Q&A - Lesson OPEN | Pastor Jeno

Q&A

 

What is Celebrate Recovery (CR)?

Celebrate Recovery is a Bible-based, Christ-centered recovery program for those who struggle with life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Its curriculum takes participants through The 8 Recovery Principles, which are based on the Beatitudes.

 

What is the purpose of Celebrate Recovery?

The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to fellowship together and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives by sharing our experience, strength, and hope through The 12 Steps and The 8 Recovery Principles. This experience allows us to “be changed”.

 

Who is Celebrate Recovery for?

You may be thinking that recovery is only for those with alcohol or drug problems. This could not be further from the truth. Most of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups can be addressed through this one ministry, including problems with abuse, anger, grief, alcohol, drugs, depression, guilt and shame, financial loss, divorce, dysfunctional families, sexual problems, eating disorders, and much more!

 

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.

 

How often does Celebrate Recovery meet?

Celebrate Recovery meets 52 weeks a year because life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups don’t take a holiday!

 

What makes the Small Groups a safe place for open and honest sharing?

Celebrate Recovery insists that certain Small Group Guidelines apply during Open Share Groups and Step Study Groups.

 

What is recovery?

In physical health, the term “recovery” refers to the process of moving from illness to wellness. Our hurts, habits and hang-ups are like spiritual illnesses. By using the tools of Celebrate Recovery, we can begin to move from spiritual illness to spiritual wellness. Some might say we move from bondage-to-self to freedom-in-Christ. Others might say we move from self-reliance to faith-in-Christ.

 

Does it cost anything to attend?

No. We do not charge for attendance at this ministry. However, our Celebrate Recovery ministry is self-supporting, which means that we do ask participants for a free-will donation to help cover our costs for dinner, books and other resources sold at the information table.

 

Is Celebrate Recovery confidential?

Absolutely Yes! Celebrate Recovery maintains strict Anonymity and Confidentiality. This promotes an atmosphere of trust and enables recovery. We are serious and diligent about protecting your Anonymity and Confidentiality! “What is said here stays here!”

 

Do I have to be a member of this Church to attend Celebrate Recovery?

No. You are not required to attend or be a member of the church, this church or any church.

 

What is a Step Study?

A Step Study is a Small Group that takes place on a night other than the Large Group meeting night. The Celebrate Recovery curriculum is based on The 12 Steps and their related Scriptures as the Biblical model for living your life, and is set forth in four Participant’s Guides. A Step Study is a personal journey through The 12 Steps in a confidential group that is lead by a trained facilitator who has already completed their own Step Study.

 

 

 

Do I have to share in the groups?

There is no real opportunity to share in the Large Group. And you will never be required to share in the Small Open Share Groups. You can pass anytime you wish, and take as long as you need to become safe enough to share. In the Step Studies, however, everyone agrees to share as the group moves through the questions set forth in the curriculum books.

 

What if I can't make it every week?

You are welcome to come whenever you can to the Large Group and the Small Open Share Groups on Friday nights. However, if you join a Step Study, you will be expected to come each week until the curriculum is completed. You can only miss three times and if you miss twice in a row, you will be asked to join the next Step Study.

 

Is CR only for alcohol or drug problems?

No. Celebrate Recovery is for everyone!

 

How do I know if I have an addiction or problem behavior?

If your life has become unmanageable due to the use of alcohol, drugs or other chemical substances, food, gambling, pornography, sex, relationships, or because of other hurts, hang-ups, or habits, then you may have an addiction or problem behavior.

 

Who leads the groups?

Celebrate Recovery groups are not led by pastors, teachers, professional counselors or paid experts. Instead, CR groups are facilitated by men and women who are in recovery themselves. They all have a measure of substantial healing from their own struggles, and therefore celebrate their recoveries. As a result, they have a high degree of sensitivity to those in need.

 

Are all the leaders in recovery themselves?

Yes, each of our leaders have, by the grace of God, walked through a process of recovery from various hurts, habits and hang-ups.

 

How does Celebrate Recovery differ from Alcoholics Anonymous?

Although Celebrate Recovery incorporates The 12 Steps, it does so with a distinctly Christian approach. We firmly believe and depend upon the miracle-working power of the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit in the process of recovery. We also address many more issues than just alcoholism.

 

Can a person overcome an addiction or behavior that they have struggled with for many years?

YES. We believe the answer is a resounding YES! Through prayer, the penetrating work of the Holy Spirit, a commitment to change, and the surrender of our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe we can find freedom from any addictive, compulsive or destructive behavior.

 

What if my struggles are not related to alcohol or substance abuse?

The principles used in Celebrate Recovery can be helpful for all types of destructive behaviors, hurts, hang-ups and habits, and for people suffering from the consequences of the destructive behaviors of other people.

 

Will I need to find a sponsor in the group?

We encourage participants to pair up with a person of the same sex within their small group, who is actively working the program and who 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.

 

Does CR provide in-depth counseling or clinical therapy?

No. Although each of our group leaders has a caring heart, they are not equipped to offer in-depth counseling or clinical therapy. In the event this type of treatment is necessary, we would be able to refer you to a qualified Christian professional.