FAQs About Celebrate Recovery

What is Celebrate Recovery^©?

Celebrate Recovery^© is a ministry to hurting people. It is made up of regular people who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from and celebrating God's healing of life's hurts, habits and hang-ups. Trained leaders provide safe, confidential, Christ-centered groups where people can grow. They offer their stories as fellow travelers on the journey to healing.

Who can benefit from Celebrate Recovery^©?

Anyone (inside or outside the church) who struggles with the kinds of hurts, habits and hang-ups described on this Web site can benefit from CR. Do you struggle with a particular issue that seems to have such strength and power over you that it has prevented you from experiencing any real victory? Have you been secretly hoping for a safe place to share your struggles and get healing? Celebrate Recovery is for you!

What are hurts, habits and hang-ups?

A hurt, habit or hang-up is anything that hinders your walk with God. They postpone or prevent genuine fellowship with Him and your loved ones. For a detailed list of issues, check the Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups page on this Web site.

How often does Celebrate Recovery meet?

We meet once a week, 52 weeks a year.

Are the small groups really safe places for me to share my story?

Celebrate Recovery^© insists that certain guidelines apply during Open Share Groups and Step Study Groups. The guidelines are distinctive features of the ministry designed to create a safe environment for participants to share.

What is recovery?

The term recovery refers to the process of moving from illness to wellness. By using the tools of Celebrate Recovery^©, we can begin to move from bondage to our issues and reliance on self to freedom in Christ.

Do I have to be a member of your church to attend Celebrate Recovery^© Meetings?

No. You are not required to attend or be a member of our church. Celebrate Recovery^© is a ministry for anyone who is interested in a Christ-centered recovery program.

What is a Step Study?

A Step Study is a personal journey through the 12 steps in a confidential group that is led by a trained facilitator who has already completed his or her own Step Study. When you finish a Step Study you will have worked your hurts, habits and hang-ups through each of the 12 steps. A Step Study is a serious commitment to yourself and the other members of your group and typically takes about 12 months to complete.

Do I have to share in the open share or step study groups?

You will never be required to share in the Open Share Groups. You can take as long as you need to feel safe enough to share. In the Step Studies, however, everyone is required to share as the group moves through the questions in the curriculum books.

What if I can't make it to the meeting every week?

You are welcome to come whenever you can to the Large Group Meeting and Open Share Groups. However, if you join a Step Study, you will be expected to come each week until the curriculum is completed.

Who leads the groups?

Celebrate Recovery^© groups are not lead by pastors, teachers or counselors. Instead, CR groups are facilitated by compassionate volunteers who have, by the grace of God, walked through a process of recovery from their own hurts, habits and hang-ups.

How does Celebrate Recovery^© differ from Alcoholics Anonymous?

Celebrate Recovery^© incorporates the 12 steps with a distinctly Christian approach. We also address many more issues than just alcoholism. For a detailed list of issues, check the Hurts, Habits and Hang-ups page on this Web site.

What if I don't have an addiction, but I have been deeply affected by another person's addictions? Can CR help me?

Yes. Celebrate Recovery^© also ministers to people who are affected by others who are battling addiction or some other destructive behavior. You are welcome to join us and gain support and wisdom.

Will I need to find a sponsor in the group?

We encourage participants to pair up with a person of the same gender within their small group, who is actively working the program and can serve as an encourager and prayer partner. Sponsors generally have a minimum of one year of recovery over an addiction, habit, hurt or hang-up.