What is Recovery?

In physical health, recovery refers to the process of moving from illness to wellness. Our hurts, habits and hang-ups are like an illness and using the tools of Celebrate Recovery we begin to move toward wholeness. Some might say from bondage to freedom in Christ. Others might say from self-reliance to faith in Christ.

Who started Celebrate Recovery?

John Baker started Celebrate Recovery with the main purpose of being able to talk about Jesus Christ as his Higher Power. 

Is Celebrate Recovery for me?

Celebrate Recovery offers a person the opportunity to participate in a group fellowship where love and hope combine with God’s purpose to mend our lives. Ask yourself:

• Are there things in my life that I do that hurt others?
• Is there something I wish I could live without?
• Is it time to crack my denial and admit I am not in control of my life?
• Do I have a painful habit or hang-up from which I need to be freed?  

If you answered “yes” to any of these statements then we urge you to attend a Celebrate Recovery meeting to see if it is for you.

Does it cost anything to attend?

Fellowship First Baptist does not charge for this ministry.

What is the difference between AA and Celebrate Recovery?

The principle difference between AA (and other Twelve Step programs) and Celebrate Recovery is that Celebrate Recovery focuses on Jesus Christ as the true Higher Power and uses God's Word as the authority in relation to the Twelve Steps. The Twelve Steps have a Christian heritage as they were modeled after the Oxford Society. In order to reach people who would be offended by Jesus or the church, AA focused on a Higher Power. But Celebrate Recovery's 8 principals to the road to recovery tie the Twelve Steps to Jesus Christ's teachings known as the Beatitudes given in The Sermon on the Mount.

Is Celebrate Recovery confidential?

Yes, Celebrate Recovery maintains strict confidentiality. This promotes an atmosphere of trust and enables recovery. 
We have a saying that is repeated in every Large Group meeting :
WHO you see here.
WHAT you hear here.
WHEN you leave here.
STAYS HERE.
Hear! Hear!
We are diligent about confidentiality and anonymity. The guidelines/rules protect all of us from judgment and being “fixed”. In a “safe place” you can take off your “mask” and be real and honest without fear. You are 100% in control of when and how much you participate.

Do I have to be a member of Fellowship First Baptist Church to attend?

No, Celebrate Recovery is a ministry for anyone who is interested in a Christ centered recovery program that will enable them to recover from life’s hurts, hang-ups habits and addictions. There are attendees who are not members and/or do not attend Fellowship First Baptist Church.  You are welcomed by our loving fellowship of believers to visit with us on Sunday mornings at 10:40 a.m. or come early for Sunday School at 9:15 a.m.
Another great source of information for Celebrate Recovery in our area is from a newly formed partnership with Faith Community Church in House Springs. Together, working as 1 we can reach out further in our community to bring help to those who need it.

What is a Step Study?

The Step Study takes place on a another night other than Fridays. Ours usually meet on Monday nights to take advantage of child care. Celebrate Recovery uses the Twelve Steps and its related Scripture as the biblical model for living your life. A Step Study is a personal journey though each of these steps in a confidential group lead by a facilitator. We use Celebrate Recovery's four participants books. When you finish the study you will have worked your hurts, habits, and hang-ups through each step. A Step Study is a long-term commitment to the members of the group. It will typically take 12 months to complete the study. We do have guidelines for the groups that are strictly followed.

Do I have to share?

In the Issue Groups, absolutely not . . . until you are ready. You can pass anytime you wish and for as long as it takes for you to become comfortable. In the Step Studies everyone is required to share as the questions are answered.

What if I can't make it every week?

You are welcome to come when you can for worship, large group and issue groups. However if you join a Step Study, you are expected to come each week until you complete it. As with any endeavor, the more effort you put into Celebrate Recovery, the more benefit you will gain.

Is there a way to talk to a personal professional Christian counselor if I want to?

Of course the answer is yes. You may call the church office to schedule an appointment with our professional counselor. Our counselor travels to your celebrate recovery meeting to meet with you. A small copay is required. Other than the copay, your visit with our counselor is free. If you need to see our counselor on a different day and travel to her office, that can be arranged. Some Insurance is accepted for those off property appointments. To schedule your appointment please call 636-677-3014. All on property appointments will be on Monday nights before our small group sessions.