The Center drives Johnson Institute’s historical commitment to exploring the nexus between faith and science as well as seeing congregations as a critical venue for healing and understanding with regard to alcohol and other drug problems. Since 1997, JI has supported and financed work in the congregational team approach and introduced significant seminary training on addiction issues.
In 2004, the work of the Rush Recovery Institute and Faith Partners, Inc., merged into the new Rush Center of the Johnson Institute.We have launched a new national strategy and campaign to implement the Faith Partners Team Approach.
Faith Partners Team Approach
Following the JI principle of “finding and nurturing the willing,” we have launched a national advertising and promotion campaign to introduce the Faith Partners Team Approach to denominational leaders, volunteers in faith institutions, and inter-faith networks.This campaign includes advertising messages in key religious publications, staffing exhibits at faith-centered conferences, direct-mail education to local congregations, and a national Summit convening representatives of more than 20 national denominations and faith-centered organizations.
Faith Partners Training
Regional and local training sessions teach pastors and volunteer lay leaders the concepts and practices of a successful team ministry for churches, synagogues, and mosques.
Faith Partners Servicing
The Rush Center office in Austin,Texas, maintains a fulltime consulting and networking service for all registered Faith Partners Teams. Using toll-free telephone service, the internet, and publishing services, the servicing component of the Rush Center responds to team and regional needs, providing consulting, program templates, materials, and references for a wide variety of team service issues.
Faith Partners Journal
The Journal is dedicated to supporting and equipping congregational teams. It provides a place to share team experiences and new ideas as well as an outreach vehicle to interested congregations in establishing Faith Partners Teams. Bulk copies are furnished to registered teams; individual subscriptions are also available.
Rush Center Staff and Contacts
Trish Merrill, Center Director
512-451-9504
trishmerrill@johnsoninstitute.org
www.rushcenter.org
Rush Center Products
Call to Action Kit
Healing Places
Faith Partners Journal
Ministry Guides
Toll-Free Service Center 1-888-451-9527
Rush Center Training
Leadership Training
Team Training
Clergy Core Competency Training
Consulting Services