Greg shared his story on WDJC 93.7 on July 5, 2016. Click the links below to listen to the three segments.
About Greg and Stacey
Greg & Stacey Oliver are keenly aware of the devastation caused by pornography & sexual addiction. For years, during his time as a worship & 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 just find the right formula, he would be able to make better choices and no one would have to know. 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 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 & 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 & Stacey discovered how much unhealthy beliefs and behaviors had taken control of their lives, influencing how they viewed themselves, other people, and even God. 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 & 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 & Stacey are available for individual or couple’s coaching. For more information on coaching, click HERE.
Awakening to Recovery
People who struggle with sexual brokenness & 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 serious 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.”
But if you’re here and reading this, something is happening. Maybe you’ve had enough and can’t live another day the way things have been. Maybe 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. Maybe you’re a ministry leader who is trying to walk with others through one of the darkest experiences of their lives.
And the biggest question is, “What do I do now?”
While we can’t fully answer that question for you, we can introduce you to some of what you need right now. Whether you’re the one who struggles, the one who’s been betrayed, or a leader who’s trying to help, we can point you in helpful directions and provide you with important information and resources that can help as you get the journey started.
“Greg and Stacey are friends whose story shows the beauty and power of God’s grace. I’m grateful for the way they are bringing the good news of God’s love in Jesus into places where this message is so desperately needed. Awaken isn’t just about teaching the big ideas. It’s a ministry with understanding and experience, grace and truth, hands and feet and presence.”
Matt Mason
Senior Pastor, The Church at Brook Hills
“Having personally walked the road of addiction, betrayal, and recovery, Greg and Stacey are uniquely qualified to provide care and recovery resources to those who are struggling through the bondage of sexual brokenness and addiction. Greg and Stacey focus less on the short-term, temporary solutions of behavioral change in order to address the more crucial issues of woundedness, grace, and heart change. I have worked closely with them and know them to be grace-based and gospel-centered. You will be helped by their ministry to the broken and hurting.”
Tate Cockrell, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Doctor of Ministry Programs, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
