Recovery Group

 

Most people think recovery groups are simply AA meetings or only for those struggling with a chemical addiction. However, we believe that all people struggle with addictions as a part of the brokenness of the human condition, whether or not they are the more visible addictions, such as alcoholism, drug use, sex addiction, or eating disorders. In other words, the root of these more dramatic addictions aren’t fundamentally different from our cravings for comfort, significance, relationship, money, love, and so on.

All of our addictions are like cancers to our souls. They rob us of life.  At first, they are only an irritation.  Then, as the disease progresses, we lose the ability to relate; we lose the capacity to enjoy life; and finally lose our life.  Any and all addictions can follow this same pattern.  Whatever your particular “addiction” may be, we believe this program is for you.

Many of you are familiar with the classic 12-Step program of AA and other recovery groups. The Recovery Group Ministry at Trinity relies on the framework of these step recovery programs, but anchors them in the grace of the gospel and the Biblical perspective on the hope for personal transformation.

 

FAQs

What is this?

Trinity’s Recovery Group Ministry is centered around three areas:

1) Recovery from dependency

2) the necessity of Biblical community for change, and

3) a Biblical curriculum.

The curriculum is a 12-step curriculum based on Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, commonly called “the Beatitudes.”  In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches eight ways to be happy, or better “blessed.” From a secular standpoint, these statements don’t make sense. They seem to be counter-intuitive. However, as we study them together, we will discover that they are God’s road to recovery, serenity, wholeness, growth, and spiritual maturity.

 

What happens each week?

We meet at Trinity. Our groups will begin with an open time to share our concerns and to discuss the study materials. We believe this can be done in an hour. However, it has been our experience that these meetings often run over and spill over into a local shop.

 

What is recovery?

In physical health, recovery refers to the process of moving from illness to wellness. Our hurts, habits, and sins are like an illness. Using the tools we will employ, we can begin to move toward wholeness in Christ. (Some might say from “bondage to freedom in Christ.” Others might say from “self-reliance to faith in Christ.” Still others might say “from anxiety to peace in Christ.”)

Put differently, much of these hurts, habits, and sins, which are commonly called addictions, come from the same source. They all share a desire to escape from God’s reality into an alternative, which we find more compelling. The more we pursue these alternatives, the more they take on a life of their own and begin to dominate our lives.  Very good things, like food, alcohol, and sex, become perverted, take over our lives, and crowd out the true enjoyment of life, love for our friends and family, and service in God’s kingdom. 


Do I need this?

Only you can decide this. This Recovery Group Ministry offers a person the opportunity to participate in a confidential group where honesty, love, humility, and hope combine with the grace of the gospel to mend our lives. Ask yourself:

 

  • Are there things in my life that I do that hurt others?
  • Do I repeatedly attempt to put an end to a destructive behavior but constantly fail?
  • Do friends or loved ones often try to discuss a specific habit or issue I have?
  • Do others in my life talk to me about my destructive behaviors or patterns?
  • 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 you may benefit from this ministry.

 

How does this deal with past hurts?

This Recovery Ministry will be forward-looking. Rather than wallowing in the past or rehashing painful memories, we’ll hear and accept those things as part of the steps to recovery. But, we intend to focus more on the future. While learning to abandon our dreams for a better past is part of the process, a significant part of change is to come to terms with what has captured our hearts and then begin making wise choices in the present through dependence upon Christ.

 

What types of issues will this address?

As we launch this new ministry, we will initially focus on the addictions of substance abuse, chemical dependence, and compulsive behaviors, all the while seeking to address the inner workings and heart motivations of those who struggle in these ways.  As the ministry progresses, we desire to address a wide variety of issues, including dependency on alcohol or drugs, pornography, low self-esteem, control issues, depression, anger, co-dependency, fear of rejection and abandonment, perfectionism, broken relationship, and abuse.

 

What is a step study?

This program uses the “Twelve Steps” and related Scripture, to focus our attention on Jesus Christ, as the only one who can bring serenity, hope, and healing to our lives. 

A step study is a personal journey through different steps that build on each other, within the context of a confidential group led by a facilitator who has previously completed this step study. All step study meetings are gender specific and involve a commitment to the members of the group. After completing the step study, our desire is that you will join with us in helping others work through the steps.

 

Is this confidential?

Yes. We will operate under the belief in attraction rather than promotion. We believe that we ought to maintain anonymity as much as possible. This promotes an atmosphere of trust and enables recovery. We are diligent about confidentiality and anonymity. Our guidelines and rules protect all of us from judging one another and trying to “fix” each other.

Our groups seek to be safe places where you can take off your “mask” and be real and honest without fear. You are in control of when and how much you participate.

 

Do I have to share?

In the Groups, absolutely not… until you’re ready. You may remain silent anytime you wish and for as long as it takes for you to become comfortable.

 

Does it cost anything to attend?

We do not charge for this ministry, but do seek to be a self-supporting ministry.  Thus, gifts are welcome.

 

How do I get started?

Just show up! We meet at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

 

Do I have to be a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church to attend?

No, this is a ministry for anyone who is interested in a recovery program. We anticipate people who are not members and who do not attend Trinity to be active members of this ministry.

 

Who are the leaders of this ministry?

The facilitators are men and women who have struggled with similar addictions, hurts, and sinful habits, and have gone through this or a similar recovery program. Ultimately, there is only one final authority for this ministry: our loving heavenly Father. The leaders are but trusted servants of God and are not counselors.  Nor do they offer any professional or clinical advice. If professional counseling is required, referrals may be made.

 

How often does this meet?

We will meet weekly, in the evening with the exception of major holidays. The meetings are designed so that a person may begin on the road to recovery at anytime; you need not wait for a start date to begin your recovery.

 

What if I can't make it every week?

You are welcome to come when you can. 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 this the more benefit you will receive.

 

Is there child care available?

At this time there is no child care available, but we will be revisiting this issue as our group begins to grow.