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

He had it all. Or did he?

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.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Brenton’s upbringing as a pastor’s kid

• Turning to alcohol after a painful divorce

• Hidden struggles beneath outward pastoral success

• Emotional turmoil after leaving ministry, leading to deeper addiction

• The heartbreaking confrontation with his wife

• Experiences in rehab and ongoing recovery support

• The critical role of finding identity in Christ

• Restoration and rebuilding trust with his family

• Vision for church support and creating safe spaces for discussing addiction

About this week’s guest: Brenton Sconce

A former Pastor with over a decade in ministry, Brenton Sconce has been on a recovery journey since July 2022. He founded the Instagram account OfficeRecovery to blend humor and healing, helping others smile, learn to laugh again, and take the next right step forward. With an MBA in leadership underway, he’s passionate about creating supportive spaces in faith and recovery communities. Available for speaking and writing engagements, he focuses on faith, sobriety, and inclusive, compassionate leadership.

• Instagram: Office Recovery and Bloomsday Bearcrawl

Key moments

• 04:22 The Birth of the Office Recovery Instagram account

• 07:15 The Importance of Accountability in Recovery

• 10:25 Brenton's Personal Journey with Alcohol

• 19:29 The Struggles of Pastoral Identity and Alcoholism

• 30:45 Health Crises and the Turning Point

• 40:33 Entering Treatment and Finding Support

• 46:17 Life After Rehab and Rebuilding Relationships

• 55:56 The Role of Identity in Recovery

• 01:05:55 Advice for Those Seeking Help

Video version

Watch the video version of Episode 3 below:

Quotes:

• "If you have a moment of clarity, act on it. Say something, just start the conversation."

• "The fear of what might happen if you speak up is real, but God's grace on the other side is infinitely more powerful."

• "You’re beloved by God. Your identity isn’t rooted in what you do but in who you are in Christ."