A couple of concerns I wanted to point out today have to do with Celebrate Recovery lessons, and Celebrate Recovery testimonies appearing in radio/tv/internet/blogs/podcasts and etcetera.

Regarding the lessons of Celebrate Recovery, you need to know that the Celebrate Recovery Leader’s Guide and the Participant Guides are both copyright protected resources of the Zondervan Publishing Company, and have the support of the trademark and copyright laws of our land. If you have, or are planning to post CR lessons in part or the whole, to the web, you have the potential to be violating the copyright laws intended to protect you and others for intellectual or property rights for resources developed.

Another question then surfaces about lessons posted to the web. If you lesson is totally original and does not contain the acrostics of the Celebrate Recovery lessons – what exactly are you doing in your Celebrate Recovery group? Are you running a local experiment under the name of Celebrate Recovery? Have you added outside resource or teaching, which indicates your group, is no longer an authentic representation of the ministry started at Saddleback Church over eighteen years ago?

If you have Celebrate Recovery lessons published to the web, you need to remove them now.

Regarding testimonies – it is great that you have leaders or participants willing to use their story to help others come to recovery. You need to be sure that every person you record is willing for you to record the testimony to use as you may, and that you have a signed release for every individual giving their consent.

Many of those sharing their testimony are comfortable with anyone hearing the great things God has done in their life, but you may have others who are happy to share in the local group, but not have their story broadcast through the internet.

Some of the testimony issues to consider would be with children at home, or those who may have pending issues with a separated or divorced spouse. There may be many other issues that would cause someone who may be perfectly happy sharing within the intimacy of a CR testimony, who may reconsider when told “your story is going out on the web or in the church bulletin”.

Ministry leader – it is key that you keep this ministry safe for all, and that you set the example for others of following trademark and copyright laws of the land.

Our National Encouraging Coaches have done well in educating you about FaceBook and Twitter, but I've recently seen postings, tweets, personal blogs that are a concern for the anonymity and confidentiality of participants attending Celebrate Recovery meetings.

In this age of accessability to so many forms of electronic communication, we are well served by Small Group Guideline #1 that encourages us to share "our own thoughts and feelings", especially when it comes to mentioning what happened at CR last night or this week.

Did you stop to consider that while someone might appreciate your attention at a meeting, it may be uncomfortable when you post "it was great to see Jim at Celebrate Recovery last night". The same thing applies to a personal Celebrate Recovery blog where the author starts talking about spouse/child/friend in need of joining them in a recovery meeting. A personal blog may not mention the spouse or child by name, but I'm pretty sure friends and followers don't have to work hard to figure out who is being mentioned.

Please consider the impact your words have in making the ministry of Celebrate Recovery safe for everyone. Be especially considerate when commenting about the recovery events of your life. If you have any question about mentioning a friend or family member by name in any of the above mentioned media - always ask them before you hit "send" or "post".

I just wanted to follow up on great advice from our Encourager Coaches regarding the use of any print or electronic media.

You can always learn more about the ministry of Celebrate Recovery by attending a One Day Seminar, or the Annual CR Summit at Saddleback Church. Visit http://www.celebrateraterecovery.com for the latest information on our training events.

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim

Dear (insert Ministry Leader’s name here),

Do you remember when you thought Celebrate Recovery was simply a place to share the life-giving power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to hurting people?  What happened?

Now at our last Large Group meeting you had to referee an ongoing squabble between (insert two Open Share leader’s names here).  Then, right before worship started, you had to run to the grocery store to get more creamer because (insert new guy’s name here) showed up little “tipsy” and spilled it all over the carpet.  How are you going to explain that one to (insert Senior Pastor’s name here)?… the BRAND NEW carpet was just installed last week!  I know it wasn't easy convincing (insert new guy's name and new guy's wife's name here) to have you drive them home on the way to the grocery store due to their, ummm, mutual "tipsiness".  I have to say, you sure showed them a lot of grace and love in a potentially explosive situation!

I sure am sorry that during worship , you had to set up all the rooms for our Open Share meetings because (insert extremely unreliable volunteer’s name here) didn’t show up.  Then, during the Open Share, I heard you had the privilege of sitting in the nursery with eight screaming toddlers because (insert childcare worker’s  name) kid threw up all over the (MORE BRAND NEW) carpet, and she had to take him home. 

Well, I just want you to know I recognize all the hard work you do, and I appreciate you.  You are making a difference, and, even though things get pretty crazy around here, the Gospel of Jesus Christ IS setting men and women free as a result of your obedience and sacrifice.  I am praying for you today according to Ephesians 3:16, that “out of (God’s) glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” 

God bless you, and please, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you carry the burden of this life-giving ministry of Celebrate Recovery.  You don't have to do this alone.

(Sign Encourager Coach’s name here)

-john

To get the picture, please read Big John 17:20-26 (Little John is in the back.) We read how Jesus says the only way the world will know that He was sent from the Father is for us, as believers, to be as one, just as Jesus the Son and God the Father are one.

What an order! Can it be done?  Our Father wouldn't ask if it couldn't be done.  We will not be effective in getting the word out if we are at odds in our own CR or if we are at odds with other CR's.

Where then do we begin?  Leaders meetings!  I can't begin to stress how important monthly meetings are.  I have found groups that are struggling have one of two issues or both - not adhering to the guidelines & not having leaders meetings.  Who wants to add another night to our already busy schedule, right?!

I hope you know by now, if I am writing about something, it's because I've been there!  In the early days of our CR, I thought I knew enough about recovery and "running a group" that I didn't need to take up another night of my busy schedule with meetings.

The result was on Friday nights I would spend the majority of my time putting out fires. Taking care of everybody (codependent) was really hard work. That’s when I heard the voice of reason (Mary) who said we really ought to have leaders meetings and iron out problems before Friday.  

So barely a year into our CR journey, we started doing what was suggested from the start (I am a little hard headed).  Long story short, Mary was right, and now instead of putting out fires on Friday night, my big responsibility on Friday night is to show all our leaders and volunteers how much I love and appreciate what they do & welcome the Newcomer.  It's still hard to believe I really "Get To" do this!

The first Thursday of every month is my favorite night of the month. That’s when I "Get To" dream and plan with others who can't keep quiet about what Jesus has done for them.

In taking this one simple step, the unity that Jesus talks about in Big John takes hold and grows into something even the world sees as incredible. People with many different backgrounds coming together for a common goal.

Next time I write I will describe to you how one of our leaders' meetings looks and share with you some of the ways we are discussing to "get The Word out" and how we can become more unified with other local CR'S.

Peace,

Mac

In the afternoon, Cheryl Baker gave a personal greeting to The Advanced Leadership gathering. She received a warm welcome from the crowd. In addition, she asked the group in attendance how many years their ministry had been running? One? Almost every hand went up. Wow! Two, still most of the hands were raised. Three, Four, Five. Over half of the ministries represented had been in existence for five years. Some ministries had been running much longer. To see those hands raised was more than a little inspiring. Folks, the ministry of Celebrate is growing and maturing. Many lives are being changed as faithful leaders continue to reach out to those with hurts, habits and hang-ups year after year! 

These same leaders spent a Saturday with seasoned Leaders to learn more about leading a CR ministry. They were networking with other ministries and gleaning bits of information from those who have been at the forefront of this ministry for years. These were experienced leaders still desiring to learn more! How exciting to see their enthusiasm and zeal for helping others! 

Plan to attend a One Day Conference near you! Continue to grow your Leadership Team by attending an Advanced Leadership Training in your area! The next One Day Conference is in Houston, Texas on February 20. The Seven Keys Seminar will be presented as well as The Leadership Training Seminar. You have the opportunity to network with other ministries in your area and to learn something new! The upcoming events are listed on the Celebrate Recovery website. You can register by phone or on line! See you there!

May you be richly blessed as you reach out to the hurting in your community!

Paula

If you are new to CR, I would encourage you to go back and look at the archives of all the TEAM blogs for good ideas to becoming the most effective in reaching out to the lives God has and will bring into your life.

#1 Attend the Summit

#2 Communication between Church Staff & CR TEAM

#3 Sharing Our Testimonies

#4 Producing Your Own Newcomer's DVD

#5 Resource Table

#6 Advertising - Spreading the Word

# 7 Ongoing Spot in Church Bulletin

#8 Helping the Newcomer Feel Welcome

#9 Fellowship/Outreach Events

#10 Attend a CR One Day Seminar

You worked hard all last year to make these things happen, right?  So now  it’s time to take a little breather, right?  Are you kidding?!  I know you better than that being an "A" coach.  No, you are ready to hit the ground running!  You know there is no better time of year when people are more ready to make a change in their lives than right now starting the new year.

God knew you would be right where you are in 2010.  And He knew you & your CR group would be the ones to reach out to the people He is going to send your way!

I can’t wait to see how God is going to work through your ministry this year because you said YES.

Yield myself to God

Example is what is important

Serve others as Jesus Christ did

Peace,

Mac

As we slide into the New Year, I would like to encourage you to be more creative in your planning. Think outside your 2009 box of experiences and do some new things for your CR ministry in the New Year.  Have you had a girl's night out to play games, eat fun foods and laugh until your sides hurt? Have the guys had a night out - a time to attend a ball game locally or to bowl in your area bowling alley?  Have your leaders gathered together, just them, to build their relationships? A special dinner out is always fun! Have you gathered your T.E.A.M. together for some special fellowship?  Perhaps a retreat is a viable option for your ministry in this coming year. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy those relationships!

Does the dinnertime before the meal need a boost?  How about some inspirational music in the background? Is it time to change your decor or the menu?  Do the leaders in your ministry need to be encouraged?  What can you do to make them feel special and appreciated?  E-cards don't cost anything and can be very inspirational! Are you praying for the Leaders? Have you told them that you are petitioning heaven on their behalf? 

I pray that 2010 will be a blessed year for you and that you will be a blessing to many!  The things that we consider so little are often very powerful in the lives of others! They are important!  May the Lord God Almighty guide your every step in this coming year that you may be a blessing to many on this road to recovery!

Happy New Year to each of you!

Paula

All of us know the ingredients for sweet tea, right? Tea and sugar.  Simple, right? The tea was boiling in one pot while I was adding ingredients for the sauce in the other.  I was really focused on making the sauce and not leaving out any ingredients.  I measured a cup of vinegar to add to the sauce and absentmindedly added it to the pot of tea!

Now no matter how much sugar you add at this point to the pot of tea, you can’t make it right. Ingredients for a successful pot of sweet tea include two things, tea and sugar, period!

As I was pouring the ruined tea out I thought of the ingredients that must make up a successful Celebrate Recovery. That’s when a quote hit me I heard repeated often in my early days of recovery. “Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.”

There are many components that build a successful CR, but the most vital ingredient (second only to Jesus Christ) is the Newcomer. That is what I like about being the "A"  coach.  In any national training you receive at One Day seminars or the Summit you will hear when it comes to the description of a good "A" coach is they understand the BIG picture, they always have the Newcomer in mind, and they are willing to go the extra mile.  In other words being available!  Our Father is not concerned about our abilities.  He gave them to us! What He cares very deeply about is our availability because that’s when our freewill comes into play.

Think about it.  We “Get To” be a part of people’s lives that will be changed eternally because we chose to become available to the Newcomer. Seeing the BIG picture and being willing to go the extra mile will bring eternal hope to somebody this holiday!  I can’t wait to hear who God sends to your group in the next couple of weeks because you chose to be there.

When our youngest grand-daughter saw all the Christmas lights she said, "Look at all the pretty stars!"  As you enjoy the Christmas lights this holiday remember God says, we get to shine like stars in the universe! Philip. 2:15

"The Life Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out." John 1:5 MSG

 Our God changed everything for us through a little baby in the manger!

 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Luke 2:14

 Merry Christmas,

 Mac & Mary

...as the first events of the new year.

With the Christmas and New Year holiday season rapidly approaching, I would remind you to get a date on the calendar, and plan to take others with you. One of the best considerations remains the great opportunity to network with other Celebrate Recovery leaders from your state or region.

As you seek to model the best practices and dna of an authentic Celebrate Recovery ministy, it makes sense to connect with other leaders and teams that have made the same commitment to excellence in ministry. Connecting with others within a reasonable driving distance will insure a steady stream of testimonies to share.

In addition to meeting Pastor John and Cheryl Baker and other presenters from the national leadership team, the upcoming seminars are great places to meet your Celebrate Recovery State Representative or Regional Director. Each member of the team is ready, willing, and able to help you and the Celebrate Recovery ministry of your church be an effective outreach to people in your church and community.

I heard many exciting Thanksgiving events from leaders across the country, and I'm sure there will be some wonderful stories of great fellowship at upcoming Christmas and New Year events in CR ministries across the country.

May God richly bless you, your family, and your CR ministry team as you celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays!

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim