Celebrate Recovery Testimonies Are Great - Keep Them Safe for Your Entire Group

I believe we all agree the power of a transformed life is what we're all about. God at work in the body, soul, and spirit of those we love and serve - keeps me coming back each week!

Today I had an e-mail from a Ministry leader concerning how he had been approached by an individual from outside his group to give a testimony. I realize that when you are a new ministry, there is a need to use "Testimonies to Go" from Celebrate Recovery at Saddleback, or connect with other churches in the area to share live testimonies. Both are vital to growing your ministry and filling out the calendar for your first year.

Today's question concerned our practice of writing the testimony and giving it as written. The leader reviewed the aforementioned testimony and noted areas that could be divisive concerning doctrine, denomination, or closely held personal beliefs. When he asked the proposed guest speaker to rework some sensitive areas, he was met with strong resistance. "This is my story, and I'm sharing it the way I want", was the response he received. A "red flag" if I ever saw one!

I encouraged him that as ministry leader he was using good judgement to screen the testimony, especially of someone from outside his group. Further, he was exercising principles we know work by screening each testimony to make sure that Celebrate Recovery is safe for all leaders and participants.

Ministry Leader, please review Pastor John Pollard's essay on CR writing and giving testimonies. You may find it in the archives of this blog, or in the workbook you received at the Summit or a One Day Seminar. Read every testimony that is presented for sharing with your group. You won't be disappointed, distracted, or discontented!!! Best of all - you will be serving as a guardian over your recovery flock as a great ministry leader.

The One Day and Advanced Leadership schedule is available NOW. You can see what is coming up for networking and training by visiting Celebrate Recovery online.

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim