Let's Talk About Missionaries and Addiction with Ian Morgan Cron

34 snips

Jun 5, 2025

Ian Morgan Cron, Episcopal priest and author of The Fix, explores hidden addictions in ministry and spiritual life. He talks about behavioral addictions, the wounded-healer reality of leading while struggling, and why willpower fails. He explains how 12-step principles map onto gospel transformation, the role of community, and when to seek help.

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ANECDOTE

Ian's Relapse Led To Deeper Work

Ian relapsed in 2020 after decades sober and entered 30-day treatment to address underlying issues.
He frames his book The Fix as showing how the 12 steps served as his lasting program of recovery.

INSIGHT

Addiction Extends Beyond Substances

Addiction is any compulsive mood-altering relationship with negative consequences, not just substances.
Ian lists workaholism, people-pleasing, control, pornography, food, shopping, and relationship-fixing as common addictions.

INSIGHT

Addictions As Misguided Searches For God

Addictions are misguided searches for God—seeking comfort, safety, or being seen in disordered ways.
Ian cites G.K. Chesterton to show many compulsions are attempts to meet spiritual longings.

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Are you trying to hold it all together while quietly falling apart inside? Do you ever feel like you can’t afford to be honest about your struggles—especially as a missionary leader?

In this powerful conversation with Ian Morgan Cron, author of The Fix, we dive into the hidden world of addiction among missionaries—and not just the obvious kinds.

From people-pleasing and approval addiction to secret compulsions and burnout, Ian shares a compassionate, gospel-centered invitation to freedom, healing, and transformation. Whether you’re leading a ministry or simply trying to keep your head above water, this episode offers hope, truth, and practical steps toward becoming whole in Christ.

📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

What addiction looks like beyond substances—and why missionaries are especially vulnerable
Why willpower and ministry pressure aren’t enough to overcome our internal struggles
How the 12 Steps can lead to spiritual transformation (even if you don’t consider yourself an addict)
What to do when you’re leading while secretly falling apart
How grace—not grit—is the real path forward

💭 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

What am I turning to for comfort, control, or a sense of worth?
Where do I feel unmanageable inside—even if everything looks fine on the outside?
Have I been trying to fix myself, or have I given God full permission to transform me?
What’s one ‘sneaky’ compulsion in my life that I’ve been excusing or hiding?
Who are the safe people I can process this with—and what’s keeping me from reaching out?

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