Keeping It Safe For the Newcomer

10 tips to keep it safe for the Newcomer:

1.  Resource table: Literature should either be all one color or one color for men & one for women.  We don't want the Newcomer to be hesitant to pick up a brochure because they feel they are being singled out by a different color.  

2.  Instead of saying to a person you aren't sure if they are a Newcomer or not, "Is this your first time?" (because they may have been coming for awhile)  You could say, "How long have you been coming?"

3.  Don't say upon first meeting a Newcomer:  “What's your addiction?” Most of the time, they aren't ready to share their secrets upon the first handshake.  It's always safe to say, "Glad you are here!"

4.  In the Newcomers class, when you break into small groups gender specific, you could ask this question to the group, "What brought you to CR tonight?" By that time they have already experienced Large Group, seen “The Words” video or your church's CR video, & heard explained the components of CR. Still give them the opportunity to pass in small group.  We don't want to put a shy person on the spot.  We want them to feel safe to share when they are ready.

5.  If you see someone sitting by themselves in Large Group, at the meal, or standing alone at Solid Rock, go sit by them.  If you've already talked with them, find another leader and discreetly ask them to go meet them.  We don't want to bombard them all at once.  At the same time, we don't want them to be all alone.

 6.  What if a Newcomer starts talking about their no good spouse & goes on continually berating them how they need to change?  I validate their feelings, because I know their feelings are raw just coming into recovery.  We’ve all been there!  Then I share how it all started with me.  When Mac saw a change in me, he eventually began looking at himself.  Change in us causes change in others.

7.  Walk with the Newcomer to Open Share group.  That is the time when I've seen people leave.  They aren't quite sure where the small group is even though it's in the bulletin or announced during Large Group.  It's just easier to walk out the door if no one is looking while thinking, “I'll try it next time.” Satan loves that, because he has the opportunity to distract them from not returning the next week.

8.  It's vital that Newcomer’s kids have a pleasant experience.  This will make or break them from coming back.  Make sure your childcare leaders have enthusiasm, energy, & the child is treated with love and extra care.  Many times it's the first time a child has set foot in a church building.  The goal is for them to leave saying they want to come back!  I can't tell you how many times because of Celebration Station & The Landing curriculum, along with positive childcare leaders, that parents have told us they can't miss Celebrate Recovery because their children beg to come back!

9.  Never say on Facebook, “Hey Susie, it was great to see you at CR last Friday night!”

10.  Always leave them with saying, “Glad you were here.  Keep coming back.  It works if you keep coming back.”

From your National Encourager Coach for women, I want to thank you for your diligence in making Celebrate Recovery a safe place

~ Mary