Celebrating Recovery

[Dawn10]

Hi,
I just wanted to share an exciting potential ministry that God may be opening up for my church and for me to be a part of.
My pastor--an adult child of an alcoholic--has been active in recovery programs for many years and 8 weeks ago began a sermon series based on the 12 steps as they relate to our relationship with Christ. The premise is that we all have hurts and habits that harm us in our personal and spiritual lives. Each week he has asked for volunteers to share a short personal testimony about their experience with recovery and the 12 steps. Tomorrow, I will be sharing on step #12--and though I am not really nervous, I want God's blessing that the words I share will be of Him and from Him and NOT at all about me. ( though the testimony is about my ES&H as I have received it and given it).
There is a group of us that have a dream to start a Recovery Christian ministry at our church for the community and the series has been well received. I have felt God's calling to do something with my recovery for well over a year and didn't know how to go about it so it wasn't about me. Now, God may be on the verge of answering that desire!
If anyone has had similar experiences within their church, I would love to hear about it.

Peace,
Dawn

[rayofsunshine]

God works in wonderful and mysterious ways. Thanks for sharing. Praying for your testimony and for your ministry.

[best]

That is wonderful.
What I have found every time I ask from my heart...Lord Your words not mine and then talk before any group...His words not mine do come out. For His glory I share.

There are a few groups about that are Christian based 12 step recovery programs.
Rick Warren of Saddleback church/Purpose Driven Life book and series has a program all laid out hat is called... Celebrate Recovery
http://www.saddlebackfamily.com/celebraterecovery/

Alcoholics Victorious is another such program.

http://av.iugm.org/


Here is a link with some of what can be found in such programs...
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...eferences.html (12 steps and Biblical references)

[Dawn10]

Thank you Best,

Celebrate Recovery is the program my pastor is basing his sermon series on and the program we are hoping to start at my church and within the community. I am off to church!

Dawn

[namommy]

I go to Celebrating Recovery each week. I love it. It is such an awesome meeting. My NA sponsor agreed to let me use the steps from celebrating recovery to do my step work. She feels whatever will best enhance our recovery.

There is also a group called Recovery Through Christ. They used to be in this area, but the meetings closed down. It didn't work out around here. (too much anomosity between the fellowships in this area.)

Congrats on this awesome opportunity.