“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)

What is Celebrate Recovery?
Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program that helps people overcome their “hurts, habits and hang-ups.” The program is based on the words of Jesus and is designed to show participants the loving power of Jesus Christ through a recovery process. Celebrate Recovery helps people address a wide variety of issues. Examples include dependency on alcohol or drugs, pornography, low self-esteem, need to control, depression, anger, co-dependency, depression, fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, perfectionism, broken relationships and abuse.
Confidentiality and anonymity are important elements of the Celebrate Recovery guidelines and rules. This promotes an atmosphere of trust and enables recovery. Additionally, leaders strive to create a safe place free of judgement in which each person moves at the pace that feels comfortable to them.

Is Celebrate Recovery for me?
Celebrate Recovery offers a person the opportunity to participate in a group fellowship where love and hope combine with God’s purpose to mend our lives. Ask yourself:
Are there things in my life that I do that hurt others?
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 check out a Celebrate Recovery meeting to see if it is for you.
Celebrate Recovery at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale
There are numerous Celebrate Recovery groups across South Florida. One church that has a strong Celebrate Recovery ministry is Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. The goal of the ministry at Calvary Chapel is to show people how to overcome their hurts, habits, and hang-ups and live a victorious life in Jesus Christ within a loving Christian community. Participants experience Bible-based support, guidance, love, encouragement, and the opportunity to grow and overcome temptations. Calvary Chapel believes, “The Holy Spirit can convict, heal, and, ultimately, deliver you. Don’t waste another day without getting help.”

Take the Next Step
So you understand what Celebrate Recovery is and you may be thinking about how you or someone you know might benefit. There are a variety of groups that exist in South Florida and nationwide. If your interest has been piqued, may God give you the courage to take the next step and attend one of the community group gatherings.
All groups meet in the Calvary Chapel Café at 6:00 p.m. every Friday evening prior to the group meeting. The meeting begins with a teaching at 7:00 p.m. Small groups meet from 8:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m. You must be 18 years old to attend and child care is not provided. For more information, go to calvaryftl.org/celebraterecovery

Celebrate Recovery – Men’s Anger Management
Gender Mix: Men Only
Description: For men struggling with anger, bitterness, resentment, or rage find freedom and healing through God’s Word, the Bible.

Celebrate Recovery – Men’s Chemical Dependence
Gender Mix: Men Only
Description: For those struggling with any type of chemical addiction come find a safe place for healing and real freedom through God’s Word.

Celebrate Recovery – Men’s Sexual Integrity
Gender Mix: Men Only
Description: For those struggling with sexual addiction come find a safe place for healing and real freedom through God’s Word.

Celebrate Recovery – Women’s Chemical Dependence
Gender Mix: Women Only
Description: For those Women struggling with any type of chemical addiction come find a safe place for healing and real freedom through God’s Word.

Celebrate Recovery – Women’s Co-dependence
Gender Mix: Women Only
Description: For women struggling with any type of co-dependent issues come find a safe place for healing and real freedom through God’s Word.

Celebrate Recovery – Women’s Eating Disorders and Over-eating
Gender Mix: Women Only
Description: For women struggling with eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia and over- eating issues. Learn how to find healing and real freedom through God’s Word. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to live life the abundant way through this Biblically based 12-step program.

Celebrate Recovery – Women’s Sexual Integrity
Gender Mix: Women Only
Description: For women who are struggling with sexual integrity issues, Celebrate Recovery is a safe place and anonymity is foundational in finding healing and real freedom through God’s Word, the Bible.

This year is full of possibilities, and there is no better time to make a change. Take the first step toward a better life in Christ. If you are interested learning more about any of the Celebrate Recovery groups hosted by Calvary Chapel, call 954-556-4766 or check your local church for a group near you.

Dr. Terry Morrow is an assistant dean and assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University and has a Ph.D. in conflict resolution. She can be reached at [email protected].