Celebrate Recovery 12 step introduction

Let’s talk about the 12 steps and how they serve as a spiritual and practical framework for personal growth, healing, and freedom. It’s not a way to stop or start something-it’s a way to live life to the fullest. Everyone says meeting makers make it but it’s not true-step takers do. Celebrate Recovery is designed to help people overcome their hurts, hang-ups, and habits, and is based on biblical principles that integrate the 12 steps of recovery with 8 core biblical principles from the Beatitudes.

If your new to 12 steps-don’t be scared-the First time I saw the 12 steps I said no way in hell I’m doing this… thank God I got the courage to be uncomfortable and begin my journey

Let’s take a closer look:

Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable.  

-Scripture: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” — Romans 7:18

This first step is all about admitting that we can't do it on our own. Our own efforts and thinking have led us to destructive behaviors, and we acknowledge that our lives are out of control. In this step, humility is key. It’s the foundation for real recovery.

Step 2: We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

Scripture: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” — Philippians 2:13

In Step 2, we recognize that we need help beyond our own strength. This power, in Celebrate Recovery, is identified as Jesus Christ. Believing in a higher power gives us hope for restoration and healing.

Step 3: We made a decision to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.

Scripture: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” — Romans 12:1

This step is a pivotal point in our recovery journey. It involves surrenderingcontrol of our lives to God, trusting that He has a plan for us and can lead us toward healing.

Surrender can be described as a courageous, vulnerable, and radical act of honesty, self-awareness, and humility. It's not about giving up, but rather about gaining clarity, hope, strength, and a dynamic relationship with God. 

Step 4: We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Scripture: “Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord.” — Lamentations 3:40

This is where it gets tricky-Step 4 is a deep dive into our past and present, where we honestly examine our behaviors, thoughts, and the impact they’ve had on our lives and others. This step requires courage and honesty as we begin to see ourselves clearly. If you ran a business and didn’t take inventory, you’d be out of business pretty quick. I’m happy to take a look at your faults-but We struggle to look at ourselves

Step 5: We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Scripture: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” — James 5:16

In this step, we take what we’ve learned from our personal inventory and share it openly with God, ourselves, and another trusted person. This process allows us to release the shame and guilt we may have been carrying and begin the path toward forgiveness. Why do we admit to another human being?

Admitting shortcomings to another person is crucial because it forces individuals to confront their mistakes and fully acknowledge the impact of their actions, leading to a sense of release and allowing them to move forward in recovery with a clean slate, rather than carrying the burden of hidden secrets and shame; this process can also foster a deeper connection and support system with a trusted individual who can listen without judgment

Step 6: We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Scripture: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10

After acknowledging our wrongs, this step involves being fully willing and open to God’s work in our lives to remove the flawed patterns, thoughts, and behaviors that have kept us stuck.

Prayer: "God, I am ready for Your help in removing from me the defects of character which I now realize are an obstacle to my recovery. Help me to continue being honest with myself and guide me toward spiritual and mental health"

Step 7: We humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings.

Scripture: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

In Step 7, we ask God to take away our defects of character. We don’t try to fix ourselves, but instead, ask God to transform us from the inside out, knowing that real change is only possible through His grace.

Step 8: We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

Scripture: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31

This step focuses on making things right. We begin by identifying the people we’ve hurt through our actions and attitudes and become willing to make amends. It’s not just about saying sorry—it’s about restoring relationships.

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. (others includes you)

Scripture: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:23-24

In Step 9, we take action by approaching those we’ve harmed and offering sincere amends. Sometimes this can be difficult, but it is a crucial step in healing both ourselves and the relationships we’ve damaged. It’s not about apologizing-it’s about making things right.  Own your responsibility for the harm you caused

Direct Amends – taking personal responsibility for your actions and confronting the person who you would like to reconcile with.

Indirect Amends – finding ways to repair damage that cannot be reversed or undone by doing things like volunteering and helping others.

Living Amends – when you show others as well as yourself that you have made a genuine lifestyle change and are making a commitment to yourself and those that you have hurt that you will & have discarded your previous destructive behaviors.

Step 10: We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

Scripture: “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” — 1 Corinthians 10:12

Recovery isn’t just a one-time process; it’s an ongoing journey. Step 10 reminds us to regularly check our behaviors, attitudes, and relationships, admitting when we’re wrong and taking steps to correct it.

It’s ok to admit I screwed up!! I do it every day-but I try admitting to it immediately and move on

Step 11: We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” — Colossians 3:16

Step 11 encourages us to build and maintain a relationship with God through prayer and meditation. It’s about staying connected with Him daily, seeking His guidance and strength for our lives. 

Generally, when we get to a good place in our recovery, we stop doing the things that got us there. Complacency in this step can lead to a downfall. Keep the pipeline to God clear. 

Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Scripture: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” — Galatians 6:1

The final step is about sharing the hope and freedom we’ve found with others. We become living examples of what God’s grace can do, and we help others find their own path to recovery. Service to others is one of the most fulfilling things in life and brings me the most joy. Giving back what others gave me keeps me humble and fulfilled. 

These 12 steps offer a structured yet grace-filled path toward healing. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in this journey—God is with us, and through His power, we can experience true freedom. Each step requires honesty, courage, and faith, and though the process can be challenging, it leads to a life of greater peace, joy, and purpose.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. Let’s continue to support one another, walk these steps together, and trust in God’s ability to heal and restore every area of our lives.