Our Twelve-step Process
One of the central building blocks of our ministry is the 12 step program developed by AA and Celebrate Recovery. We want to share the 12 steps with you! Each month our women’s groups share and discuss one of the 12 steps. We believe the 12 steps can help anyone find peace in their lives. They are biblical and foundational to recovery from any difficult circumstance. This is not just for those who suffer from addiction; they are positive steps for everyone to follow in their lives.
In working the twelve steps there are
Seven reasons we get stuck
As you complete your journey, you will discover the rewards of sponsoring newcomers. Your role as a sponsor will be to help others along their journey on the road to recovery by guiding them through the principles and steps. Your task is not to pick them up and carry them through the steps, but to stand alongside them as they complete their journey.
At times, you may need to slow them down when they are moving through the steps too quickly; or you may need to speed them up when they get stuck along the side of the road. There are seven major areas in which I have seen individuals get stuck at some point in their recoveries. It is important that you are familiar with each of them so you help them get unstuck.
1. You have not completely worked the previous Step
Perhaps you are trying to move through the Steps too quickly. Slow down! Give God time to work! Remember, this program is a process.
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25, NIV).
2. You have not completely surrendered your life and your will to the Lord
Perhaps you are trusting Jesus with the “big” things, but you still think you can handle the “small” things.
“If you want favor with both God and man and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust in the Lord completely; don’t ever trust in yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success” (Proverbs 3:5-6, TLB).
3. You have not accepted Jesus’ work on the cross for your forgiveness
You may have forgiven others, but you think your sin is too big to be forgiven.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NASB).
“So overflowing is his kindness towards us that he took away all our sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved” (Ephesians 1:7, TLB).
Have you forgiven yourself?
4. You really have not forgiven others who have harmed you
You must let go of the pain of past harm and abuse. Until you are able to release it, forgive it, it will continue to hold you as its prisoner.
“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will pick you up, and set you firmly in place and make you stronger than ever” (1 Peter 5:10-11, TLB).
5. You are afraid of the risk in making the necessary change
You may be paralyzed by the fear of failure. You may fear intimacy because of the fear of rejection or of being hurt again. You may resist change (growth) because of the fear of the unknown.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed… I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, TLB).
“That is why we can say without any doubt or fear, The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me” (Hebrews 13:6, TLB).
6. You are not willing to “own” your responsibility
You need to take responsibility for your past in a broken relationship, a damaged friendship, with a distant child or parent, and so forth.
“Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover … if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way” (Psalm 139:23, GNT).
7. You have not developed an effective support team
Do you have a sponsor or an accountability partner? Do you have the phone numbers of others in your small group? Have you volunteered for a commitment to your recovery ministry?
“Be with wise men and become wise. Be with evil men and become evil” (Proverbs 13:20, TLB).
“Dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each another” (Galatians 5:13, TLB).
“Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s commands” (Galatians 6:2, TLB).