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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 be helpful—but only with caution.
Let’s look at this question honestly, historically, and without unnecessary fear.
What Many Christians Experience in AA Meetings
In many AA meetings, participants are encouraged to define a “higher power” in whatever way works for them.
You may hear people say:
- “The group is my higher power”
- “Nature is my higher power”
- “My higher power is whatever keeps me sober”
However, openly saying “Jesus Christ is my Savior” can sometimes feel uncomfortable—or even discouraged—depending on the meeting.
Not all meetings are the same, but this experience has caused many Christians to ask:
Is this environment aligned with my faith?
The Christian Roots of Alcoholics Anonymous
Here’s what history clearly shows:
- The founders of AA were Christians
- Early AA was deeply influenced by the Oxford Group, a Christian movement
- The New Testament was used as early recovery literature
- Confession, repentance, restitution, surrender, and service all came directly from Christian teaching
Respected AA historians, including Dick B., have thoroughly documented these roots.
The shift toward more secular language happened later—as culture changed.
Is “Higher Power” in the 12 Steps?
Interestingly, the phrase “higher power” does not appear in the Twelve Steps themselves.
It appears only twice in the Big Book—and always in reference to God.
Throughout the Big Book, God is referred to hundreds of times as:
- God
- Father
- Creator
- Maker
Always capitalized. Always personal.
The original authors were clear about who they meant.
“God as We Understood Him” — Clarified
Step Three states:
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
In the original text, “as we understood Him” was italicized—not to promote personal reinterpretation, but to acknowledge that the authors were speaking from their own understanding of God.
That understanding was Christian.
Over time, the phrase has often been changed in conversation to “the god of my understanding,” opening the door to nearly anything serving as god. That change was cultural, not theological, and was never officially approved.
Respect for AA—and the Need for a Christian Path
At The Dunamis Initiative, we respect Alcoholics Anonymous and all anonymous recovery groups. They have helped millions of people find sobriety and hope.
We simply believe Christians should have a place where they can:
- Say Jesus without hesitation
- Quote the Bible freely
- Work the 12 Steps without compromising their beliefs
Not in opposition to AA—but alongside it.
Where Stepping Into Power Fits In
To support Christians walking the recovery journey, we created Stepping Into Power—a Christian roadmap through the 12 Steps, explored one step per month.
Each step includes:
- Teaching videos
- Blog posts
- Downloadable chapters from The Dunamis Effect
- Reflection questions for discussion with a Sponsor or Recovery Partner
It’s designed to help individuals, families, church leaders, and recovery supporters stay connected and grounded as they walk through the Steps together.
👉 Read the Stepping Into Power Blog here:
Stepping Into Power: A Christian Walk Through the 12 Steps
👉 Learn more about the series here:
Stepping Into Power Website
A Final Thought
The real question isn’t whether the 12 Steps conflict with Christianity.
The better question is:
What happens when the Steps are worked with Jesus Christ at the center?
That’s the journey we’re inviting you into.
Further Reading