As a seminary graduate and pastor, I was skeptical about much of psychology and recovery programs. I did learn a little more when I watched My Name is Bill W.–the story of the man who co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous–but not much. I suspected that group meetings were touchy-feely, superficial gripe sessions that allowed addicts to blame everyone else in their lives for their problems. My greatest reservation stemmed from the commitment to speak of the generic ‘higher power’ instead of acknowledging Jesus Christ as the true life-changing power.
My views changed immediately and dramatically when a new job required a visit to a substance abuse rehab center. I found myself sitting in a group therapy session with men and women from their late teens to 60′s. They came from upper class homes, middle class working families, and the streets. I was amazed that they treated each other as true peers. Their pointed questions and frank confessions scared me, but I recognized that this is what real conversion looks like’people struggling with real guilt having no other hope than experiencing genuine rescue through faith in Jesus Christ. In short, they were living in true Christian community.
12-step recovery is biblical:
In my personal Bible study, I have found the principles that supported the steps. I finally became convinced that the steps were biblical when I recognized that Paul made his confession in 1 Timothy 1:15 as the result of completing the work of the 4th step: ‘Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.’ In verses 8-11, Paul outlines the basis for a searching moral inventory: the 10 Commandments. He then confesses, ‘I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man’.’ In verse 15, Paul then explains why he can complete his moral inventory without fear: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’of whom I am the worst.’ Later, I recognized the prodigal son experienced the admission expressed in the first step when he came to his senses. The 5th step is completely in keeping with James’ instruction in his letter: ‘Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.’ The 12 Steps help addicts face their sin and apply the remedy of the Gospel.
12-step recovery is progressive:
Working the steps requires following a process that moves the addict from a life of isolation to healthy relationships with others. In working the first 3 steps, you recognize the futility of your efforts to overcome your addiction by your own efforts and acknowledge your total dependence upon the Lord for help. In steps 4 through 6, you face the reality of your own brokenness due to sin and declare your readiness to have God transform you through the Gospel. In steps 7, 8, and 9, you work to repair the relationships that have been broken as a result of your addiction. In the final 3 steps, you work to advance the work already by growing in your knowledge of God and sharing what you’ve experienced with other addicts
12-step recovery is not self-help:
Anyone who hopes to end addiction must work the steps personally, but cannot work the steps without help from others. Groups urge members to find a sponsor/mentor who has already worked the steps or a partner who can work them at the same time in order to provide accountability for working the steps. Demonstrating a willingness to be in relationship through the steps is one of the most important foundations for completing the work. You are choosing to end the hiding and isolation. You must begin by deepening your relationship with God first. If I don’t really trust Jesus, then I won’t be able to trust His people. In the group meeting, you invite the other members to walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death. Knowing the God Who has walked that valley first is essential.
12-step recovery is an adventure:
The function of a 12-step group is not a precise science, as group veterans will attest. There are healthy and unhealthy groups. A healthy group fosters wholeness as the members progress through the steps. An unhealthy group permits members to repeat the same confessions they have made previously. Healthy groups can have unproductive meetings and unhealthy groups can have productive meetings.
The single greatest factor influencing a group’s health and effectiveness is the commitment of each member to work the steps. Members must help each other face the external and internal triggers that make up their patterns of addiction. Each person experiences moments of strength and of weakness’moments when it seems much easier to return to the life of denial and blame-shifting than to keep growing by answering that difficult question that has just been posed.
Following the well-trod path outlined by the 12 Steps will help you to escape the pattern of self-defeating behavior that has dominated your life and prevented you from experiencing wholeness through faith in Christ.
If you have a struggle with alcohol or drugs, we can help. Please see the New Life Recovery Center.
If you’re struggle is with sexual integrity, please see Every Man’s Battle.
January 30, 2012 at 10:50 am
Brian,
I wonder that you have ever known an addict yourself? Have you ever been in the position that I am, where your marriage (of 21 years) is being ripped apart at the seams by someone you love most who desperately needs to get in the 12 step program for accountability and healing?? I thank God everyday for Al-Anon and every 12 step program. The steps are almost identical to the sinner’s prayer that anyone who wants to receive Christ would pray. I am helpless, I need you God for all I am ; I acknowledge you and you alone as God and having the ability to set my life straight and I humbly admit that and turn my life over to you; I ask forgiveness for my shortcomings/sin and ask for you to remove them and pray for only your will to be done and the power to carry that out…….
Why do you think we are told in Scripture to fellowship and walk our Christian life out together…in a church community? Because it takes iron sharpening iron and accountability to walk this walk. It is the same with addicts getting help and learning to walk the walk of salvation from their bondage. You are sadly mistaken about people getting well from this sort of thing alone in a vacuum purely by the anointing of the Spirit. We have doctors and medicines available to us in this day and they are a blessing from God…or have you not experienced that blessing either? Ever had a child with a brain tumor? I have…and God saved her life through one of the best surgeon’s not by merely believing the anointing would come on her one night. We have treatment now to help addicts and it is meant to be used…to God’s glory.
January 30, 2012 at 8:38 pm
I’m sorry but this one is a classic: Trying to define me, side step and ignore Godly teaching, blaspheming the Holy Spirit stating He is not powerful enough, then going way off into absolutely unrelated physical topics? There is a real chance you have never met Jesus, the all powerful and Almighty God that I serve, the one that holds the whole universe together!
Ephesians 1
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that can be invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
If The Almighty God can’t alone remove your addictions etc. You along with the help of the whole universe doesn’t stand a chance…
January 31, 2012 at 6:19 am
Proverbs 30
5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
To do something because someone says ‘it works’ or ‘feels right’ can often be the worst possible reason for doing it; especially if the act flies so clearly in the face of scripture. There is an obvious problem with celebrate recovery’s new latter day healing approach; it is not Biblical doctrine. If it was necessary, the historic Christian church was flawed. If CR is correct, then Rick Warren is a prophet and according to his own words you and “everyone needs recovery”. CR distorts the use of scriptures and also incorporates the 12 steps of alcoholics anonymous; both of these heresies are exactly what we are warned about in God’s word. Just because the name Jesus is stamped all over this new syncretism, that wrongful branding will never make it of The Lord. Doctrine cannot be 95% good and 5% arsenic, or it would be the theological equivalent of rat poison! This means that the use the 12 steps alone pollutes everything, making it un-holy and not-fit for any Godly purpose. The Bible in its entirety is completely true and pure, the spirit of recovery is spiritual poison. All the nice, warm experiences of all involved and the best intentions cannot change that truth. Those taking part in this new breed of Christianity – meaning “follower of Christ”- must be warned of these misguiding teachings and lies.
1 Peter 2
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation
Now for those deceived by the spirit of recovery, this I must testify to:
Turn toward Jesus, go to Him personally and directly, never through any man, nor be guided or persuaded by any form of works/steps/principles, or even rely on enormous Bible knowledge or teaching. Repent from your sin and follow Jesus only; then all of the truths and promises that are written in the Bible can become relative facts in your life. God did this for me and He will share His freedom with you also, as it is written:
1 John 2
27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36
In His Grip!
Brian D. Kercheval
February 20, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Amy
I read your post and have been “struggling” with the 12 Step Program. I am a mother of a herion addict. My husband and I have been attending Naranon. I like the group experience as far as sharing the burden of this addiction. so my question is this… Is there anything out there for loved ones of addicts?
March 10, 2012 at 11:49 pm
For more information on this topic of recovery, syncretism, Biblical truths and distortions you are welcome to visit:
http://megas-houtos-agape.blogspot.com
In His Grip!
Brian D. Kercheval
March 21, 2012 at 6:19 pm
Great article and a must read…
Thanks for sharing!
In His Grip!
Brian D. Kercheval
June 18, 2012 at 6:35 am
Whose steps are you following? Pick one!
a) Wilson and Smith
b) Baker and Warren
c) Jesus: To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in HIS STEPS. 1Pe 2:21
Everyone has a choice. Now is a good time to make the right one.
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Below is an excerpt from “Recovery Awareness”
http://megas-houtos-agape.blogspot.com/
Because of first hand witness regarding the influence and relevance of recovery syncretism, my intention is to convey accurate Biblical truth and perspective through an economy of non-inclusive overviews and thoughts. My sole objective is to point to Jesus and His teachings as stated in the Bible while encouraging each reader to study God’s word with the guidance from the Holy Spirit. Many of the writings posted are from well-studied authors that sustain my highest recommendation.