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Many people have found help and healing through the spiritual discipline of traditional Twelve-Step programs. Traditional Twelve-Step fellowships are spiritual in nature. They are all descended from Alcoholics Anonymous, and AA has its roots in such early 20th-century Christian groups as the Oxford Movement. Indeed, AA’s early meetings in Akron, Ohio, were essentially Bible studies.

The traditional wording of the Steps refers to “God as we understood Him.” As Christians, we understand that our Higher Power is Jesus.

Our congregation is pleased to have AA and Al-Anon meeting at our building. We believe that these fellowships do much good. However, many of us in recovery believe that it is also good to meet together as Christians to encourage one another and to thank God for what He has done in our lives. AA leads us to sobriety, and Al-Anon leads us to serenity, but Jesus is able to lead us to sobriety and serenity as well as give us the Holy Spirit who brings forth love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, and self-control in our lives.

Recovery FAQ

This list will grow 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? Individual counseling is available. Call (410) 848-1064, ext. 2, for more information. 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.

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 program is 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.