How to Start a Recovery Ministry
A recovery ministry is a faith-based recovery group that provides a forum for men and women grappling with addictions to share their experiences and obtain counseling and encouragement. Recovery ministries are typically conducted in small groups and are often led by a pastor or a group leader who has successfully undergone the recovery process. Establish a recovery ministry by using the resources of your local church.
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Instructions
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Approach the head pastor of your church to discuss your desire to start a recovery ministry. Solicit his advice on church staff who may have the experience required to become the group facilitator.
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Ask the head pastor to announce the idea of forming the ministry to the entire congregation during normal services. Create a leaflet to hand out to church members, asking for volunteers who may be interested in attending or leading the ministry.
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Meet with interested church members. Select a group leader who has previous experience working with a recovery group, or has completed a recovery program.
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Develop a faith-based recovery program that is modeled on successful 12-step programs, but focuses on spiritual and God-centered methods of battling addiction. Establish rules and guidelines for the program, including how the group leader will conduct each session.
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Meet with church leaders to discuss the dates and location where the ministry will meet. Work out an acceptable schedule that does not infringe on other established church ministries and programs.
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Publicize the ministry's opening session at least a month in advance. Use a combination of church announcements, newsletters and emails to the congregation. Explain the goals and methods of the group, and emphasize the faith-based nature of the ministry.
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Tips & Warnings
Caution the group leader not to instruct ministry participants on how to deal with personal problems at home, which may be actionable under the law if a person commits a crime while following the group leader's advice.
References
- UrbanMinistry.org; Organizing and Starting a Recovery Group; Sarah Barton; 2005
- Small Group; Launching Recovery Groups; Greg Wilson
- National Association for Christian Recovery; Chapter 6: Organizing and Conducting the Living Free Program; Ron Halverson and Valerie Halverson; 1992
- National Association for Christian Recovery; Chapter 4: Forming a Recovery Ministry; Ron Halverson and Valerie Halvorson; 1992
