Encourager Coaches…Making A Difference

As an "E" coach you can help build up your Celebrate Recovery ministry by planning special appreciation events.  You can have an impact on your church as well as your CR. This all began for us when our "E" coaches planned an appreciation dinner for our church staff, elders & ministers.  You may be thinking you don't have strong Sr. Pastor support.  All the more reason to do this!  An appreciation dinner is a great way to thank them for allowing CR to take place at your church.  And your church leadership will get to see in action, CR members becoming servants.  People who formerly just sat on the sidelines in their Christian walk.  And those that didn't even have a walk with the Lord, now flourishing in the Lord!

Make it a special night.  We transformed our fellowship center into a nice restaurant with candles, linen tablecloths and nice background music.  CR members dressed in white shirts and black pants.  It was more than just throwing a meal together.  We wanted our church leadership to feel how appreciative we were for CR.

We bought two whole rib-eyes, smoked them for three hours, cut them into thick steaks, fired up a hot grill and seared them on both sides.  We served them up sizzling hot along with great sides and topped it off with the best homemade Italian Cream Cake and coffee. We have some good cooks!

While they were enjoying dessert, all our CR leaders gathered around them in a circle and each leader shared why they were thankful for CR giving one minute testimonies that were prepared ahead of time.  Our church leaders left there totally thankful realizing what's been going on in the midst of our church…changed lives one at a time through CR. 

Our church leadership talked about it for months to come.  So this has turned into an annual event. This year our appreciation dinner was for our CR Worship Team & Praise Band.  Now our Youth Minister has asked us to cook for a group he is wanting to give an appreciation dinner for.

We have so much to be thankful for.  My list is huge but I will just name a few here in closing that are dear to my heart.

I'm thankful to be able to serve in Celebrate Recovery.

I'm thankful our church allows us to give the hope found only in Jesus Christ to others through Celebrate Recovery.

I'm thankful my Father, who is King of the Universe,  counts me worthy to be called His daughter.

Put your gratitude into action!

~ mary

National Encourager Coach