Helping the Newcomer Feel Welcome - Part 2

We just got back from the 100th One Day seminar with 24 of our CR family. We had a great time to say the least. Every time we attend a One Day, we come back more excited than ever, not to mention, just having fun celebrating recovery together.

We asked everyone that went with us, “What was the most important thing you learned?” It was a resounding, “It’s all about the newcomer!” In my last post, I shared the story of the visitor sitting in their car. We are seriously thinking about having Parking Lot Greeters as our first line of welcome.

I also shared, “It is VITAL that we are conscience of those who are around us. It’s so easy to fellowship with those we know and let the Newcomer fend for themself.”

You may say, “We would never do that!” Well, I was at a CR recently. They were wondering why they weren’t growing. They said they were doing everything right but just couldn’t get visitors to come. Now this next part is going to seem so extreme you’ll wonder, “Is he making this up to make a point?” NO, this actually happened.

The first thing I noticed was in large group no one read the 8 Principles or 12Steps, which was a little odd, but I thought they might be nervous because the state rep was there giving his testimony. Or maybe they just wanted to give me more time in case I had more to share with them.

At small group everything was discussed from fishing to the weather. Finally one guy said, “It’s hot in here and Martha made a good looking pie. Let’s go get some.” About that time a man raised his hand and said, “Can I say something? This is my first time here. Thanks for letting me come. I’ve been looking for a Christian recovery group.”

The visitor was in there midst and they didn’t even recognize him!!

I’m glad to say this group decided to take a break to refocus and start over.

As the Assimilation coach, your greatest responsibility is making sure your group remembers what’s most important “It’s all about the Newcomer!”

This is the time of year when we, as a country, take time to reflect on how much we have been blessed. I believe that we, in Celebrate Recovery, have more to be thankful for than anyone. We “get to” share the hope we’ve found in Jesus saving lives one at a time!