Greetings, I am Rich Gouette from Maine, USA. Maine is the most north-eastern state and is the first to see the sunrise. When people think of Maine, they think of lobster and snow. As I write this, I am looking out over my snow-covered backyard and am thankful for where I live. I am also thankful to be receiving free recovery ministry training online at the Christian Leaders Institute (Learn more about online free Bible courses, Click Here).
My Youth
My early childhood was not a secure and happy one. I experienced abandonment, insecurity, neglect, and divorce. I have come to learn that these early experiences can change the formation of our brain’s neuro-pathways. It sometimes leads to addictive behaviors to cope with what we do not handle or process properly.
When my father married my step-mother, I was 11 years old. Aside from my traumatic past, I had no church background, except for being baptized as an infant in the Roman Catholic church. My stepmom was a Christian, and she strongly felt that even though my father was not, she was supposed to marry him. She began to share Jesus with me. One evening while sitting on the side of my bed, I thought to myself that if I were to die tonight, I didn’t know this Jesus she spoke of, and consequently, would be lost forever. Shortly after that, my father and I were baptized at an AOG church. I was 16 years old.
My Journey Continues
That was almost 37 years ago. So much has happened since then: marriage, divorce, remarriage, three children, one international adoption, 30+ years of worship ministry, and years of recovery from addiction that stemmed from childhood-related trauma. Yet, I have also come to understand an ever-deepening sense of what it means to follow Jesus and enjoy a fellowship with Him. It goes far beyond salvation based on a fear of dying and being lost.
Called to Addiction Recovery Ministry
The addiction portion of my story began in me a burden and desire to minister to men out of my experience. Some years ago, I thought that I would someday help men start on a path to recovery from the darkness of addiction that holds them captive. However, I didn’t always understand the timing of entering any ministry in this area. It wasn’t until recently that I felt it was time to take steps. I wanted to offer myself within the context of my local church to begin toward this ministry. So, I’ve recently started a dialogue with my pastors. We are exploring how we might implement a recovery group and offer it to the church.
Free Recovery Ministry Training Online at CLI
Further, I wanted to get free recovery ministry training. So, I signed up after finding the Christian Leaders Institute offering online ministry training. I also desire to network with other men who have experience in this area or wish to learn about it. This networking is something that I hope to leverage in the Christian Leaders Network. So, I am reaching out and connecting with other men on the network. Thank you, CLI, for this opportunity to learn and network!
My prayer is to keep an eternal perspective, love people, and draw near to God as I work out my calling. Soli Deo Gloria!
Steps to Sign Up At Christian Leaders Institute
Step 1 – Register for a free study account that automatically enrolls you in the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2.
After you register, you will automatically be enrolled in the “getting started” course. You will locate the course at your “home” button when logged in. Scroll down to find the Christian Leaders Getting Started Course Part 1 &2 Link. Click the link and open the course.
Step 2 – Complete Part 1 of this course, and then you are allowed to enroll in mini-courses or regular courses.
The Christian Leaders Getting Started Class Part 1 shows you how to enroll in courses and mini-courses. Part 2 of the course connects your calling into ministry with programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute. Part 2 will offer some ministry training and introduce you to the other programs offered through Christian Leaders Institute.
Learn more about ordination at the Christian Leaders Alliance. Interested in a low-cost college degree? Check out the CLI’s Leadership Excellence School.
