Question for you

So I thought it might be fun to use this blog from time to time to ask you guys questions. You can respond to them by posting a comment.

Here's Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson? 

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?

That seems like a good start. Let me know in the comments.

Johnny

By the way, I'll be sharing some of the responses at the Summit during a workshop. Thanks for helping!

Comments

[Dianne Kuglin]

In preparation for a lesson I read over the lesson, pray, and consider how my story fits in to the lesson so that it can be personalized. As I was reminded, it is always for the newcomer and therefore it is always fresh and for those who have heard it over and over we have been taking advantage of the CR resources, the character studies in the Bible, Life's Healing Choices and occasionally I find a good movie clip that especially captures the lesson. Once I used a heavy suitcase as a prop and unpacked the many burdens that I was carrying in my denial. I have more recently been sharing the teaching time and it is neat how God uses the assigned lessons to further the individual in their recovery in the area of the teaching and they are able to share the process as they teach. For example the person who taught on Amends was able to make the amends that she had been putting off because she was convicted in preparation for the lesson. I think sharing the teaching keeps it fresh and grows my leaders and it reminds us all of how God is working in our lives through Celebrate Recovery. .

[Chris Ellis]

Hi Johnny

Question 1:
I pray, use my leaders guide, Life's Healing Choices, the Bible. I also search the internet for new JPEG images to use as backgrounds for scripture, so as to link scripture with an image that will help the lesson to stick in ones mind. I also add additional scripture to reinforce the importance of the lesson.

Question 2:
This is my first year to teach.

Question 3:
Additional pointers on keeping it fresh and real.


Chris Ellis
Encourager, teacher & facilitator of womens emotional, physical and sexual abuse small group
Evangel Church, Scotch Plains, NJ

[Sharon Boyer]

Johnny,

(1)...I pray first, read the teaching lesson, read the devo's and related Scriptures in the CR Bible, and then I also read the corresponding choice from the Life's Healing Choices book. And depending on the subject, I will also refer to some other books that may relate to the topic....certainly keeping in mind the beloved acrostic, and my own personal experience.! For example, I recently taught on Grace and made several references to John Newton...I felt he had a lot to say about the subject and considered himself a "moral pariah". Someone I could relate too more than I care to admit!

(2) Change it up a bit...add current references to my own personal recovery...refer to other books that may have spoke to me about that particular subject...when I taught on grace this year, I had just read something in a Beth Moore book that really hit home about the woman who washed Jesus' feet with the Pharisee criticizing her mentally...reading this just reiterated some things that I had kinda taken for granted...Plus, we also change teachers as well...and when they add their own personal spin on the teaching, it is always new and fresh!!

(3)...Just knowing I have the option to keep the teaching exactly the same as it is in the guide, or that I can change it up as long as I keep the acrostic and follow the related Scripture....

[Melissa Look( meriden CT, New LIfe Church)]

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?
~I read the lesson once or twice depending on the length of time I have before I have to teach it. I also like to edit the stories so that they are personable to my walk and my hurts habits and hang-ups. I will also add in scriptures that have encouraged me along the way.
Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
~ By going back to the basics, steps 1-2 & 3

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?
~ Not much, really, just some encouraging words form fellow leaders and prayer from the leaders of group the week before and after. Knowing that I am being prayed for by others before and during, knowing that God is going to strengthening me and protecting me, satan has nothing on me and I will prosper because i am doing for the Kingdom of GOD!

Be blessed and we willl pray that the summit goes well!

Johnny

[Joe Searles]

1) If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?

Prayer is at the top of the list, then reading though the Participants guide on that lesson as well as going over the information using different sources. I am a psychology student and I try to incorporate this and mesh it with my own personal experiences.

2) How do you keep it fresh year after year?

I try not to use the same thing I did from the previous year. I always go though my lessons and try to incorporate new material or I try to incorporate current events. I also look for snippets from either sermonspice.com, or wingclips.com, etc.

3) What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?

I can’t think of anything at this time.

[Marvin Morrison]

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?
I read the lessons as they are written several times to get the truth of the lesson in my own mind and heart. Most or every place there is a "your" or "you" I change to a "me" and "our" because I am in recovery, too. The illustrations that Mr. Baker gives that I can relate to I keep in the lesson referencing him. Otherwise I search for personal or ministry illustrations that fit. I add very little from other sources for two reasons: (1) The lessons are very well written and (2) To add other sources plus the lesson will push me on time. On a practical note, I print the lessons in a large font (22-24), place the pages in sheet protectors, and put in a three ring binder. Is this OCD coming out?

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
One word: Personal enthusiasm...ok two words. I love what the Lord is allowing me to do at CR. As I have my own quiet time reading the scripture, journaling, and praying, I can't help but be passionate about CR because of what God has done in my own life through the 12 steps and 8 principals. I pray that this does not come across as "fluff." I really mean it. I LOVE CR and am very thankful for the privilege to serve. When I think that I get to share these truths with people who have never heard them...I can't help but be excited.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?
I think that what we are given is plenty. Down here in the south we have a saying,"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Thanks everyone...see you in California!!

[Jim]

Hi Johnny -

When I have the opportunity to teach, I find that Life's Healing Choices and the Celebrate Recovery Bible offer a lot of additional "approved" information for use in keeping the lessons fresh.

There are mony wonderful stories and examples in both to freshen up the lessons of Celebrate Recovery year by year.

I've also noted there is absolutely nothing wrong about repeating the lessons as written each year, for this ministry is all about the newcomer!

thanks & see you real soon! - Jim

[Tom Moore]

Hey Johnny:

I'll preface my answers by saying that our CR group has only been meeting since Feb 24th of this year...

Here are my responses to your 3 Questions:... Read More
1) I pray for God's guidance and help in my preparation. After that, I prepare slides (Powerpt) with highlights from the lessons on the Leadership CD. In addition, I add a couple of comics that relate to the lesson to allow people to relax and have a laugh before we get into the serious material. I also interject my own experinces where applicable in the presentation.

2)Since we've only been meeting for 5 months we haven't gotten all the way through the lessons. One way we keep it fresh for even that short period of time is to alternate among 5 leaders who present the lessons. That way they can share their experiences.

3)More ideas on keeping it fresh and how other leaders present their lessons. I like change and being able to do it differently so I welcome any ideas

[Sarah Leslie Gagan]

Question 1: what do you do to prepare the lesson? The most valuable thing for me is to place myself in the mindset of a newcomer. I usually get out my past participants guides from my step studies, and read over my anwsers on that specific lesson, to remind myself where I was in recovery, and what it felt like when I first really studied that specific principle. I craft a teaching that speaks to the heart of someone going through the steps for the very first time, because I was once there too. I do not assume my listeners know ANYTHING about recovery. Of course I use the invaluable resources of the CR Bible, and LHC, and personal testimony. The beauty of this is, if I write specifically toward the newcomer, EVERYONE seems to learn something, even the seasoned participants.

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year? We have a teaching team of about 6 leaders who rotate through the teachings. It really challenges us to keep it fresh because we rarely teach the same lesson twice, and therefore can't rely on our old material. We also record our teachings onto CD and when I prepare a teaching I often go back and listen to the one from last year, to avoid using the same examples, testimonies, etc that they taught. Always keeping the acrostic as the core outline of course.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson? It is helpful to have guidelines to help keep the teachings consistent in length and in alloted time frame, such as word count, suggested number of scriptures, etc, especially when a teaching team is utilized. It really promotes consistency, and the listeners know what to expect. It helps curb those that tend to drag on and on. I would like to somehow have an opportunity to read the teachings from other Celebrate Recoveries to utilize as I prepare my lesson also. I think that would be great! Perhaps a collection of maybe 3-4 different lessons per topic would be a great resource! In addition to the standard one.

Sarah Leslie Gagan, Assimilation Coach, CR at Grace Community Church, Bartlesville, OK

[Don, LLUMC Dallas]

This is my first year to teach,-we are a new program, so it's all fresh to all of us. Nonetheless, here goes:

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?

I start with prayer and meditation. I then read the lesson, trying to hear it from the standpoint of a new person coming to a recovery experience for the first time. I really try to pay attention to the passages in the lesson which are resonating with me at that time.

I then scan the lesson onto my computer so I can add in my personal illustrations alongside those given by John. Usually they are something that has happened which is current and topical or a song that has come to mind as a result of the lesson. I usually make it "I" and "we" language; otherwise, I don't change the lesson. I use my computer to present the lesson, using the Microsoft Word notebook function. It's easy, green and makes revisions a snap.

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
Since it's the first time around, I can't answer from experience here, but in other speaking opportunities, I have always made a commitment to fully review content and find new examples and illustrations for the same points - by constantly searching for new ways of saying and expressing things, I stay fresh and optimistic in my teaching.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?

Helping others on the team get started teaching as well. I have found such fulfillment in my own recovery in the preparation of the lessons, I want to share that with others on the TEAM. It is a revelation to me about my needs, my humility and my place in all of this to spend that kind of time with a lesson.

Peace,
Don from LLUMC, Dallas

[Steven Andrew Kropp]

1. Preparing is simple. If it can teach TO me then it can teach THROUGH me.The lesson is a finished work, and the Holy Spirit is able, so I ask God let me be used to deliver the lesson as written without adding outside material or more Bible verses than provided. So I just turn myself over and let the lesson flow.
2. Keeping it fresh is easy! I am going on year 4 and life stays fresh so the lesson stays fresh. I illustrate the lesson by using my present life experiences of applying the principle to my current situation. These days I only use the past as a contrasting element of the present.
I use the questions in the Participants Guide as the structure of every session. I teach in a guided conversational style. And I try very hard to never get in between God and the message.
3. It would be awesome if Pastor Baker refined and updated the Participant Guides with fresher, deeper or more leading questions. He could possibly post new lesson questions in his blog for instance...( wink )
God Bless Ya'll...thanks for this forum!!

[Paul Evans]

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?
Read the lesson ahead of time because many of the lessons are years old and some of the stuff just does not relate always so I have to add my own personal testimony into it or add how I did this and that when I was on that step. I have seen many people read straight from lesson which is find but then get a confussed look when they are reading someone elses testimony and say something that happened to that person in opposite gender and is clear that my name is not Angie its Paul and some of the jokes are coastal and don't always make sense so got to change it up a little. Prayer always help too. Also I like to try to put the lesson in poweer point because it helps people who are visual learners not just auditory learners.

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
Get other people involved. Have them read 12 or 8 while the audience echos the second half. Do teachings on steps principal and as well as the testimonies. I know some groups only think they must do a testimony every week but there is good material in the 13 and 8 and study guides. Also pull a devotional study out either life recovery or celebrate recovery bible. Instead of making the lesson lecture style have interactive and have people share how they did step 4 or how they dealt with relapsse. Disucuss one of the issues like co-depenency, sexual addictioins, depression, gambling, read what it is from the defention of CR and have open discussion about it. I heard ina leaders meeting recently that they have many tatlented people in there group so they allow them rap the serinty prayer or read it like poetry. Maybe have a drama skit about how to do the small group guideline and there are some funny ones by cr on you tube.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?
IF it is a persons first time teaching the Guide book is great start. However someone should point out to them that need to proof read the lesson because some of it only makes sense if you know that the statement your reading is a stage note and not really part of the lesson, or the joke really makes sense if you have driven on california freeway. You might want to leave that out or edit to the beltway on east coast or what ever that makes sesn to your area.

[Julie Powell]

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?
I pray before, during, and after my preparation. I'll spend a week or so just mulling over the acrostic words. Often I get ideas of how to teach the lesson while doing this. I also read over the lesson a few times. I use the written lesson but usually will add my own personal spin to it.

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
I have been involved in Celebrate Recovery for 5 years now and every year I learn something new. Sharing these new lessons learned helps. I have a CR Bible this year and I've use it in lessons. It is also true that each year brings new people who have not heard the lessons so it is all fresh to them.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?
I love the suggestion above for 3 or 4 lessons for each topic!!

[Amy]

One of the things that I did as the trainer for our program was go through all the CR resources (CR Bible, participants guides, leader's guide, Life's Healing Choices and Study Guide) and index them by lesson with applicable readings, questions, testimonies and character studies. That way, the leaders can review all the resources for the lesson without needless searching. If you would like a copy, Johnny, I'd be glad to send it your way.

[Susan K. H. Jones]

Hi Johnny,

Good questions...many good answers so far :)

1) When I prepare for a lesson I work on computer and highlight the acrostic and scriptures. Then I check to see that the CR outline and my PPT presentation match the order and wording in my script. After the foundation is sure, I read through the lesson...seeking God's direction, wisdom and insight as I go. When appropriate, I replace the stories and examples with personal stories and examples that might be closer to home for our particular group at the time. I look through the CR Bible, devotionals, character studies, etc. and Life's Healing Choices as well as online and various other resources. I often read the scriptures in various translations (for my own understanding) ...sometimes I read the scripture on the outline and present it in another translation as well---or add another scripture that clarifies the message. Of course I ask the group to read some of the scriptures with me. I also seek out pictures, graphics or other visual aids that show a point we are teaching. Sometimes I ask someone to share a two minute testimony that fits with the current lesson...sometimes we begin with a skit. Other things I do to make it easier on myself: I make the script in large, clear, color-coded print so I can read it at a glance...I put it in a 1/2" binder with facing pages and tabs that make page turning easier. I ask a couple of leaders to pray with me before large group...and I enjoy the people :)


2) I keep it fresh each year by going through that same process of finding fresh ideas each time I teach. I'm taking a class at our Bible Institute called "Creative Biblical Communication" this fall. I've taken speech classes and Biblical Communication before, but this class is taught by a different teacher whose messages I enjoy. I expect to come out of that with new skills and ideas. I also change it up by asking other leaders to prepare and teach the lessons...some of those leaders are also taking taking the Biblical Communication class this fall.

3) Since so many of us research new visuals, DVD Clips, stories, etc. related to the 25 lessons, I think it would be great if we had a format for sharing some of our best clips, graphics, stories, etc.

[Jim Eckstrom]

Question 1: If you teach at your Celebrate Recovery what do you do to prepare the lesson?
Study study study. And pray.

Question 2: How do you keep it fresh year after year?
Go to meetings to keep fresh and learn new things and weave in personal testimony is key.

Question 3: What is the main thing you need help/direction/pointers on when it comes to teaching the lesson?
I have leveraged the original notes Pastor John used to develop the teachings, it would be nice if they could be updated over time as well. (I guess in a way they have evolved into the LHC book actually). Also, some of the verses don't always seem to connect well to the acrostics for the teaching so it would be nice to see some 'explanation' of how the verse ties to the "letter".

[Tricia]

Prayer of course, but the other awesome thing that we have done (we started our 3rd year last night) is to allow multiple different leaders to teach. All of the teachings are based out of the leaders guides, but when you get a different person, adding their experience, strength and hope to the teaching you will always get something a little different. Also, each different person hears Christ slightly differently in God's Word. It has worked wonderfully, I don't know if I've ever heard the same person teach the same lesson. God works through each of us differently following the same CR DNA, it's neat to watch God work. Our "M" approves all "added" comments before the teaching happens, to assure our leaders haven't went completely away from the original teaching. It seems to be working well.

I'm praying many blessings for the Summit!