CR introductions; how to introduce ourselves during large group and during small group:

Here at CR Saddleback, we ask our Leaders to introduce themselves with this statement: “Hi my name is _______; I am a believer who struggles with________.”  We ask our leaders to keep it short; to stick to one or two primary areas of recovery.  We ask them not to state a host of recovery issues and character defects, etc… especially because we do not run recovery specific groups for character defects.  Come to think of it, in this body, I don’t think I will ever gain a year of sobriety from “pride.”  With that standard, I would never qualify to lead a group for pride. J 

Each Leader has an opportunity to share about all their areas of recovery and character defects in their small groups and certainly when they share their testimonies.  It is important that our Leaders set the example for our participants.  Although we cannot control how participants introduce themselves, each participant should state their area of recovery. If they don’t, other group members will feel awkward and unsafe to express their own.  At the very least, a newcomer may say, “Hi my name is _____, and I’m exploring this area of recovery.”

So why do we introduce ourselves to begin with?  As I was writing this blog, Pastor John Baker walked by my desk, so I asked him, “John, why do we introduce ourselves in this way?”  He said, “If I ever forget my struggles, and the pain and destruction they caused, I am more prone to repeat them.  It humbles me.  It helps me remember what Christ has done for me.”

So we introduce ourselves as believers because our identity is in Jesus Christ. We identify our struggles so that we don’t repeat them, and to offer hope to those struggling with the same issues.  Our introductions bring us closer together as a group by establishing accountability and strengthening our fellowship.

Tina Davis

National Training Coach

Step Study Group Dynamics

Thank you Phil from Kansas, for your Step Study questions and concerns!

1). It's my understanding that a step study participant "must" state their issues during introductions Do you agree?

Yes, I agree in that in order for the group to be safe each person should state their area of recovery. If they don’t other group members will feel awkward and unsafe to express their own.

2). Step study participant does NOT have to verbally share on any study guide question, but must have the questions answered, with at least some short statements, or "Key" words. Do you agree?

No, each person must participant in a step study group both verbally and in written form. Again it’s a major safety issue. Other participants of the group will not feel safe being vulnerable if someone else in the group is not willing. When someone joins a step study group they are saying they are ready to take their recovery to the next level.

3) A step study participant, while in the initial lessons of step 4, has admitted to his 2nd sexual addition relapse ( looked at pornography on the internet) and was asked to start over again in a future step study, and not to return to our current step study. We had previously made a TEAM decision that a 2nd relapse in step study indicates the individual should refocus, and start over again in a future step study. Does our policy seem reasonable and beneficial to you?

Agreed, anyone in any area of recovery that experiences a relapse in step 4 will only benefit from going back to step one. Relapse is a result of not thoroughly working steps 1-3. We would only be enabiling someone by allowing them to stay in a Step Study group in step 4. In addtion, another persons relapse effects the safety of the entire group.

As Step Study Group leaders, I encourage you; in the case you have someone who attends your step study group but are reluctant to participant. Share a cup of coffee with that person and learn more about them. Chances are they have valid fears that freeze them from opening up. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

I hope this helps!