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CHRISTIAN RECOVERY SUPPORT
GROUPS
USING THE 12 STEPS AND
SCRIPTURES
Our Mission
Overcomers Outreach is a ministry that was born out of a deep need of a
support system for individuals and families within evangelical Christian
churches. Overcomers Outreach support groups use the Bible and the 12 Steps
of Alcoholics Anonymous to minister to individuals who are affected by
alcohol, mind altering drugs, sexual addiction, gambling, food and other
compulsive behaviors or dependencies. Family members are welcome at our
meetings.
The message is based on the Bible and the ministry is motivated by the love
of God. Overcomers mission is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the
hurting, and meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Overcomers
Outreach is a bridge between the church and the Traditional 12 Step programs.
Overcomers Outreach is a
Bridge
Overcomers Outreach provides a two-way BRIDGE between traditional 12-Step
support groups and people within churches of all denominations.
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Individuals within the church who have kept their problems hidden or
have been reluctant to attend recovery groups in the community can come to
Christ-centered Overcomers Outreach groups and due to rule of anonymity,
they find a safe place to share.
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Additionally, people within traditional 12-Step programs who are
searching for a "higher power" find Jesus Christ - the Savior
they have been searching for. This spiritual experience can pave the way
for their return to the church of their childhood.
O.O. Support Groups
Overcomers Outreach support groups are sharing groups, not therapy
groups. Lay people facilitate the groups, and anyone who has been working a
12-Step recovery program for at least one year can lead an O.O. meeting.
The groups are led by different individuals each week, utilizing a simple
meeting format, preamble and Bible study materials contained in our meeting
guideline booklet our "Freed Book" , (available for a $6.00 donation).
Overcomers Outreach groups utilize the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous along
with Scriptures. The groups speak freely about our "higher power"
in the person of Jesus Christ.
Honest sharing is encouraged, with no cross talk allowed. The meetings close
with sentence prayers.
The group can evolve into a close family relationship where truth is shared,
and where God's power can freely heal the brokenness in our lives.
O.O. Networks Recovery!
Christian Resources & Referrals
Phone calls are received at the National Office in Sylmar, California from
all over the world. Overcomers Outreach receives referrals from Focus on the
Family, The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, The 700 Club, treatment
centers, churches, hospitals, prisons, pastors and therapists.
We refer people to support groups in their area as well as to treatment
facilities.
Educational Literature
Books, brochures, tapes, and booklets are available to increase awareness
of the facts about addictions and compulsions. See our catalog
for more information.
Christians in Recovery Conferences
These conferences are both educational and inspirational. Overcomers
Outreach conferences
occur across the United States.
Guidelines For Starting a Support Group
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Pray!
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Potential group leaders should be actively working their own 12 Step
program, with a minimum of one year of continuous recovery.
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Review the contents and meeting format in the Overcomers Outreach
"Freed Book"
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With the approval of your pastoral staff, set the time and meeting
place. Put a notice in your bulletin and church newsletter.
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Pray some more!
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It takes only two or three DEDICATED people to get the meeting started.
Be willing to meet regularly even though attendance may seem small. Make a
six month commitment to attend every week.
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We recommend continuing attendance at other 12-Step groups, like
"Alcoholics Anonymous" (for alcoholics), "Al-Anon" (for
families and friends of the alcoholic). Meeting directories for these
groups may be obtained by referring to the Yellow Pages or local telephone
directories and calling the appropriate number in your particular area.
Practical help is available from these traditional 12-Step groups, and, as
they say, "take what you like and leave the rest." These
are great place to let our lights shine!
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Pray some more!
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Be OPEN! Share what God is doing in your own life and be ready to
LISTEN. Remember it isn't our job to "fix" anyone!
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Pray that the affected people in your congregation will have the
courage to reach out for help, and BE THERE for them!
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Ask your Pastors to let other Pastors in the neighborhood
know about your group.
- Pray some more!
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