The International Christian Recovery Coalition
www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com
Presents
The North American Summit Conference Meeting #2
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Golden Hills Community Church—Brentwood Campus
2401 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood, CA 94513
(925) 516-0653
http://goldenhills.org/
Theme
Using Akron-Cleveland Christian Recovery Model Principles
to Enhance Substantially Today's Christian Recovery Efforts
Contact: Dick B., Executive Director
International Christian Recovery Coalition
PO Box 837, Kihei, HI 96753-0837
www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com
Email: DickB@DickB.com
Cell: 808 276 4945
The Program
Summit Conference Meeting #2
Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, CA
Friday Evening, September 23, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (** We hope you can make this meeting, too)
Workshop meeting with International Christian Recovery Coalition Participants: Details soon!
Saturday, September 24, 9:30 am to 8:00 pm:
Pre-meeting music and hospitality
Commencing prayer
Welcome by Matt Pierce, Pastor of Recovery Ministry, Golden Hills Community Church
Theme presentation by Dick B., Executive Director, International Christian Recovery Coalition
“Christian Recovery Resource Centers and Persons” Worldwide—on the Move!
Learning about the astonishing success of the original Akron A.A. “Christian fellowship” program and how to apply its principles and practices today;
how the early Cleveland program built upon the original Akron program and
set the stage for Christian recovery opportunities today
Break and Music (10 minutes)
Vision presentation by Ken B.
“Christian Recovery Resource Centers and Persons”:
Supplying Critically-Important, Missing Pieces in Modern Christian Recovery Efforts
Lunch Break (1 hour)
Featured Speaker: J. Donald Hall, Don Hall Ministries, 23365 Barnes Lane, Colfax, CA 95713
Long-recovered wayward youth and drug addict
Missionary evangelist and Bible teacher--18 years, serving with Youth With a Mission and
others in over 60 nations; conferences, seminars, retreats, and mission
services –also community programs in schools, prisons, and civic clubs
Graduate of Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA (B.A. Degree)
Graduate of California Graduate School of Theology (M.A. Degree)
Founder and former Executive Director of Teen Challenge in Southern CA and Hawaii
for sixteen years
Cited by the Governors of California and Hawaii for his leadership in the fight against
drug abuse and crime among America’s Youth
Senior Pastor of Calvary Assembly, San Jose, California, for eight years
Recent ministries: South Korea Outreach; Sri Lanka Ministry; Singapore; Gulf Disaster Relief
Break and Music (10 minutes)
Speaker Panel 1:
Jeff A. Holt, Men’s Recovery Fellowship, Auburn Church of the Nazarene, Auburn, California
Dale Marsh, Recovery Pastor, Oroville Church of the Nazarene, Oroville, California; International Christian Recovery Coalition Speakers’ Bureau
Dominic DiBlasio, Turning Point Recovery Ministry, Cornerstone Fellowship—Livermore Campus, California
Roger McDiarmid, International Christian Recovery Coalition Speakers' Bureau, Huntington Beach, California
Wade Hess, Training Director, CityTeam Ministries, San Jose, California
Break and Music (10 minutes)
Speaker Panel 2:
Mark Galligan, Leader, “Akronite” Recovery Group, Ontario, Canada
David Sadler, Christian recovery leader serving Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, California
Karen A. Plavan, Ph.D., Prof. of Counseling an Chemical Dependency, Director of Oasis Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Bill Boyles, President, Won Way Out Ministries, Wyoming, Delaware
Wayne White, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, President/CEO, Footprints/Alcoholics Victorious,
Kansas City, Missouri
Dinner Break (1 hour)
International Christian Recovery Coalition Future Plans: Dick B. and Ken B.
Christian Music Concert
Closing Prayer
Our Sponsors and Endorsers
Christian Denominational Recovery Programs
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence
Rev. Cynthia W. Sloan
Program Associate,
United Methodist Special Program on
Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV)
New York Office location: 475 Riverside Drive, room 338
New York, NY 10115
phone: 212-870-3699, fax: 212-870-3932
North Carolina Office location:
325 Meadowbrook Drive
Matthews NC 28104-4309
phone: 704-882-0282
email: csloan@gbgm-umc.org
website: http://www.umspsarv.org
Become a “Fan” on SPSARV’s Facebook page
SPSARV Advance Number: 982598
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Recovery Committee
Fr. Bill Wigmore, Chaplain & Former President
Austin Recovery
8402 Cross Park Drive
Austin, TX. 78754
Tel: 512.697.8674
Email: RevBillW@gmail.com
website: www.AustinRecovery.org
Individual Benefactors
Bob J., Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
Philanthropist and long-time Christian recovery and A.A. history collector and benefactor
Rick S.
Long-recovered Christian recovery work supporter
Rick is preparing a sponsor's guide to Alcoholics Anonymous, using the first edition text.
The guide will be published in paperback and on the Internet; and it will have accompanying audio talks of Rick's taking people through the Big Book.
Robert P. Turner, M.D., M.S.C.R.
Associate Professor of Neurosciences, Pediatrics, and Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, & Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Christian Churches
The Crossing Church, Costa Mesa, California, Host, September 17, 2011, Conference
Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, California, Host, September 24, 2011, Conference
Endorsing Christian Recovery Libraries and Archives
Griffith Library, The Wilson House – birthplace of Bill Wilson, East Dorset, Vermont
Bonnie Burke (formerly, Bonnie Lepper), President
23,000 historical items donated by Dick B., A.A. meetings, Quiet Time, seminars.
Conducted Tours at East Dorset, Vermont (Wilson House, Griffith Library, East Dorset
Congregational Church—where both the Wilson and the Griffith families and
Bill W. attended—and nearby cemetery where Bill and Lois Wilson are buried)
Conducted Tours to St. Johnsbury, Vermont (Dr. Bob’s birthplace and boyhood home,
North Congregational Church—where all of Dr. Bob’s family attended,
The Athenaeum—the village library containing many historical records,
St. Johnsbury Academy—where Dr. Bob attended, his father was an Examiner,
and his mother had been student, teacher, school historian & Exec. Comm. member)
Dr. Bob Core Library—North Congregational Church (UCC), St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Jay Sprout, Pastor
The entire family of Dr. Bob attended this church and was active in its affairs.
North Congregational Church sponsors this Conference in the context of housing the “Dr. Bob Core Library.”
Ray G., Newton Falls, Ohio, and Seminole, Florida
Traveling archives; and, for 21 years, the Archivist and a Managing Board Member, Dr.
Bob’s Home, Akron, Ohio; A.A. speaker and exhibitor of A.A. historical Items all over the United States and Canada, and on sobriety cruises
The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Library, Akron, Ohio
Mark Pruitt, Rector
This is the church in which Dr. Bob became a communicant before his death.
Its former rector, Dr. Walter Tunks, was a major figure in the beginning Akron days of A.A.
The library is a source of A.A. historical materials.
Christian Intervention, Treatment, Recovery Ministries, Counseling, Sober Living
Sponsors
New Life Spirit Recovery
Robert T. Tucker, Ph.D., D.Min., Registered Addiction Specialist, MCA & M-RAS)
Founder and Executive Director, New Life Spirit Recovery Christian Treatment Center; President, Association of Christian Alcohol & Drug Counseling (aka: ACADC Institute)
18652 Florida Street, Suite 200, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 841.1906 or Call Toll Free (866) 543.3361
http://www.newlifespiritrecovery.com/OC_Recovery.html
Rock Recovery Ministry, ABC Sober Living, Soledad House
David Powers, Rock Church recovery leader
810 Emerald Street
San Diego, CA 92109
Contact: david@abcsoberliving.com
619.925.1879
http://www.rockrecovery.org/
Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute, Redlands, California
Pastor Mike Belzman, Ph.D., Chairman and Founder
Jeff Jay and Debra Jay, Grosse Point, Michigan
Nationally-known authors, lecturers, interventionists,
Authors of Love First: A Family’s Guide To Intervention—Updated
Tools and Techniques to Help Loved Ones Heal from Addiction, 2d ed., rev & exp.
(Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2008)
Publishers
Sponsors
Hazelden Publishing and Educational Services, division of Hazelden Foundation
Center City, Minnesota, www.Hazelden.org; publisher of recovery books, including:
The Book That Started It All: The Original Working Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous
Bill W.: My First 40 Years
Silkworth: The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks
Dover Publications
publisher of many books, including Alcoholics Anonymous: The Original 1939 Edition,
with an Introduction by Dick B.: http://store.doverpublications.com/0486480593.html
Our Exhibitors and Displays
United Methodist Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV)
http://www.umspspserv.org
New Light Spirit Recovery, Huntington Beach, California
http://www.newlifespiritrecovery.com/OC_Recovery.html
Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute, Redlands, California
Hazelden Publishing and Educational Services, division of Hazelden Foundation
www.Hazelden.org
Our Featured Speaker and Panelists
Featured Speaker: J. Donald Hall, Don Hall Ministries, Colfax, California
(See details in this program about his education; his work with Teen Challenge and Youth With A Mission, his pastoring of churches, his work as a Missionary Evangelist and Bible teacher, and his speaking engagements in 60 nations.)
Speaker Panel 1:
Jeff A. Holt, Men’s Recovery Fellowship, Auburn Church of the Nazarene, Auburn, California
Dale Marsh, Recovery Pastor, Oroville Church of the Nazarene, Oroville, California
Dominic DiBlasio, Turning Point Recovery Ministry, Cornerstone Fellowship—Livermore Campus, California
Roger McDiarmid, International Christian Recovery Coalition Speakers' Bureau, Huntington Beach, California
Wade Hess, Training Director, CityTeam Ministries, San Jose, California
Speaker Panel 2:
Mark Galligan, Leader, “Akronite” Recovery Group, Ontario, Canada
David Sadler, Christian recovery leader serving Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, California
Karen A. Plavan, Ph.D., Prof. of Counseling an Chemical Dependency, Director of Oasis Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Bill Boyles, President, Won Way Out Ministries, Wyoming, Delaware
Wayne White, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, President/CEO, Footprints/Alcoholics Victorious,
Kansas City, MO
Acknowledgments
Our Conferences could not have taken place without leadership and help from:
Randy Moraitis, Executive Pastor of Ministries, The Crossing Church, Costa Mesa, CA
Matt Pierce, Pastor of Recovery Ministry, Golden Hills Community Church, Brentwood, CA
David Powers, Rock Recovery Ministries Leader, Rock Church, San Diego, CA
The Lifelines Band, Costa Mesa, CA
The Musicians at Golden Hills Community Church
Roger McDiarmid, Huntington Beach, California
David Sadler, Lafayette, California
Karl Kramer, Brentwood, California
Our Sponsors
Our Endorsers
Our Exhibitors
Thank you!
For Further Participation in and Support of the Projects of International Christian Recovery Coalition
Dick B. and Ken B., The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3rd ed., 2010
http://christianrecoverycoalition.com/christian-recovery-guide.shtml
The “Introductory Foundations for Christian Recovery” class by Dick B. and Ken B.
http://dickb.com/IFCR-Class.shtml
(The class includes four DVD's, a class instructor's guide, a student's guide, and
The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3rd ed.)
“Christian Recovery Resource Centers and Persons” Worldwide
http://christianrecoverycoalition.com/christian-recovery-resource-centers.shtml
The 29-volume “Dick B. A.A. History and Christian Recovery Movement Reference Set”
http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml
The International Christian Recovery Coalition Web site:
www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com
The International Christian Recovery Coalition Blog
http://internationalchristianrecoverycoaliti.blogspot.com/
International Christian Recovery Coalition Forums Website
http://www.christianrecoverycoalition.com/forums/
Other Christian Recovery and A.A. Historical Resources
FREE: Over 650 articles by Dick B.: http://www.dickb.com/articles.shtml
FREE: Over 175 recorded audio talks by Dick B.: DickB.com/Audio-talks.shtml.
FREE: Follow Dick B. on Facebook, on Twitter, and on the Dick B. Blog.
FREE: The “Dick B. FYI Message” newsletters: To subscribe, please go to the bottom of the center column of the www.DickB.com front page.
FREE: The Dick B. Channel on YouTube (“dickbchannel”): http://goo.gl/rCtH6
Showing posts with label AA-Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AA-Bible. Show all posts
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Christian Recovery Group Meeting Guide - Patterned on Early A.A.
A Suggested Guide for Recovery Groups and Meetings Patterned on Early AA
Dick B.
© 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved
August 11, 2011
P. O. Box 837
Kihei, HI 96753-0837
(808 874 4876)
email: dickb@dickb.com
URL: http://www.dickb.com/index.shtml
Introductory Comment
For the past three of four years, and particularly in 2011, scarcely a day goes by that someone does not phone, fax, email, or mail me with the following questions: How to (1) Start a Big Book/Bible Study Group in AA; (2) Hold an old-time, early AA meeting, (3) Organize a recovery group organized in connection with a church, a para-church, or a Christian recovery fellowship in the church; (4) Organize a group of AAs and NAs who want to focus on the early AA Christian Fellowship, and its reliance on the Creator, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, Bible Study, and the old fashioned prayer meetings as they were frequently called, and Quiet Times.
Each communicant has a different agenda, a different point of origin, and a unique 12 Step, recovery group or church community background.
Hence, before beginning with answers and suggestions, I have found it helpful to have each person supply me directly with the following:
1. Their name, mail address, phone number, email, and website, if any.
2. A brief statement of their alcoholism or addiction story.
3. The length of their continuous sobriety or freedom from addiction.
4. Their religion, church or group, and religious beliefs.
5. Whether they believe in the Creator, have accepted Christ, and are willing to lead.
6. Their familiarity with the Big Book, taking the Twelve Steps, and a fellowship
7. Their familiarity with the Bible, and which version
8. The name, address, religion, and faith beliefs of their pastor or priest, if any.
9. The number of people they plan to reach at the beginning.
10. The immediate financial resources they have for acquiring start-up literature.
11. Whether they have read my books, and, if any, the books they’ve read.
When the foregoing have been answered by phone, email, or other communication, I welcome personal calls by phone to discuss moving forward and initial guidance.
Specific Suggestions
Suggested Format for Recovery Group Meetings
Open the Meeting as Follows:
This is the regular meeting of the (i.e.) “The James Club of Maui” or
“The Shoemaker Twelve Step Study” or the “Good Book/Big Book
Study Group”
My name is xxx, and I am your secretary
We will open the meeting with a moment of silence to do with as you wish
Followed by a prayer; and the secretary or chosen person prays (i.e.)
“Heavenly Father. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ for your blessing on this meeting of those who are here to overcome their life-controlling problems such as alcoholism, addictions, and other dependencies. We ask that your wisdom and guidance show us your will for our lives, your way to victory, and how we may glorify you in all that we do here.”
This group patterns its work after that of the first Alcoholics Anonymous Group, which was formed in Akron,
Ohio, The early A.A Christian Fellowship in Akron; stressed the Bible; was known as AA Number One; was a Christian Fellowship; and relied on the Creator to overcome the problems of the members. To the same end, we’ll review several verses from the Bible that guided them in their work:
God’s love: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life@ (John 3:16)
God’s will: Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)
God’s word of faith: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved (Rom 10:9)
His Word is truth: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17)
Faith in God: But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him: (Heb 11:6)
Obeying God: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promises (Heb 10:35-3 6)
God’s Two Great Commandments: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the law and the prophets (Matt 22:37-40)
Forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy
diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who satisfieth thy mouth with
good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:3-5)
The Gospel: And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shalt they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover: (Mark 16:15-18)
Early AAs believed that the solution to all their problems was in the Good Book--the Bible.
The Book of James was their favorite. In fact, A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob declared that James, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, and 1 Corinthians 13 were all considered absolutely essential. The original A.A. Society considered it vital that they seek, find, know, and establish a relationship and fellowship with God. Also vital that they study the Book of Acts to see what Christians could and should do by reason of
the teachings and accomplishments of Jesus Christ before he ascended to heaven to be at the right hand of his Father, Yahweh, the Creator.
Tonight’s session will be divided into three parts.
First, I will select someone to read one or several chapters from (i.e.) the
Sermon Mount that Jesus gave and which is reported in Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7
Second, I will select someone to read the guide prepared for us by A.A. historian
Dick B. concerning or more of these chapters and the A.A. program.
Third, I’ll open the meeting briefly for comments and discussion on these items.
We will then have a period where each of us in the group may pray to God and to
seek His guidance and healing in respect of our own lives.
And now, we ask that newcomers raise their hands so that we can get to know you.
Please talk to someone after the meeting, give them your name and phone number,
and get theirs so that you may call them for prayers, help, and support. During the
period you are working with our particular meeting group, keep company with believers
whether in shopping, recreation, sports, church, meetings, movies, games, schools,
meals, and so on. See Acts chapters 1 through 4 for what they did in the First
Century that sustained their believing and carried their message of salvation.
For those who have not yet been born again of God’s spirit, please either see your
pastor and do so with that person if you wish, or see me after the meeting; and
we will have a brief ceremony where individually you can confess Jesus as your
Lordand confirm in your heart that God raised him from the dead. This was called
a “real surrender” in early A.A. It enabled a newcomer to be born again and thus
become a child of the living and true God.
Literature is available for purchase or order at the table in the rear. Be sure to
read your Bibles and pray each day.
Our next meeting will be on _____________.
We will close the meeting by joining hands in a circle and saying the Lord’s Prayer, which will be led by __________. Thank you all for coming. Please join us again.
____________________________________________________________________
Suggestions for Members of the Group
With these suggestions for the individual to follow daily:
Abstain. Under no circumstances, indulge in your temptation problem - alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, lust, over-eating, etc.
Be sure to seek medical help for withdrawal, sweats, shaking, etc.
Thank God for all his blessings, name them and for all blessings that you already have.
Ask God in the name of Jesus Christ to heal you of your illnesses, to guide you away from temptations, to forgive you for your mistakes, to guide you and instruct you to safe habits, friends, places, and activities.
Determine that you will change your life by following God’s commandments as they are set out in the Bible.
Renew your mind in your reading, thinking, speaking - filling it with simple ideas
such as those in Philippians 4:8, 1 John 4:8, and Ephesians 1:19.
Call other believers for prayers, company, joint reading, activities, recreation, meals.
Begin immediately finding someone you can help even if it is by phoning them,
giving them rides, joining them for an activity, reading the Bible with them, or simply keeping fellowship with that person. Urge them to come with you to our group meeting among other meetings.
Don’t give up! Don’t give in. Read James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
With these suggested readings for individuals or the group:
Read slowly, bit by bit, the Gospels, Acts, and go on with Romans, etc.
Read
Dick B.’s Why Early AAs Succeeded (a Bible study guide)
Use it, beginning at Chapter 4, for individual Bible study or
Group Bible study.
Dick B.’s The James Club: The Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials
Dick B.’s New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.
Read Psalms such as 23, 31, 56, 91; Proverbs 3:5-6.
With suggestions for filling your hours:
A job, volunteer work, exercise, sports, wholesome recreation, school, reading,
coffee and or meals together, fairs and amusement parks, museums and
exhibits, arranging your affairs, your business, your house, and your yard,
Heed the old AA adage: Don’t get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Get a Sponsor: Ask someone who has a sound Christian life to be your contact and sponsor. Keep in touch. Share your problems as long as your contact provides
you with suggested prayers, Bible segments to read, and positive solutions - not just the “wisdom of the rooms,” sympathetic listening, or some secular experience or solution. Study the Bible, the Big Book, and take the “Steps” with him
Other Meetings Your Group Can Hold
First, consult the Creator for guidance as to content and leader.
Remember that in early A.A. and among the early Christians,
there were daily fellowships.
Then you might consider establishing or going to
. 1 meeting a week resembling the above original AA meeting
1 meeting a week on early AA History
1 meeting a week simply reading the Bible - using the Bible study primer
1 meeting a week teaching the Big Book chapter by chapter
1 meeting a week studying a step and its origins (using my Twelve Steps for You Book)
1 meeting a week on Steps 10, 11, 12, particularly explaining what is involved in
a real Quiet Time and: (1) Born again of God’s spirit. (2) Reading from the Word.
(3) Prayer to God with thanksgiving, praise, seeking guidance, seeking healing,
seeking forgiveness, asking help for others. (4) Asking for revelation from God
for any message He wishes to give. (5) Using devotionals like The Upper Room,
The Runner’s Bible, My Utmost for His Highest.. Read the Big Book instructions on Steps 10 and 11
As to Step 12,
(1) Note that the original spiritual experience was acceptance of Christ
(Romans 10:9), being born again of the Spirit (John 3:1-8), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8). Then walking by the Spirit of God and not the flesh.
(2) Note that the message that was to be passed on was: God has done for me what I could not do for myself.
(3) Note that the primary principles to be practiced are those specified in
1 Corinthians 13, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), the two Great
Commandments love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:28-31);
Serving (Mark 10:42-45); and witnessing (Matthew 28:18-20).
Dr. Bob cited all the foregoing verses. He emphasized that the steps could
be simmered down to their essence - love and service. He concluded his personal story by assuring AAs that “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”
Twenty-five years later (after A.A. was founded, Rev. Sam Shoemaker was addressing A.A. conventions and declaring that a A spiritual awakening involves four things: (1) Conversion. (2) Prayer. (3) Fellowship, and (4) Witnessing.
Suggested Resources Your Group Should Acquire
1. As many copies of the Big Book (4th ed.) as there are members
Plus at least one reprint of the 1st Edition, and Poe’s Concordance to the Big Book.
2. As many Bibles (preferably King James Version) as there are members Plus Young’s Concordance to the Bible.
3. A reference set of the Dick B. 29 Titles - with discounted price.
4. As many of the following Dick B. titles for each as there are members (available at a 50% discount plus s & h)
The Good Book and The Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible.
Why Early A.A. Succeeded (Bible study primer)
When Early AAs Were Cured. And Why.
Good Morning: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation
Twelve Steps for You
The James Club and The Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials
New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.
Dickb@dickb.com; www.dickb.com
Gloria Deo
Dick B.
© 2011 Anonymous. All rights reserved
August 11, 2011
P. O. Box 837
Kihei, HI 96753-0837
(808 874 4876)
email: dickb@dickb.com
URL: http://www.dickb.com/index.shtml
Introductory Comment
For the past three of four years, and particularly in 2011, scarcely a day goes by that someone does not phone, fax, email, or mail me with the following questions: How to (1) Start a Big Book/Bible Study Group in AA; (2) Hold an old-time, early AA meeting, (3) Organize a recovery group organized in connection with a church, a para-church, or a Christian recovery fellowship in the church; (4) Organize a group of AAs and NAs who want to focus on the early AA Christian Fellowship, and its reliance on the Creator, coming to Him through Jesus Christ, Bible Study, and the old fashioned prayer meetings as they were frequently called, and Quiet Times.
Each communicant has a different agenda, a different point of origin, and a unique 12 Step, recovery group or church community background.
Hence, before beginning with answers and suggestions, I have found it helpful to have each person supply me directly with the following:
1. Their name, mail address, phone number, email, and website, if any.
2. A brief statement of their alcoholism or addiction story.
3. The length of their continuous sobriety or freedom from addiction.
4. Their religion, church or group, and religious beliefs.
5. Whether they believe in the Creator, have accepted Christ, and are willing to lead.
6. Their familiarity with the Big Book, taking the Twelve Steps, and a fellowship
7. Their familiarity with the Bible, and which version
8. The name, address, religion, and faith beliefs of their pastor or priest, if any.
9. The number of people they plan to reach at the beginning.
10. The immediate financial resources they have for acquiring start-up literature.
11. Whether they have read my books, and, if any, the books they’ve read.
When the foregoing have been answered by phone, email, or other communication, I welcome personal calls by phone to discuss moving forward and initial guidance.
Specific Suggestions
Suggested Format for Recovery Group Meetings
Open the Meeting as Follows:
This is the regular meeting of the (i.e.) “The James Club of Maui” or
“The Shoemaker Twelve Step Study” or the “Good Book/Big Book
Study Group”
My name is xxx, and I am your secretary
We will open the meeting with a moment of silence to do with as you wish
Followed by a prayer; and the secretary or chosen person prays (i.e.)
“Heavenly Father. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ for your blessing on this meeting of those who are here to overcome their life-controlling problems such as alcoholism, addictions, and other dependencies. We ask that your wisdom and guidance show us your will for our lives, your way to victory, and how we may glorify you in all that we do here.”
This group patterns its work after that of the first Alcoholics Anonymous Group, which was formed in Akron,
Ohio, The early A.A Christian Fellowship in Akron; stressed the Bible; was known as AA Number One; was a Christian Fellowship; and relied on the Creator to overcome the problems of the members. To the same end, we’ll review several verses from the Bible that guided them in their work:
God’s love: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life@ (John 3:16)
God’s will: Who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge
of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)
God’s word of faith: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved (Rom 10:9)
His Word is truth: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth (John 17:17)
Faith in God: But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him: (Heb 11:6)
Obeying God: Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promises (Heb 10:35-3 6)
God’s Two Great Commandments: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments
hang all the law and the prophets (Matt 22:37-40)
Forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy
diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Who satisfieth thy mouth with
good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:3-5)
The Gospel: And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shalt they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover: (Mark 16:15-18)
Early AAs believed that the solution to all their problems was in the Good Book--the Bible.
The Book of James was their favorite. In fact, A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob declared that James, Jesus’ sermon on the mount, and 1 Corinthians 13 were all considered absolutely essential. The original A.A. Society considered it vital that they seek, find, know, and establish a relationship and fellowship with God. Also vital that they study the Book of Acts to see what Christians could and should do by reason of
the teachings and accomplishments of Jesus Christ before he ascended to heaven to be at the right hand of his Father, Yahweh, the Creator.
Tonight’s session will be divided into three parts.
First, I will select someone to read one or several chapters from (i.e.) the
Sermon Mount that Jesus gave and which is reported in Matthew Chapters 5, 6, and 7
Second, I will select someone to read the guide prepared for us by A.A. historian
Dick B. concerning or more of these chapters and the A.A. program.
Third, I’ll open the meeting briefly for comments and discussion on these items.
We will then have a period where each of us in the group may pray to God and to
seek His guidance and healing in respect of our own lives.
And now, we ask that newcomers raise their hands so that we can get to know you.
Please talk to someone after the meeting, give them your name and phone number,
and get theirs so that you may call them for prayers, help, and support. During the
period you are working with our particular meeting group, keep company with believers
whether in shopping, recreation, sports, church, meetings, movies, games, schools,
meals, and so on. See Acts chapters 1 through 4 for what they did in the First
Century that sustained their believing and carried their message of salvation.
For those who have not yet been born again of God’s spirit, please either see your
pastor and do so with that person if you wish, or see me after the meeting; and
we will have a brief ceremony where individually you can confess Jesus as your
Lordand confirm in your heart that God raised him from the dead. This was called
a “real surrender” in early A.A. It enabled a newcomer to be born again and thus
become a child of the living and true God.
Literature is available for purchase or order at the table in the rear. Be sure to
read your Bibles and pray each day.
Our next meeting will be on _____________.
We will close the meeting by joining hands in a circle and saying the Lord’s Prayer, which will be led by __________. Thank you all for coming. Please join us again.
____________________________________________________________________
Suggestions for Members of the Group
With these suggestions for the individual to follow daily:
Abstain. Under no circumstances, indulge in your temptation problem - alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, lust, over-eating, etc.
Be sure to seek medical help for withdrawal, sweats, shaking, etc.
Thank God for all his blessings, name them and for all blessings that you already have.
Ask God in the name of Jesus Christ to heal you of your illnesses, to guide you away from temptations, to forgive you for your mistakes, to guide you and instruct you to safe habits, friends, places, and activities.
Determine that you will change your life by following God’s commandments as they are set out in the Bible.
Renew your mind in your reading, thinking, speaking - filling it with simple ideas
such as those in Philippians 4:8, 1 John 4:8, and Ephesians 1:19.
Call other believers for prayers, company, joint reading, activities, recreation, meals.
Begin immediately finding someone you can help even if it is by phoning them,
giving them rides, joining them for an activity, reading the Bible with them, or simply keeping fellowship with that person. Urge them to come with you to our group meeting among other meetings.
Don’t give up! Don’t give in. Read James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
With these suggested readings for individuals or the group:
Read slowly, bit by bit, the Gospels, Acts, and go on with Romans, etc.
Read
Dick B.’s Why Early AAs Succeeded (a Bible study guide)
Use it, beginning at Chapter 4, for individual Bible study or
Group Bible study.
Dick B.’s The James Club: The Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials
Dick B.’s New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.
Read Psalms such as 23, 31, 56, 91; Proverbs 3:5-6.
With suggestions for filling your hours:
A job, volunteer work, exercise, sports, wholesome recreation, school, reading,
coffee and or meals together, fairs and amusement parks, museums and
exhibits, arranging your affairs, your business, your house, and your yard,
Heed the old AA adage: Don’t get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Get a Sponsor: Ask someone who has a sound Christian life to be your contact and sponsor. Keep in touch. Share your problems as long as your contact provides
you with suggested prayers, Bible segments to read, and positive solutions - not just the “wisdom of the rooms,” sympathetic listening, or some secular experience or solution. Study the Bible, the Big Book, and take the “Steps” with him
Other Meetings Your Group Can Hold
First, consult the Creator for guidance as to content and leader.
Remember that in early A.A. and among the early Christians,
there were daily fellowships.
Then you might consider establishing or going to
. 1 meeting a week resembling the above original AA meeting
1 meeting a week on early AA History
1 meeting a week simply reading the Bible - using the Bible study primer
1 meeting a week teaching the Big Book chapter by chapter
1 meeting a week studying a step and its origins (using my Twelve Steps for You Book)
1 meeting a week on Steps 10, 11, 12, particularly explaining what is involved in
a real Quiet Time and: (1) Born again of God’s spirit. (2) Reading from the Word.
(3) Prayer to God with thanksgiving, praise, seeking guidance, seeking healing,
seeking forgiveness, asking help for others. (4) Asking for revelation from God
for any message He wishes to give. (5) Using devotionals like The Upper Room,
The Runner’s Bible, My Utmost for His Highest.. Read the Big Book instructions on Steps 10 and 11
As to Step 12,
(1) Note that the original spiritual experience was acceptance of Christ
(Romans 10:9), being born again of the Spirit (John 3:1-8), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8). Then walking by the Spirit of God and not the flesh.
(2) Note that the message that was to be passed on was: God has done for me what I could not do for myself.
(3) Note that the primary principles to be practiced are those specified in
1 Corinthians 13, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), the two Great
Commandments love God and love your neighbor (Mark 12:28-31);
Serving (Mark 10:42-45); and witnessing (Matthew 28:18-20).
Dr. Bob cited all the foregoing verses. He emphasized that the steps could
be simmered down to their essence - love and service. He concluded his personal story by assuring AAs that “Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”
Twenty-five years later (after A.A. was founded, Rev. Sam Shoemaker was addressing A.A. conventions and declaring that a A spiritual awakening involves four things: (1) Conversion. (2) Prayer. (3) Fellowship, and (4) Witnessing.
Suggested Resources Your Group Should Acquire
1. As many copies of the Big Book (4th ed.) as there are members
Plus at least one reprint of the 1st Edition, and Poe’s Concordance to the Big Book.
2. As many Bibles (preferably King James Version) as there are members Plus Young’s Concordance to the Bible.
3. A reference set of the Dick B. 29 Titles - with discounted price.
4. As many of the following Dick B. titles for each as there are members (available at a 50% discount plus s & h)
The Good Book and The Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible.
Why Early A.A. Succeeded (Bible study primer)
When Early AAs Were Cured. And Why.
Good Morning: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation
Twelve Steps for You
The James Club and The Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials
New Light on Alcoholism: God, Sam Shoemaker, and A.A.
Dickb@dickb.com; www.dickb.com
Gloria Deo
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The James Club and the Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials now in ebook smashwords
The James Club and The Original A.A. Program's Absolute Essentials
Ebook By Dick B
Published By first.edition.design.ebook.publishing
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: July 26, 2011
Category: Non-Fiction » Self-Improvement » Addiction and recovery
Category: Non-Fiction » Religion and Spirituality » Christianity
Words: 52121 (approximate)
Language: English
Ebook Short Description
Early Akron AAs wanted "The James Club" to be the name of their fellowship. The Bible's Book of James was their favorite; they also studied it, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. These three Bible segments were considered "absolutely essential" to their program. This book takes each verse in James, the Sermon, and 1 Cor 13, and shows the influence of such verses on A.A. language.
Extended Description
For years, A.A. has quietly acknowledged, primarily through one publication, that the early A.A. pioneers in Akron believed firmly that the answer to all their problems was in the "Good Book," as they called the Bible. A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob said that all the basic ideas were taken from their study of the Good Book. And he added many many times that the three parts of the Bible the old timers considered "absolutely essential" to their spiritual program of recovery were: (1) The Book of James. (2) Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). (3) 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's famous chapter on "love."
You can find the foregoing remarks in A.A.'s DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, in pamphlets published by Akron AA, and in several talks given through the years by Dr. Bob himself. And it was even his co-founder friend Bill Wilson who spoke of the studies of James, the Sermon, and Corinthians; the reading of these passages by Dr. Bob's wife Anne to Bill and Bob; and the fact that--as Bill put it--"J... (Read more)
Tags
bible, sermon on the mount, aa history, 12 step program, big book, book of james, james club
Available Ebook reading formats:
Single purchase gains access to all formats. How to download ebooks to e-reading devices and apps.
Format
Full Book
Sample First 20%
Online Reading (HTML, good for sampling in web browser)
Buy
View sample
Online Reading (JavaScript, experimental, buggy)
Buy
View sample
Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps)
Buy
Download sample
Epub (Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others)
Buy
Download sample
PDF (good for reading on PC, or for home printing)
Buy
No sample available
RTF (readable on most word processors)
Buy
No sample available
LRF (Use only for older model Sony Readers that don't support .epub)
Buy
Download sample
Palm Doc (PDB) (for Palm reading devices)
Buy
Download sample
Plain Text (download) (flexible, but lacks much formatting)
Buy
No sample available
Plain Text (view) (viewable as web page)
Buy
No sample available
Ebook By Dick B
Published By first.edition.design.ebook.publishing
Rating: Not yet rated.
Published: July 26, 2011
Category: Non-Fiction » Self-Improvement » Addiction and recovery
Category: Non-Fiction » Religion and Spirituality » Christianity
Words: 52121 (approximate)
Language: English
Ebook Short Description
Early Akron AAs wanted "The James Club" to be the name of their fellowship. The Bible's Book of James was their favorite; they also studied it, Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13. These three Bible segments were considered "absolutely essential" to their program. This book takes each verse in James, the Sermon, and 1 Cor 13, and shows the influence of such verses on A.A. language.
Extended Description
For years, A.A. has quietly acknowledged, primarily through one publication, that the early A.A. pioneers in Akron believed firmly that the answer to all their problems was in the "Good Book," as they called the Bible. A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob said that all the basic ideas were taken from their study of the Good Book. And he added many many times that the three parts of the Bible the old timers considered "absolutely essential" to their spiritual program of recovery were: (1) The Book of James. (2) Jesus's Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). (3) 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's famous chapter on "love."
You can find the foregoing remarks in A.A.'s DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, in pamphlets published by Akron AA, and in several talks given through the years by Dr. Bob himself. And it was even his co-founder friend Bill Wilson who spoke of the studies of James, the Sermon, and Corinthians; the reading of these passages by Dr. Bob's wife Anne to Bill and Bob; and the fact that--as Bill put it--"J... (Read more)
Tags
bible, sermon on the mount, aa history, 12 step program, big book, book of james, james club
Available Ebook reading formats:
Single purchase gains access to all formats. How to download ebooks to e-reading devices and apps.
Format
Full Book
Sample First 20%
Online Reading (HTML, good for sampling in web browser)
Buy
View sample
Online Reading (JavaScript, experimental, buggy)
Buy
View sample
Kindle (.mobi for Kindle devices and Kindle apps)
Buy
Download sample
Epub (Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo, and most e-reading apps including Stanza, Aldiko, Adobe Digital Editions, others)
Buy
Download sample
PDF (good for reading on PC, or for home printing)
Buy
No sample available
RTF (readable on most word processors)
Buy
No sample available
LRF (Use only for older model Sony Readers that don't support .epub)
Buy
Download sample
Palm Doc (PDB) (for Palm reading devices)
Buy
Download sample
Plain Text (download) (flexible, but lacks much formatting)
Buy
No sample available
Plain Text (view) (viewable as web page)
Buy
No sample available
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The Real Picture of Christian Recovery Work in California
The following is a response to an article that focused on only one area and one Christian recovery group: The difficulty with the foregoing article is not its theme of Christian recovery in the "South Bay." It is that it scarecely touches the surface of the vast number of Bible based Christian recovery activities in Orange County and in the Southern California area. We devoted some 25 conferences and visits to the organizations and areas I am about to mention. And we now know there is a growing Christian recovery movement under way. It is not just about Celebrate Recovery. Nor is it just about Teen Challenge and Salvation Army ARCs. And the reader will do well to get in tune with what is really happening and has been prompted by the last two years of growth since a large Christian recovery leader and worker conference at Mariners Church in Irvine, California. Out of that large assemblage of Christian recovery leaders and workers from all over the United States and Canada came a new and different approach. Call it A.A. friendly, Bible friendly, History Friendly, and Christian friendly friendly. It seeks to learn and disseminate not some particular Christian approach, but rather to encourage individuals, fellowships, groups, recovery groups, treatment programs, counselors, sober living facilities, clergy and churches to learn and embrace the real theme that put early A.A.'s Christian fellowship on the map. That is the role that God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible played in the origin, history, founding, original program, and astonishing successes of the 1935 A.A. Christian Fellowship in Akron. The progression of this massive Christian recovery backdrop deals with far more than A.A. And let's look at the progression. In the 1850's, five strong groups set the pace for successful Christian recovery by alcoholics and addicts. They were: (1) Evangelists like Moody, Sankey, Meyer, and Folger and later Billy Sunday. (2) Gospel and Rescue Missions founded by Jerry Mc Auley and his Water Street Mission. (3) The Salvation Army. (4) YMCA lay workers and their revivals and conversions throughout New England. (5) The Young People's Christian Endeavor Society - in which A.A.'s cofounder Dr. Bob and his family were active in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The next step had to do with the Christian upbringing of both A.A. cofounders when they were youngsters in Vermont. See Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous www.dickb.com/drbobofaa.shtml and The Conversion of Bill W. www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml. Both young men went to Congregational churches and Sunday schools. Both were involved with the YMCA. Both had intensive Bible study experience. Both saw and knew the stories of the conversions that cured alcoholics. Both attended Academies (St. Johnsbury Academy and Burr and Burton Academy, respectively) which were dominated by the influence of Congregational Church leaders and daily chapel. The next step was the experience of Bill Wilson that few know: (1) Bill's grandfather Willie had been cured of alcoholism in a conversion experience in East Dorset, Vermont. (2) At his third hospitalization, Bill was told by his physician William D. Silkworth, M.D., that Jesus Christ could cure him. (3) Almost immediately Bill was witnessed to by his old drinking friend Ebby Thacher who had been born again at Calvary Mission in New York and gotten sober - to Bill's amazement. (4) Bill himself then went to the altar at Calvary Mission, gave his life to Jesus Christ, and wrote that he had been born again. (5) Bill then decided to call on Jesus Christ for help. (6) Bill cried out to God, had a white light experience, was healed, and never drank again. (7) Bill's message became: "The Lord has cured me of this terrible disease and I just want to keep talking about it and telling people (Big Book page 191). There is much much more: How the first three AAs got sober as Christians, Bible students, and believers in God before there was a fellowship. How early A.A.'s Christian fellowship in Akron required belief in God, acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, daily Bible study, daily old fashioned prayer meetings, and Quiet Time with God. We have covered this in a four hour (4 DVD) series "Introductory Foundations for Christian Recovery" www.dickb.com/IFRC-Class.shtml, and in our The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide www.dickb.com/Christian-Recov-Guide.shtml. Also in brief form in "Real Twelve Step Fellowship History" www.dickb.com/realhistory.shtml. The groups we have visited in California and which have heard and embraced the foregoing information or been willing to incorporate it into their programs are these: Rock Recovery Ministries, San Diego Calvary Ranch, Lakeside Neighborhood Alcoholics for Christ, Escondido Celebrate a New Life at San Juan Capistrano Pacific Hills Treatment Centers, San Juan Capistrano Several James Clubs (BigBook Bible Study Christian groups) in Norco, Glendora, Covina His Place Church, Hungtington Beach New Life Spirit Recovery, Inc., Huntington Beach, Lifelines at The Crossing Church, Costa Mesa Steppin Out, Glendora Overcomers Outreach, Inc., Whittier CityTeam Ministries, San Jose and up and down the Coast Golden Hills Community Church, Antioch Cornerstone Fellowship, Turning Point Group, Livermore Oroville Church of the Nazarene, Serenity Group, Oroville Auburn Church of the Nazarene, Men's Group, Auburn Association of Christian Alcohol and Drug Counselors Institute, Redlands And a host of individual Christian recovery leaders located in San Diego, Lakeside, Carlsbad, Sunset Beach, Rancho Santa Margarita, Venice, Claremont, and elsewhere in the Southern California area. The point here is that 12 Step Fellowships contain tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of Christian leaders and Christians in recovery who want God's help and are gathering together for fellowships, prayer, music, Bible study, Big Book study, Step study, Quiet Time, and other successful recovery efforts of the Akron Christian Fellowship of 1935. The next point is that these participants in the new Christian recovery movment are banding together worldwide to foster the principles just mentioned. Their movement is International Christian Recovery Coalition www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition. And is has already established a speaker's bureau and 22 Christian Recovery Resource Centers to meet the growing need for information, direction, and referral to Christian recovery facilities. The aim is not to splinter and go their own way. The aim has been to unite in supporting the single Christian idea of helping alcoholics and addicts get well in whatever situation they begin or find themselves - prison, treatment, hospitals, mental wards, A.A., N.A., VA, military, counseling, sober living, church or Christian recovery fellowships and Christ-centered recovery fellowships. See the mission statement and details: www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com In His Service, Richard G. Burns, J.D., CDAAC, Executive Director, International Christian Recovery Coalition, Kihei, HI
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)