We’ve all encountered those familiar signs outside of churches, often bearing messages like “Church Is A Hospital for the Sinner,” “Sinners Welcomed,” or “Treat Everyone With Kindness.” These signs are meant to convey the idea that churches are welcoming places for all, regardless of their past. However, the reality inside those doors can sometimes be different. I’ve had the opportunity to attend churches of various sizes throughout my life, both during and after my struggles with addiction. Interestingly, they all shared a common trait: a genuine love for one another. Yet, there was also an underlying fear of individuals who weren’t leading what might be considered “perfect” lives. The irony here is that many of those in leadership positions within these congregations had their own imperfections.
It’s a truth that people within church communities, though often reluctant to admit it openly, form judgments about those who have battled addiction. These unspoken judgments might as well be posted on the church’s signboard because, trust me, we feel them. I vividly remember my time in rehab when I encountered individuals who felt compelled to tell me that I was headed for hell if I didn’t “get it together.” While there may have been truth in their words, their approach left much to be desired, especially for individuals who should be in the business of saving souls.
In this blog, I aim to provide you with twelve compelling reasons why churches should embrace individuals in recovery as part of their congregations. These twelve reasons will align with the Twelve Step Program utilized by Alcoholics Anonymous. Originally designed to assist individuals in overcoming alcohol addiction, these steps can be adapted for any form of addiction. If you’d like to apply these principles to your own life, you can easily substitute your specific addiction for alcohol in each step.
Step 1: “We admit that we are powerless over alcohol – that our lives have become unmanageable.”
To embark on the path to recovery, addicts must first acknowledge their problems. They must accept that their addiction has spiraled out of control and that they are no longer in command of their lives. In a spiritual context, this step translates to admitting our sins and recognizing that we need guidance to overcome them. Recovering addicts, having experienced the importance of Step 1, can serve as invaluable mentors to others grappling with their own life challenges.
Step 2: “We have come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to our sanity.”
While many Christians openly profess their faith, they may not always live in accordance with it. There are times when individuals within church communities forget that God is the supreme Power capable of guiding us through both good and evil. Belief in a higher power is crucial for recovery because it provides a source of strength and a recipient for casting our cares and anxieties. Those in recovery recognize the significance of this belief, and it can be a lesson for others who need to rediscover their faith in a higher power.
Step 3: “We have made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
In Christianity, repentance and baptism signify a turning away from sin and dedicating one’s life to Christ. Baptism is viewed as an act of faith that washes away sins. However, many individuals falter in their commitment over time. Recovering addicts understand that deciding to turn their lives away from addiction and toward God is an ongoing, lifelong commitment. Commitment is a vital component of any relationship, and recovering addicts can emphasize the necessity of dedication, not only to recovery but also to God.
Step 4: “We have made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Imagine attending a church service where you were asked to compile an honest list of your morals, actions, thoughts, and behaviors. Would you be capable of creating an unreserved account? Would you admit to occasional sins, the way you gossip about others, attraction to someone other than your spouse, or dishonesty at work? Likely not. However, the Alcoholics Anonymous program encourages addicts to conduct a moral inventory of themselves. This process enables individuals to identify their shortcomings, acknowledge their struggles, and understand how they relate to their addiction or sobriety. Confronting one’s moral flaws is essential for personal growth and change, whether in recovery or in the context of Christianity.
Step 5: “We have admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”
Confession of sins is necessary for forgiveness. How can we be forgiven if we are not willing to confess our sins? Confession can be a challenging step, both in recovery and in the Christian faith. It’s a humbling experience to admit our wrongdoings in a public or group setting, and this is where recovering addicts can impart a lesson about compassion. Christians need to learn to show compassion to those who confess their sins rather than engage in gossip or judgment.
Step 6: “We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”
When addicts decide to choose freedom over addiction, they must ask God to remove all addictive behaviors from their lives. Similarly, Christians should ask God to remove sin from their lives, but sometimes they hold onto their “favorite” sins. Recovering addicts understand that maintaining sobriety means letting go of destructive behaviors completely. Christians often believe they can hold onto “small” sins without consequences, but any sin can harm them. To move forward spiritually, we must humbly ask God to remove these traits that lead us to sin, and addicts comprehend how to make this humble request.
Step 7: “We are willing to humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings.”
Recognizing our shortcomings and asking God to remove them can be a challenge. Many people fail to even realize they have shortcomings, let alone request their removal. Both recovering addicts and Christians must continue working on themselves, acknowledging areas in which they fall short and humbly asking for improvement.
Step 8: “We will make a list of all persons we have harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.”
Addiction takes a toll on relationships, leading to hurt and damage inflicted on family, friends, and acquaintances. Christians need to understand the harm they can cause, whether through hurtful words, criticism, or dishonesty. Making amends and seeking forgiveness is a crucial step in both recovery and Christianity.
Step 9: “We will make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
Apologizing, represented by two simple words, “I’m sorry,” can be incredibly difficult. It requires acknowledging wrongdoing and humbling oneself to ask for forgiveness. Both recovering addicts and Christians can learn the significance of this step, which emphasizes making amends and seeking reconciliation.
Step 10: “We will continue to take personal inventory and, when we are wrong, promptly admit it.”
Both addicts in recovery and Christians are works in progress. Continual self-improvement and acknowledging one’s mistakes are essential for personal and spiritual growth. Recovery and faith are lifelong journeys that require daily effort and self-awareness.
Step 11: “We have sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.”
This step underscores the importance of seeking God’s will and purpose for our lives rather than asking for personal desires. Both recovering addicts and Christians should learn the significance of seeking God’s wisdom and aligning their actions with His will.
Step 12: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to alcoholics (addicts) and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Recovering addicts work not only to maintain their own sobriety but also to share the message of recovery with others. Similarly, Christians should strive to share their faith with those around them. Building accountability partnerships and supporting others in times of crisis is essential, whether in recovery or within a Christian community.
Disclaimer:
I want to make it clear that this blog is not intended to criticize or disparage any religious affiliation or organization. My aim is simply to highlight a valuable perspective: when a recovering addict attends your church services, rather than turning them away or passing judgment, consider the power of listening to their experiences. You might be pleasantly surprised by the insights and wisdom they can offer.
Reflective Conclusion:
In closing, let’s reflect on the shared journey of recovery and faith. While churches often preach acceptance, unspoken judgments persist. In this blog, I’ve provided twelve reasons for churches to embrace recovering individuals, drawing parallels with the Twelve Step Program. It’s not meant to criticize any religion but to encourage open-hearted listening to the wisdom of those in recovery. Our shared journey can be richer than we imagine.
With respect,
Amy Marcle