Recovery is a vital ministry at Summit Church, but many people wonder what it is and how it works. Please allow us an opportunity to address a few misconceptions.
1. “Recovery is only for addicts.”
Common things we address in Recovery include: anxiety, control, depression, addiction and substance abuse, sexual integrity and identity, body image struggles, divorce, codependency, addiction in the family, abortion, eating disorders, anger, emotional and physical abuse, dysfunctional family, shame, and guilt. Recovery is a safe community and a process of exploring your story and inviting God to heal and restore you. We are all affected by the brokenness of the world and of ourselves. Many of us are stuck and need clarity. We don’t know how to feel our feelings. Recovery helps with all of that.
2. “Recovery is secular.”
At Recovery at Summit, we use several resources, but we use our own Gospel-centered material based on God’s Word. We acknowledge that whatever our struggles, the root problem is always sin (our own and others’), and the solution is always Jesus. We define our Higher Power, but we’re a safe place for those who don’t know the Gospel.
3. “Recovery is a replacement for counseling.”
We work hand-in-hand with Summit Biblical Counseling, and referrals go both ways. Recovery is the community aspect of discipleship, a place to let yourself be loved.
Recovery is an ongoing community of healing, while counseling has a beginning and end.
4. “Sobriety is stopping.”
Though sobriety is important, it is not the goal. God wants our whole heart. A phrase you hear in Recovery is, “The opposite of addiction is community.” We are made for relationships (with God, self, and others), so we participate in a community of love and sanctification. Sobriety is just one of the outcomes.
5. “I haven’t hit rock bottom, so I don’t need Recovery.”
Why wait until you hit rock bottom? The people who have hit rock bottom always wish they hadn’t. According to Jesus, life should be “abundant” (John 10:10); if you’re just surviving, you are missing out.
6. “Recovery is a one-time process.”
Recovery is a “pit stop” for those who need help along the journey. It is a place to intentionally focus on being restored to God’s intended purpose for a season. Then you can be launched into your personal mission, either within Recovery or in another place. Recovery gives you tools and relationships you can use your whole life. You don’t “graduate,” because Recovery is a pattern of sanctification, which is a lifelong process.
7. “No one will understand me.”
Uniqueness is a trap that Satan uses to keep us from asking for help. We say in Recovery that “you are a garden-variety addict.” Others will identify with you. Recovery is the most likely place to find someone will understand. But even if no one understands you, the growing faith God has called you to is the same as for the rest of us. Recovery helps you grow.
8. “God alone is enough for me, so I don’t need others.”
God gives us the body. James 5:16 says to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” This is not optional. God comforts us so we can comfort others. We say that “You’re only as sick as your secrets.” If you haven’t told anyone your secrets, they are making you sick.
9. “My spouse needs Recovery, not me.”
Jesus said in Matthew 7:5, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Health and holiness in your home must begin with you, because you can’t make others change. Also, your spouse’s sin is a hurt to you and Recovery is for hurts.
10. “Recovery will fix everything.”
There is no perfect formula. There is no sanctification “fast-pass.” Life is hard and it will be until Jesus comes back. Even if Recovery fixes the thing you come for, it reveals other things to work on. Sanctification is a beautiful but long and messy process. Recovery gives you tools and a community to keep you moving forward.
Join us on Thursday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 PM at our University or Gateway Campuses (child care is provided), or e-mail your questions to recovery@summitlife.com.