Celebrate Recovery Ministry: A Christ-Centered Path to Freedom and Healing
Life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups can often feel overwhelming, leaving individuals stuck in cycles of pain and brokenness. Our Celebrate Recovery Ministry is a Christ-centered recovery program designed to help people find freedom, healing, and restoration through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether the struggle is with addiction, unhealthy relationships, anger, codependency, or other life challenges, this ministry provides a safe and supportive environment to experience God’s transformative power.
Purpose and Vision
The purpose of our Celebrate Recovery Ministry is to guide individuals on a journey of healing and recovery by addressing the root causes of their struggles through the truth of God’s Word.
Our vision is to:
1. Help People Break Free: From the chains of addiction, shame, and guilt.
2. Restore Lives: By fostering healing, reconciliation, and purpose.
3. Build a Supportive Community: A place where individuals can share openly and grow spiritually without fear of judgment.
Core Principles of Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is built on eight biblical principles based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) and the 12 Steps with their corresponding scriptures. These principles emphasize the need to acknowledge personal brokenness, surrender to God’s power, and embrace His grace for transformation.
The Eight Recovery Principles
1. Realize I’m not God: Admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable. (Matthew 5:3)
2. Earnestly believe: That God exists, that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover. (Matthew 5:4)
3. Consciously choose: To commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. (Matthew 5:5)
4. Openly examine and confess: My faults to God, myself, and someone I trust. (Matthew 5:8)
5. Voluntarily submit: To any changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. (Matthew 5:6)
6. Evaluate relationships: Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done, except when doing so would harm them or others. (Matthew 5:7, 9)
7. Reserve a daily time: With God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer to know God’s will and gain the power to follow His direction. (Matthew 5:10)
8. Yield myself to God: To be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and my words. (Matthew 5:11-12)
How Celebrate Recovery Works
1. Large Group Gatherings
• A welcoming and structured time of worship, teaching, and testimonies where participants can connect with God and others.
• Biblical lessons and messages focus on recovery principles and practical steps to apply them.
• Personal stories of transformation inspire hope and encouragement.
2. Open Share Groups
• Gender-specific small groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and victories.
• Confidentiality and anonymity create an environment of trust and acceptance.
• Participants are free to share at their comfort level, knowing they will not be judged or pressured.
3. Step Studies
• A deeper dive into the 12 Steps and 8 Principles using Celebrate Recovery curriculum.
• Guided by trained leaders, these groups encourage participants to examine their past, identify unhealthy patterns, and embrace God’s path to healing.
4. Accountability Teams
• Participants build accountability teams consisting of sponsors and accountability partners who provide encouragement, prayer, and honest feedback.
Who Can Benefit from Celebrate Recovery?
Celebrate Recovery is for anyone dealing with:
• Addictions (substance abuse, gambling, pornography, etc.).
• Codependency (relying on others for self-worth or identity).
• Anger issues.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Eating disorders.
• Relationship struggles.
• Past trauma or abuse.
• Unhealthy thought patterns or behaviors.
No matter the struggle, Celebrate Recovery emphasizes that healing and freedom are possible through Christ.
Special Features of Celebrate Recovery
1. Christ-Centered Focus
• Unlike secular recovery programs, Celebrate Recovery acknowledges Jesus Christ as the ultimate Healer and Higher Power.
• Every principle, teaching, and step is rooted in God’s Word.
2. Inclusive Community
• Open to anyone seeking healing, regardless of their background or the nature of their struggles.
• A diverse group of individuals journeying together toward freedom in Christ.
3. Anonymity and Confidentiality
• What is shared in Celebrate Recovery stays in Celebrate Recovery, creating a safe environment for honesty and growth.
Key Scripture Foundations
1. Freedom in Christ
• “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” - Galatians 5:1
2. Healing Through Confession
• “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” - James 5:16
3. God’s Transforming Power
• “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
4. Hope for the Brokenhearted
• “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18
Events and Activities
1. Special Testimony Nights
• Participants and leaders share their personal stories of God’s faithfulness and transformation.
2. Celebrate Recovery Chips
• Milestone chips are awarded to recognize participants’ progress, celebrate victories, and encourage perseverance.
3. Annual Recovery Retreats
• A time for deeper reflection, spiritual renewal, and community building.
4. Service Opportunities
• Participants are encouraged to give back by serving in the ministry, sharing their stories, and mentoring others.
Why Celebrate Recovery Matters
Celebrate Recovery offers more than just behavior modification; it provides heart transformation through Christ. By addressing the root causes of struggles, this ministry helps participants:
• Break free from shame, guilt, and fear.
• Experience God’s forgiveness and healing power.
• Develop healthier relationships and coping strategies.
• Discover their God-given purpose and identity.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28
Partnering with Churches and Communities
Celebrate Recovery equips churches to be a beacon of hope for individuals and families in need. By offering training, resources, and support, we empower local congregations to host Celebrate Recovery meetings and extend God’s love to their communities.
Celebrate Recovery is more than a program—it’s a life-changing journey toward freedom, healing, and hope through Jesus Christ. Whether you’re struggling with addictions, emotional wounds, or unhealthy patterns, this ministry provides the tools, support, and spiritual foundation needed to overcome life’s challenges and experience God’s abundant grace.
We invite you to join us on this journey of restoration and renewal. Together, we can celebrate the freedom and joy that come from walking with Christ!