The Bible clearly states "all have sinned." It is my nature to sin, and it is yours too. None of us is untainted. Because of sin, we’ve all hurt ourselves, we’ve all hurt other people, and others have hurt us. This means each of us need repentance and recovery in order to live our lives the way God intended.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the expression that "time heals all wounds." Unfortunately, it isn’t true. The truth is - time often makes things worse. Wounds that are left untended fester and spread infection throughout your entire body. Time only extends the pain if the problem isn’t dealt with.

What we need is a biblical and balanced program to help people overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups. Celebrate Recovery is that program. Based on the actual words of Jesus rather than psychological theory, our recovery program is unique, and more effective in helping people change than anything else I’ve seen or heard of.

Most people are familiar with the classic 12-step program of A.A. and other groups. While undoubtedly many lives have been helped through the twelve steps, the program is vague about the nature of God, the saving power of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Celebrate Recovery found the principles of recovery, and even their logical order, given by Christ in his most famous message, the Sermon on the Mount.

This recovery program is forward-looking. Rather than wallowing in the past, or dredging up and rehearsing painful memories over and over, Celebrate Recovery focuses on the future. Regardless of what has already happened, the solution is to start making wise choices now and depend on Christ’s power to help make those changes.

This recovery program emphasizes personal responsibility. Instead of playing the "accuse and excuse" game of victimization, this program helps people face up to their own poor choices and deal with what they can do something about. We cannot control all that happens to us. But we can control how we respond to everything. That is a secret of happiness. When we stop wasting time fixing the blame, we have more energy to fix the problem. When you stop hiding your own faults and stop hurling accusations at others, then the healing power of Christ can begin working in your mind, will, and emotions.

This recovery program emphasizes spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ. The third principle calls for people to make a total surrender of their lives to Christ. Lasting recovery cannot happen without this step. Everybody needs Jesus.

This recovery program utilizes the biblical truth that we need each other in order to grow spiritually and emotionally. It is built around small group interaction and the fellowship of a caring community. There are many therapies, growth programs, and counselors today that are built around one-on-one interaction. But Celebrate Recovery is built on the New Testament principle that we don’t get well by ourselves. We need each other. Fellowship and accountability are two important components of spiritual growth.

This recovery program addresses all types of habits, hurts and hang-ups. Some recovery programs deal only with alcohol or drugs or another single problem. But Celebrate Recovery is a "large umbrella" program under which a limitless number of issues can be dealt with.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q: Is the program only for alcohol or drug problems?

A: No. Celebrate Recovery is for everyone! Because all of us go through seasons when we need support, messages of hope, and testimonies of victorious life change, the Celebrate Recovery program is open to everyone. It is a time and place where every person can experience hope and encouragement at the level with which they are most comfortable.

The purpose of Celebrate Recovery is to fellowship and celebrate God’s healing power in our lives. This experience allows us to "be changed." We open the door by sharing our experiences, strengths and hopes with one another. In addition, we become willing to accept God’s grace in solving our lives´ problems. By working and applying these Biblical principles, we begin to grow spiritually. We become free from our addictive, compulsive and dysfunctional behaviors.

This freedom creates peace, serenity, joy and most importantly, a stronger personal relationship with God and others. As we progress through the program we discover our personal, loving and forgiving Higher Power - Jesus Christ, the one and only true Higher Power.

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

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

Q: Who leads the groups?

A: Our group facilitators are compassionate volunteers with sensitivity to those caught in need.

Q: Are all of the leaders recovered themselves?

A: Each of our leaders, have through the grace of God, walked through a process of recovery from various hurts, destructive hang-ups and habits.

Q: How does the Celebrate Recovery program differ from Alcoholics Anonymous?

A: Although Celebrate Recovery incorporates a 12 step-like program; it does so with a distinctly Christian approach. We firmly believe and depend upon the miracle working power of the Lord Jesus Christ in the process of recovery. We also address many more issues than just alcoholism.

A: 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 can be free of any addiction or problem behavior.

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

A: We believe the principles used in Celebrate Recovery are helpful for all types of addictive behaviors, hurts, hang-ups, habits.... and for people suffering from the consequences of other peoples destructive behaviors.

Q: I myself do not have an addiction, but have been deeply hurt and affected by another person’s addictions. Can you help me?

A: We support people who are affected by others that are battling addiction or destructive behavior. You are welcome to join us and gain support and wisdom.

Q: I am too embarrassed to let someone know what I am struggling with. Can I just come and sit quietly?

A: We will do nothing to intentionally embarrass you or shame you. We trust the safe and caring atmosphere of the group will encourage you to share your hurts. All of our activities insure that you remain anonymous and that your issues are kept in confidence.

Q: Will I need to find a sponsor in the group?

A: Sponsors generally have a minimum of one year of victory over an addiction, habit, hurt or hang-up. Since our program is still new, few of our members have reached this goal. We encourage our members to pair up with a person within their group who is actively working the program or another mature Christian who can serve as an encourager and a prayer partner.

Q: Does Celebrate Recovery offer in depth counseling or clinical therapy?

A: 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 happy to refer you to a qualified Christian professional.

Q: Do you have childcare available?

A: No, not at this time.

Q: Do I need to belong to Word of Life Church to join the group?

A: No, you are welcome at Celebrate Recovery no matter what church affiliation you may have. If you do not have a home church, we welcome you to join us during any of our Worship Services.

Q: How much does the program cost?

A: The program is free! A few supplemental materials may be available at various times, but purchase is never required.

Q: How can I get help or more information?

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