders publicly talking about their struggles and victory over them.
“If they are talking about this and people are accepting their messages, I can ask for help, too,” Chris thought.
Meanwhile, God was convicting Jennifer about some issues in her own life. At a retreat they attended for youth ministers, Jennifer had a vision of herself as a giant statue. “God wanted me to confess being strong and in control,” she says. Chris also went forward to give his confession. When he returned, they shared with each other what God had shown them. Chris revealed that he was addicted to pornography, and God had promised to set him free.
God gave Jennifer a new vision of herself as small and helpless in the face of the towering, huge addiction. Then God said, “This is what you see, but to me it is like a flea.” And he flicked the flea away. Over the next year, Jennifer found hope from God as the couple found their way forward though pain and struggle.
Chris entered a 12 Step recovery program that brought him into a deeper and more intense walk with God than he’d ever experienced. He slowly gained confidence that helped him stop his addictive behaviors.
“I was lost in despair, but I found a freedom and happiness I had never known,” he says.
Today, they understand as few can the desperation, hurt and hopelessness of living with a spouse or family member who is sexually addicted. Together they are learning a way of life that recovers hope that seemed to be lost. And they want to offer what they’ve learned to others.
“We want to welcome others into our company with the open, loving arms of those who are traveling this road too,” Jennifer says.
Chris and Jennifer invite clergy and their spouses to sign up for one of their confidential recovery groups through Recovering Hope. Groups will meet online via Zoom, with men and women in separate groups, and walk through the 12-Step Program. Each group will last for 60-90 minutes. The cost for the 12-week program is $1,200, and the Goers invite churches or individuals to donate to the ministry with the goal of sponsoring a couple.
“God has guided us to a new and hopeful life,” Chris says. “Our hope is that you will glimpse the idea that it is possible. God’s hope for both of you is living a life that is happy, joyous and free.”
Learn more about Recovering Hope.
