Faith-based recovery in the church
For decades, churches have offered more than Sunday services. Thousands of congregations host ongoing support groups addressing addiction, grief, divorce, eating disorders, sexual brokenness, anxiety, and other struggles. These groups are typically free, open to anyone, and don't require church membership.
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery (CR) is the most widely used faith-based recovery program in America, found in over 35,000 churches across the country. Founded at Saddleback Church in California, CR is a Christ-centered, 12-step program that addresses "hurts, habits, and hang-ups" — any life struggle, not just substance addiction.
A typical Celebrate Recovery meeting includes:
- A large-group worship and teaching time
- Open-share small groups separated by issue (addiction, codependency, sexual issues, etc.)
- A step study for deeper, long-term recovery work
- A social time (dinner is common)
CR meets weekly, usually on Friday or Monday evenings. It is open to everyone regardless of church membership, faith background, or severity of struggle.
GriefShare
GriefShare is a 13-week support group program for people who have lost a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or friend. Over 10,000 churches in the US host GriefShare groups each year. Sessions are video-based with group discussion and are open to the public.
DivorceCare
DivorceCare is a 13-week support group for people going through separation or divorce. Run by the same organization as GriefShare, it is hosted in thousands of churches and focuses on recovery, emotional healing, and rebuilding. No church membership required.
Other church-based support programs
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — many churches open their facilities to 12-step groups as a community service, even if the group itself isn't church-run
- Stephen Ministries — one-on-one Christian care for people facing life crises; trained lay caregivers provide ongoing support
- Reformers Unanimous (RU) — a faith-based addiction recovery program used primarily in Independent Baptist and evangelical churches
- Hunger and eating disorder support groups — some larger churches host Remuda Ranch affiliates or similar programs
- Anxiety and depression groups — growing number of churches run mental health support groups, often connected to licensed Christian counseling networks
- Marriage enrichment and counseling referrals — many churches offer pre-marital counseling, marriage retreats, or referrals to Christian counselors
How to find a church with recovery groups near you
The best ways to find faith-based recovery:
- Search Celebrate Recovery's locator — their official website has a zip-code search for all CR groups in the US
- Search GriefShare or DivorceCare — both have group finders on their websites
- Search our directory for large churches in your city — churches with 500+ attendees are most likely to have formal recovery programs
- Call ahead — many smaller churches host AA or recovery groups that aren't listed online; calling the church office is often the most reliable method
Do I need to be a Christian to attend?
Most faith-based recovery groups welcome everyone regardless of religious background. Celebrate Recovery, GriefShare, and DivorceCare are explicitly faith-based, meaning they incorporate Scripture and prayer. They are not coercive — but they are clear about their Christian orientation. If you're not a believer and feel uncomfortable with that, a secular 12-step program may be a better fit. If you're open or curious, many people find the faith component helpful rather than off-putting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Celebrate Recovery only for addiction?
No. CR addresses any "hurt, habit, or hang-up" — codependency, anger, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual addiction, grief, trauma, and much more. Addiction is common in CR groups, but it is not the only focus.
Is there a cost?
Most church recovery groups are free. Some GriefShare or DivorceCare groups charge a small workbook fee (~$20), but scholarships are typically available.