GENERAL INFORMATION

The Difference In AA and Celebrate Recovery

The principle difference between AA (and other Twelve Step programs) and Celebrate Recovery is that Celebrate Recovery focuses on Jesus Christ as the true Higher Power and uses God's Word as the authority in relation to the Twelve Steps. The Twelve Steps have a Christian heritage as they were modeled after the Oxford Society (see the AA Story). In order to reach people who would be offended by Jesus or the church, AA focused on a Higher Power. But Celebrate Recovery's 8 Principles to the Road to Recovery tie the Twelve Steps to Jesus Christ's teachings known as the Beatitudes given in The Sermon on the Mount.      

What is a Step Study?

The Step Study takes place on Tuesdays after the meal and announcements/entertainment/large group time. Celebrate Recovery uses the Twelve Steps and its related Scripture as the biblical model for living your life. A Step Study is a personal journey though each of these steps in a confidential group led by a facilitator who has completed a study. We use Celebrate Recovery's four participants books. When you finish the study you will have worked your hurts, habits, and hang-ups through each step. A Step Study is a long-term commitment to the members of the group. It will typically take 6 months to complete the study. After completing the Step Study, we hope you will join with us as we minister to others dealing with their hurts, habits and hang-ups. We do have guidelines for the groups that are strictly followed.

Do I have to share?

In the Issue Groups, absolutely not . . . until you are ready. You can pass anytime you wish and for as long as it takes for you to become comfortable. In the Step Studies everyone is required to share as the questions are answered.

What if I can't make it every week?

You are welcome to come when you can for meals, large group and issue groups. However if you join a Step Study, you are expected to come each week until you complete it. As with any endeavor, the more effort you put into Celebrate Recovery, the more benefit you will gain.