FAQ

How does Celebrate Recovery work?

Celebrate Recovery uses the 12-Step program which is based upon Biblical principles. The first steps are to recognize that we are not God and that we cannot be healed without God’s help. It isn’t a matter of self will. It is a matter of working the program, with God’s help and with the support of other struggling people like ourselves, every day.

How do I begin?

You begin by coming. There is no “sign up” or “registration.” Just come. You will meet people who will be happy greet you, share dinner with you, worship with you, to answer questions for you, to listen to you, to support you and to walk with you on the way.

Are there any rules associated with Celebrate Recovery?

We don’t have rules. We have a list of guidelines that help people anticipate what we are and are not. Those are listed below.Things we are:
A safe place to share
A refuge
A place of belonging
A place to care for others and be cared for
Where respect is given to each member
Where confidentiality is high regarded
A place to learn
A place to grow and become strong again
Where you can take off your mask
A place for healthy challenges and healthy risks
A possible turning point in your lifeThings we are not:
A place for selfish control
Therapy
A place for secrets
A place to look for dating relationships
A place to rescue or be rescued by others
A place for perfection
A long-term commitment
A place to judge others
A quick fix

I read in your meeting information that you had “Open Share Groups.” What is that?

An Open Share Group is essentially a small group of people with similar issues. The Open Share Groups meet from 8:00 to 9:00 PM and are separated by gender. Presently, women’s groups are - Addictive Behaviors, Abuse, Co-Dependency, and Partners of Sex Addicts. Men’s groups: Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Sexual Addictions, Stress and non-addictive behaviors. During the group time, there is opportunity to discuss challenges we have experienced during the week and the application of the lesson to our lives.

You say that you begin with Step One. What if I come in the middle of the steps?

No matter where we are in the lessons when you start, you will benefit from the teaching and personal stories. As soon as we finish with Step Twelve, we start over.

Is that all that I have to do?

It depends upon where you are in your recovery. If you are somewhere in the beginning of your recovery, the really critical work is done in Step Study groups which meet during the week. We start new Step Study groups for men and women about once a quarter. Be sure to ask one of the leaders how to be involved. Some people attend other 12 – Step meetings during the week as well, some see counselors, and some are in other support groups. The process of recovery is personal and there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Your recovery will be yours alone and God will direct it.

What is a Step Study Group? Is it the same as an Open Share Group?

A Step Study Group is a group that forms out of our Friday Evening Celebrate Recovery. It is a committed study group that meets once a week typically for about a year. The objective of the group is to form a close relationship that becomes especially supportive during the process of peeling away the layers of problems that keep us stuck. The facilitator takes the group through four study guides which include all twelve of the steps of the 12 – Step Program.

How do I find a sponsor?

The responsibility of finding a sponsor is yours, but here are a few final guidelines to help you in your search.1. First and foremost: Your sponsor MUST be of the same sex as you. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. Can you relate to this person’s story? Does he or she meet the qualities of a good sponsor that we just covered?
3. Come to the Crosstalk Café. Invest some time in fellowship and get to know others in your group. That’s the main reason we have these fellowship events.
4. If you ask someone to sponsor you, and that person says no, do not take it as a personal rejection. Remember that their own recovery has to come first. Besides, they may already be sponsoring other people. I know a lot of you have asked your small group leader to be your sponsor. They all sponsor others, and the responsibility of leadership is great. If they turn you down, it’s not personal. Their plate is simply too full! If someone turns you down, ask someone else! You can even ask for a “temporary sponsor.” Remember, sponsorship is not a lifetime commitment.
5. Most important, ask God to lead you to the sponsor of His choosing. He knows you and everyone in the room. He has someone in mind already for you. All you need to do is ask!

Who leads the ministry?

The ministry leaders are people all of whom have gone through the Celebrate Recovery process for themselves. Everyone has had to face their own brokenness, so they are able to help others in the midst of their recovery.

Any further questions, please contact Chuck at chuckol@msn.com.