Christians and AA: Faith, History, and the 12 Steps

A group of people sit in a circle, engaged in a discussion. Christians and AA

Should Christians Go to AA Meetings? It’s one of the most common questions Christians ask when addiction enters their life or the life of someone they love: Is Alcoholics Anonymous compatible with Christianity? Some Christians are warned to stay away from AA because of its references to a “higher power.” Others are told it can…

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Stepping Into Power: A Christian Walk Through the 12 Steps

A person wearing sneakers and sweatpants ascends a wooden staircase.

What Is Stepping Into Power? Stepping Into Power is a Christian recovery roadmap designed to help individuals, Sponsors, Recovery Partners (RPs), families, and church leaders better understand and work through the 12 Steps of AA through a Christian, biblical lens, as they are defined in The Dunamis Effect. Importantly, this is not a rehab program…

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Christmas in Recovery: Hope for the Humble

nativity scene

For many people, Christmas is a season of joy—twinkling lights, familiar hymns, family gatherings, and the celebration of Christ’s birth. Yet for those walking the road of addiction recovery, this time of year can feel complicated. Memories, expectations, loneliness, and stress can intensify cravings and emotional pain. Still, Christmas carries a powerful message for anyone…

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Dunamis: What Does It Really Mean?

Jesus is the light of the world the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it Jesus christ is the way, the truth, and the life

Pronounced “doo’-nam-is,” the Greek word Dunamis means miraculous power, might, or strength. It’s used more than 100 times in the New Testament, often describing the divine power of God working through Jesus Christ and His followers (see Acts 1:8). However, Dunamis carries a deeper meaning than just “power.” It represents potential power—energy waiting to be…

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How Churches Can Provide “A Way Out” of Addiction

From an overhead view, a group of people sit in a circle on a grey rug, holding hands.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”— 1 Corinthians 10:13 Few challenges facing today’s churches are as…

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What to Grab in an Emergency

When life throws an emergency our way, we all have instincts about what to grab first: our phone, our wallet, maybe our medications. But for one of our recovery group members, “Mark”, that list included something unexpected—his copy of The Dunamis Effect. Mark is in his 40s and has been facing multiple health challenges, including…

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Are You a Rich Fool?

parable of the rich fool

A Story You Might Not Know—but Should One day, Jesus told a story about a successful farmer. After a great harvest, the man looked at his overflowing barns and thought, “I’ve made it. I’ll tear down these barns and build bigger ones to store it all. Then I can relax, eat, drink, and enjoy life.”…

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Post-Traumatic Growth in Recovery: An Attitude of Gratitude

Appreciation of life in recovery

“I’m George, and I’m a grateful alcoholic,” the 70-something said before sharing at an AA meeting. At first, I thought I misheard. Alcohol had ruined my life and nearly killed me—how could anyone be grateful for it? But George said it again at the next meeting, and again after that. Finally, I cornered him to…

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