Recovery FAQ
This list will grow and change as people ask more questions—
Why are you using Celebrate Recovery? Because it is a useful tool. First, there are those among us who are in the traditional fellowships and who find that we are strengthened both in our recovery and our walk with the Lord by getting together with fellow believers who are also in recovery. Second, we view it as an additional way to reach out to people who need to be in recovery, who won't go to a traditional meeting, but who will come to "church." Third, we see it as a means to lead others in recovery who don't know Jesus to Him.
Do you also use methods other than Celebrate Recovery? Yes.
Such As? We have developed our own Recovery 101 Sunday School program. We also cooperate with the traditional fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous and the Al-Anon Family Groups.
Are you affiliated with AA? No, we are not. AA, NA, Al-Anon, and the other traditional Twelve Step fellowships "are not affiliated with any sect, denomination, political entity, organization, or institution." We respect their desire for a single-purpose independence. However, we do encourage and cooperate with the traditional fellowships. For instance, we are pleased to make our building available to AA and Al-Anon for meetings.
What’s Recovery 101? It’s a program developed by some members of our congregation for use as an adult Sunday School class. It provides an introduction to the Biblical principles of recovery. Click on the link in the sidebar to learn more.
Do I really have to do all the Steps? No, you don't have to. But before you decide to pick and choose among them, consider this: Only about 3 to 5 % of people who "try" AA (as an example) by attending a few meetings and sorta/kinda doing some work have a successful recovery. On the other hand, AA members who get with the program, get a sponsor, and work the Steps as suggested have a much better success rate. About half achieve long-term sobriety. About half of the rest may fall off the wagon but manage to get back to sobriety. How healthy do you want to get?
Do I have to join a traditional fellowship too? No, you don't have to. But before you decide, consider this: Those of us who have been in recovery for a long while value the support we find in organizations like AA and NA. We suggest that you get involved with a fellowship that addresses your specific need. Celebrate Recovery is a great tool, but it's generic. A codependent has some things in common with a victim of child abuse, and they both share common problems with a drug addict, but they each have needs unique to their situation. Each will benefit from the experience, strength, and hope of those who have struggled with the similar issues.
Where can I find a sponsor? Go to different meetings and listen. You'll find someone who has been there, done that, and has the t-shirt ... and who seems to speak from his heart in ways that touch you. Such a person is a good candidate for your sponsor.
What's the differences among religious, spiritual, and secular recovery programs? A religious program is one that is based on a particular religious view of its Higher Power. Our programs are religious; our Higher Power is Jesus. A spiritual program is one that suggests that belief in a Higher Power is necessary, but does not require a particular understanding of God. A traditional fellowship with a Third Step such as AA's which refers to "God as we understood Him" would be an example of such a program. A secular program is one with no spiritual component whatsoever. These program do not use the Twelve Steps or water them down so as to make them meaningless.