Celebrate Recovery State Reps Are Here to Serve

Many thanks to Pastor Gary and his ministry leader (and MN State Rep) Wade, for an outstanding job of hosting the One Day Seminar and Advanced Leadership Training at Autumn Ridge Church in Rochester, MN last weekend. Everyone had a great time, and the church and recovery community provided wonderful volunters to host the event.

One question surfaced in conversation that lead me to believe many local Ministry Leaders somehow missed the help and support available through the CR Regional Director and State Representative system that has long been part of our structure. On occasion in other parts of the country I've heard similar remarks, and thought I better address it here.

I talked with several folks attending their first training event who mentioned "I did not know I had a state rep!".

As a ministry leader in your local church and community, help get the word out to new and potential new ministries. Let them know Celebrate Recovery provides training through One Day Seminars and the Summit, and a support system through recognized leaders, to help start and grow a successful CR ministry. While it is great a nearby church may visit your group to understand the "how to, or why" of running a successful model of recovery, it is vitally important you help connect others to the system of support and connection that our representatives provide.

Our Regional Directors and State Reps are here to serve YOU. Don't hesitate to call or e-mail any of us with questions about growing this ministry in your church.

Speaking of networking - in 72 days, there will be awesome networking opportunities with people from across the country and around the world. Recovery leaders and potential recovery leaders will soon be gathering on the campus of Saddleback Church for the Eleventh Annual Celebrate Recovery Summit.

The Network Connection Tents will be set up and we will have representatives from the six regions of the United States, Celebrate Recovery Inside, and Celebrate Recovery International available to answer any questions you have concerning the growth of this Christ-centered ministry in your part of the world.

Come now and make plans now to join us for the WORLD -WIDE CELEBRATION of recovery that is found in Celebrate Recovery. Drop by and say "Hi!". Pastor John, Cheryl and the rest of the team are looking forward to seeing you there.

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim

Celebrate Recovery Reps and Directors to Serve You

We were just in New Orleans over the weekend, (Metarie specifically) to hold a One Day Seminar at Celebration Church. We appreciated the assistance of Ruth and the great group of volunteers who helped make this a great Seven Keys of Celebrate Recovery event. Great to know we had participants from many of the Gulf Coast states in attendance too.

You guys were great hosts, and we appreciate the support we receive when in the area. We'll be praying that rebuilding your main worship center on Airline Road becomes a reality sooner than expected!

One issue we bump into, on occasion, is that of "self-appointed" representatives seeking to contract services to start and grow the ministry of Celebrate Recovery in churches located in various parts of the country. At this weekend's seminar, I heard another example of an individual seeking to do this in one of the states represented at this event.

I wish to point out the established structure for ministry support in Celebrate recovery is found within the network of six Regional Directors and nearly eighty volunteer State Reps in the United States. Pastor or Ministry Leader, if you have someone wanting to contract with you to start or train your Celebrate Recovery leaders, THEY ARE NOT PART OF US!

This ministry is always run best when a dedicated lay volunteer or pastoral team member is assigned the care and leadership of the Celebrate Recovery ministry of your local church. Our experience with many of the "contractors" we have encountered is they are not part of any church with a Celebrate Recovery ministry, often lacking the experience serving as a Ministry Leader for CR in any church. They are operating outside the system of support and likely will not refer you to help available through the national and international ministry of Celebrate Recovery.

We sincerely believe the Basic Leadership Kit and the Advanced Leadership Kit have all of the resource you need for training the Celebrate Recovery leaders of YOUR church. If you have any questions about using any of the resources to train your leaders to begin this wonderful Christ-centered ministry, please get in touch with your State Rep or Regional Director.

Pastor, if your State Rep or Regional Director travels a distance or has to stay overnight to meet with your leadership, please keep in mind it is appropriate to assist with these expenses that our volunteer incurs from their visit. I am in support of that! Your State Representative or Regional Director can help your leadership, raised in your church, effectively minister to both your church and community.

What should you do if someone calls with plans to start the ministry of Celebrate Recovery at your church? Please verify you are working with a legitimate leader who has been acknowledged as a servant to his or her area of the state. If you've been approached by a "contractor or consultant", I'd like to meet them too!

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim

Senior Pastor Support - Celebrate Recovery in Gig Harbor

Many parts of the country have their own unique and special beauty. One of the benefits of serving this ministry is the opportunity to visit many wonderful locations across the country (and around the world at times!).

Last weekend we were in the beautiful Pacific North West and Gig Harbor, WA for a One Day Seminar at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church. The day we landed was sunny, but we soon had clouds and rain, as promised by our host. I've often heard how cloudy and wet the area can be, but we had the treat of being able to view Mt. Ranier from the waterfront of Tacoma and Gig Harbor soon after landing at SeaTac.

One of the things I appreciated about Lance Brown and his team of volunteers, was great cooperation and teamwork in a group assembled from different churches in the community. It was truly an example of the recovery community at work in transforming the lives of many who live in "the Narrows", referring to those living near the Tacoma Narrows waterway and bridge. An example of this great recovery cooperation was evidenced by the t-shirts the volunteers wore - noting "Narrows Celebrate Recovery".

During the key of Senior Pastor Support, Pastor Mark gave a great message on the importance of recovery at work in the life of the church. Key in the portion he addressed to pastors was "do not try to finesse or bring this ministry in through the back door of the church . . . this is too important a ministry to hide away in the children's ministry of your church . . . keep the message of Christ's life transforming power at the forefront".

Ministry leader - it remains vital that you enlist and keep the pastor's support of Celebrate Recovery. It is important to keep stories of changed lives before your pastor and let him or her know the difference that Celebrate Recovery is making in the lives of those you reach.

Did you notice the banner above? The folks at Chapel Hill are doing a great work of connecting people to Christ's healing power and forgiveness. Signs in the parking lot point the way!

Looking forward to seeing many of you at the next event at Christ's Church in Jacksonville, Florida on February 21st. There is still time to register at Celebrate Recovery , and walk-ins are always welcome.

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim

Always for the Newcomer - Keep your Celebrate Recovery meeting Open Year Round!

I just have to begin the New Year with a bicycle story! I woke up late, thought it "too cold", or "they are too fast for me" - and decided for a number a number of reasons not to take the New Year's Day ride with the local CFC - "Cycling for Christ" group that began a ride from a near by bicycle shop at 8 a.m. today.

A little later in the day, I went on a ride on my own and nearly got side-tracked when a large black shepherd mix chased me down. This was funny to watch, as this big dog has apparently had "fun" with other cyclists in the neighboring community of Cedar Park.

I was riding along, minding my own business, when I saw this dog quickly charge from one side of the street to the other. He was hiding near a large bush in his front yard, but then sprang from cover at the appropriate time. He was huge - about the length of my bicycle frame - and fast. Did I mention fast!

Having graduated from the Road One Bicycling course, I knew that when dealing with a fast dog, you do not try to outrun it - just makes them more aggressive. Instead I hopped off the bike and kept it between me and the dog, all the while telling him he was a "bad dog", and "go home". He finally gave up as I slowly backed down the street.

I was reminded that when we are trying to do good, to develop a good habit, it is not unlike the enemy to side track us.

Tonight I went to my home CR group, our first meeting of 2009. Many of the regular attenders were present even in this season of holiday plans and travel, but we had one newcomer walk through the doors. I am so happy the leadership of my local CR made a commitment to continue meeting, though our regular meeting day put us on Christmas day and New Years day this year.

Three new participants joined us in the past week because we kept to the regular meeting schedule. Keep in mind that we have the large group meeting night for the new person who may come through the door - unexpected or unannounced.

Remember the hurts, habits, and hang-ups that bring members from your church or community to your recovery meeting - don't take breaks.

Blessings to you and your ministry team as you keep the doors open for anyone who may drop by to start on the "road to recovery".

Celebrating Recovery - each day in Christ! - Jim

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