A Ministry with A Mission

“What are the churches in southern Indiana doing to reach out to persons affected by compulsive gambling?” This question in 2001 initiated a unique ministry for the South Indiana Conference – and the only wide scale ministry in the country within The United Methodist denomination – the Gambling Recovery Ministries, a resource for Indiana problem gamblers and their loved ones.

The outreach of GRM ranges from supportive and referral consultations with individuals and families to community information events, pulpit presentations, and professional continuing education events (with CEU) for clergy, mental and public health professionals, and social workers. Our materials have been sent across the nation to persons calling for help with problem gambling. Gambling Recovery Ministries is a mission and outreach of hope and help. As a result of GRM’s work with individuals affected, directly or indirectly, by problem gambling, many lives have been changed.  From our very beginnings, the venture we have experienced has been not only awesome but also a very spiritual one.  With every prayerful step taken and the opening of each new door, we have continuously discovered that God was already there … meeting us! 

A MINISTRY OF PRAYER

GRM is a ministry of prayer: God’s messages of love, forgiveness, peace and strength have become steady points, along with requested prayer. Prayers for this cutting edge ministry are coveted! Because of Gambling Recovery Ministries’ outreach, lives have been changed, hope restored, and faith found! Director, Rev. Janet Jacobs shares a special story about GRM’s outreach:

“Some time ago, I spoke with a group of clergy members in a training session about problem gambling.  Later, a phone call came.  Of course, it wasn’t the first call to GRM for help; but the person seeking help had been referred by one of those pastors at the clergy meeting.  Not only could I offer hope and help, but also, I knew for certain that the person calling would be upheld and supported by a pastor with new knowledge and understanding to affirm and assist this person to take those early, crucial steps of recovery.”

Learn more about this special ministry for those impacted by disordered gambling.