The Pastor Who Became an Alcoholic (Brenton Sconce): Episode 3

Brenton Sconce had the life he thought he wanted. After serving in the church, he finally got the chance to lead his own. Life was good. Until it wasn't.

After leading his new congregation through COVID, it quickly became evident that there was unrest and he wasn't the fit he thought he was. So he pulled the plug and moved back home with his wife and child. Pretty quickly, the feelings of failure set in and his drinking picked up. And up. And up. Until he was stopping at the gas station in the morning just to have a few tall boys before he started his day. And that was just the beginning.

One day, he found himself rummaging through his wife's purse for change to support his habit. And after lying about it, he finally realized he needed help.

In this emotional episode of "Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic," Brenton tells his full story—from an early divorce, to pastor, to alcoholic, and eventually to rehab. He explains the struggles he faced as a pastor dealing with addiction, the importance of community and accountability in recovery, and how his identity played a significant role in his relationship with alcohol. He also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and outlines how the church can respond to addiction and the those Christians struggling with vices.

And he ultimately reminds us that no one is immune from addiction—not even a pastor.

Today, Brenton is working on a non-profit to help those struggling, is raising money for a rehab facility scholarship, and runs the incredibly funny Instagram account, Office Recovery.

Follow Brenton: https://www.instagram.com/officerecovery/.

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