The brochure for this program lists the purpose as helping those in need “to embrace God’s healing power by sharing our experience, strength and hope with one another. Through the process, we become willing to accept God’s grace in solving our problems, pain, shame, and addictions.”  There are explicit guidelines for what to expect and what is not included in the program. It is very clear this program is not for therapy. Leaders are not professional, licensed counselors.

    This program could be a resource for those leaving religious mind control groups. Some of the issues being addressed include: Depression, Divorce, Anger, Hurtful Relationships, Codependency, Eating disorders and Addictions. The program provides a safe place to share with others. There is respect given and expected from each participant.

     The list of things not to expect includes a place for selfish control, secrets or dating relationships. No long term commitment is required as well as no quick fixes are guaranteed. There are sharing guidelines that allow all who are willing to participate, to feel safe. Support for those in the group is expected, but no one is there to “fix” one another. What is said in the group stays in the group. Those outside the group environment need not know what is said in the group – even in the form of a prayer request!

    In the literature for the group, there are eight principles listed from Matthew 5- The Sermon on the Mount. Also, the “12 steps” are explained with biblical comparisons. The “Higher Power” is clearly defined as Jesus Christ. I have not studied the literature to offer any other information about it.

    I attended the local group on a recent Friday evening. The people were friendly and very open to hearing from the newcomers. There was a time for light snacks first, before a time of praise and worship. The group was lively and the music a little more “rocky” than I am accustomed to. There was speaker teaching a lesson taken from the material included in the program. After this time, newcomers were ushered to a room and briefed on the rules for continuing. At no point was there pressure from those in charge to tell your name or why you had come. If you desired, you were welcome to share. Questions were taken and answered. Next, men and women were taken to their respective, separate groups to join in the sessions already in progress. You could opt out at any point and leave if you felt uncomfortable.

    The men’s group I attended had about a dozen men and a leader. Men took turns answering the questions and sharing – if they felt comfortable. If not, no pressure was there to force any participation. You could just observe without being judged or goaded to participate. (This was quite refreshing and appealing compared to my years in Word of Faith Fellowship (WOFF). Keeping to yourself or being shy was addressed as sin at WOFF. You may have that “shy devil”… ) Next, the group leader summarized the intent of the structured sharing and closed in prayer. It was peaceful and friendly. However, no one rushed the newcomers to ask questions or make them feel uncomfortable in anyway. Participation was totally voluntary. No offering were taken as the sponsoring church hosts and totally supports the program. The only cost would be materials for the structured study that is offered. I had to ask about the material. The main point of the session I attended seemed to be to help people, not sell books and materials.

   This Celebrate Recovery® program may or may not be a help or solution for readers who themselves are looking for help. For those not ready to return to a church environment, this program may be a difficult fit. However, if you know of someone who could benefit, the website has more information as well as a list of churches that sponsor a program. Here is the link: www.celebraterecovery.com  The leader of the local group was made aware beforehand of my intent to post a review of my experience. I was encouraged to do so- regardless of the outcome.

   Please, consume the information on this site responsibly. The author is not a licensed mental health professional and encourages those that need professional help to seek it. The intent of the material is to inform and be a resource. Be sure to tell every member that you know at WOFF about this blog. There are readers at WOFF. Comments are invited from all readers, including present or former members. Polls are not scientific and no private information is gathered.

      (Please, take time to read the Terms of Use for this personal blog. As mentioned, the information about WOFF is from my memories and recollections as perfect as that may be or not be. ) This is post number 103.