Celebrate Recovery is for anyone navigating life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits. This might include:

• Mental health challenges

• Relational difficulties

• Faith doubts

• Addiction

• Emotional trauma 

• Relationship issues 

• Anxiety or depression 

• Grief

• Control or anger issues 

• Financial dysfunction/job loss

No—but it is faith-based. The program centers on Jesus Christ, so participants should be open to spiritual discussion, even if they are not Christians.

A typical meeting includes:

1. Large group session (worship + teaching/testimony) 

2. Open share groups (gender-specific, issue-focused discussions) 

3. Fellowship time (connection, encouragement, and community)

Take a look here at a step by step of what your first meeting could look like.

A Step Study is where real transformation happens in Celebrate Recovery.

It is a small, closed group that works through the 12 Steps and their Biblical comparisons in a structured and personal way. Step Studies provide space for deeper reflection, honesty, and healing in a safe and consistent environment.

Step Studies:

• Run on a separate night from the general Celebrate Recovery meeting

• Usually take around 6–9 months to complete

• Are gender-specific and closed once they begin (no new members join after the first few weeks)

• Follow a structured workbook and weekly commitment

• Require active participation, confidentiality, and accountability

While Step Studies are highly valuable, they are optional. Recovery still happens through attending Celebrate Recovery meetings, building healthy relationships, and engaging in sponsorship and accountability. A Step Study is simply one deeper pathway for those who are ready.

They are best suited for those ready to go deeper in their recovery journey and commit to consistent participation over time.

Celebrate Recovery uses a version of the 12 Steps (similar to Alcoholics Anonymous), but with a strong biblical foundation. These steps are paired with 8 Recovery Principles based on the Beatitudes.

Yes. Confidentiality is a core value. What is shared in groups stays within the group.

No. You can just listen until you feel comfortable sharing.

Most meetings are free, though small donations may be optional. Step Study materials may have a small cost.

Many participants report long-term transformation, especially when they commit to Step Studies and regular attendance. Like any program, outcomes depend on consistency and engagement.

You can:

• Visit the official Celebrate Recovery website 

• Search for local churches offering the program 

• Ask community or church leaders nearby 

• Focuses explicitly on Jesus Christ as the Higher Power 

• Addresses a wide range of issues, not just addiction 

• Includes worship and biblical teaching 

• Hurts: emotional pain or trauma 

• Hang-ups: negative mental patterns or beliefs 

• Habits: addictive or unhealthy behaviors 

Yes, you can attend open meetings anytime, but Step Studies usually start at specific times.

Leadership in Celebrate Recovery is a calling to serve, support others in their recovery journey, and continue growing in your own.

If you’re interested in becoming a leader, the first step is to be actively engaged in your own recovery and connected to a CR group.

From there, you can:

• Speak with a CR ministry leader about your interest

• Build consistency in attending meetings and Step Study (if applicable)

• Develop healthy accountability through a sponsor and accountability team

• Demonstrate commitment to the principles and values of Celebrate Recovery

• Be willing to be mentored, trained, and developed over time

• Complete required leadership training, including online training via the Mighty Networks app

Leadership is not about position, but about character, humility, and a willingness to walk alongside others while continuing your own recovery journey.

Celebrate Recovery team members are encouraged to stay connected, supported, and continually growing in both leadership and their own recovery journey.

To help you serve well, we provide a range of resources including:

• Leadership training and development (including Mighty Networks online training)

• Step Study materials and facilitator guides

• Meeting resources and recommended running formats

• Sponsorship and accountability tools

• Safeguarding, confidentiality, and ministry guidelines

• Ongoing encouragement through CR leadership support and coaching

Team members are also encouraged to maintain their own recovery rhythms through meetings, Step Studies (where applicable), sponsorship, and accountability relationships.

Healthy leadership flows out of healthy recovery—so ongoing personal growth is just as important as serving others.

A sponsor is someone with recovery experience who guides and supports you as you work through the Celebrate Recovery Steps.

An accountability partner is a trusted person who encourages you, checks in with you, and helps you stay honest and connected in your recovery journey.

Many people find both relationships helpful. A sponsor offers guidance through recovery, while accountability partners provide ongoing encouragement and support in everyday life.

Recovery works best when participants take ownership of their own growth and healing. It is the participant’s responsibility to regularly reach out, check in, and stay connected with their sponsor and accountability team.

As you attend meetings and build healthy connections, trusted relationships often develop naturally. Leaders can also help guide you in finding support.