Awaken

Greg and Stacey Oliver are keenly aware of the devastation caused by pornography and sexual addiction. For years, during his time as a worship and music pastor, Greg secretly struggled with an addiction to porn and sex. This secret struggle – which was intensified by the fear of what would happen if ever exposed – led to years of attempting to stop, control, or at least manage the behavior, as well as countless prayers for God to “take it away.” Not understanding the many factors that drive addiction, Greg thought that if he could find the right formula, he would make better choices, and no one would have to know. Instead, after years of failure, he felt completely isolated from everyone in his life, including God.

While unaware of Greg’s issues, Stacey had her own struggles with insecurity and unhealthy relationship expectations. She experienced a type of idolatry within her marriage, placing hope and confidence in Greg instead of in God. She also looked to other people to give her worth, trying to be the perfect “ministry wife” and never saying no to anyone. She believed that enough “being and doing” made her OK.

That all fell apart in early 2009 when God exposed Greg’s years-long enslavement to sexual addiction. Greg lost his job, Stacey was devastated by the betrayal, and they both found themselves in a place of emptiness, completely unable to predict what would happen next.

Finally, with none of the old crutches or idols to hold on to, they began to walk a journey of recovery, guided by faithful friends and qualified therapists. It was on this journey that both Greg and Stacey rediscovered God for who He really is. Where they had seen Him as distant, angry, or always requiring more effort, they now began to see Him as the loving, gracious Father found in Scripture.

Through the process of recovery, Greg and Stacey discovered how much unhealthy beliefs and behaviors had taken control of their lives, influencing how they viewed themselves, other people, and even God. Yet, through their journey, they have seen God change them, heal them, and use them in other peoples’ lives who struggle with the same issues. Greg and Stacey feel passionately that God has brought them through their experience so that He can use them to help others find the same freedom, grace, and abundant life.

Greg and Stacey have both received training and certification in coaching. Greg is a certified Sexual Recovery Pastoral Counselor, and Stacey is a certified Mental Health Life Coach. Greg and Stacey are available for individual or couple coaching.

Awakening to Recovery

People who struggle with sexual brokenness and addiction want answers. “Why do I keep doing this?” “How can I stop?” “What’s wrong with me that I can’t change?”

They also wrestle with profound beliefs and doubts about themselves. “No one else is as bad as I am.” “I’m just a selfish, awful person.” “If anyone ever found out, that would be it for me.”

Maybe you’ve had enough and can’t live another day the way things have been. Perhaps you’ve just confessed or been exposed in your addictive behavior. Maybe you’ve just found out that your spouse, fiancée, or significant other has been keeping this secret from you. Perhaps you’re a ministry leader trying to walk with others through one of the darkest experiences of their lives.

And the biggest question is, “What do I do now?”

Whether you’re one who struggles, one who’s been betrayed, or someone who is a ministry leader trying to help, Awaken has resources that can point you in helpful directions as you pursue a journey of recovery. In addition, we have a new solution for ministry leaders called Awaken Ministry Cohorts, which will begin in early 2022. Any interested ministry leader can visit awakenrecovery.com/cohorts for more information.

Awaken is located on the second floor of the BMBA Partner Center at 1449 Medical Park Drive, Birmingham, AL 35213.

For more information about Awaken or to set up a counseling appointment, visit their website at awakenrecovery.com.