Christian Recovery Resources
Christian Recovery Meetings & Support Groups
Finding faith-based community for your recovery journey.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Start Here
Recovery doesn't happen in isolation.
Whether you're in early sobriety, years into your journey, or supporting a loved one, finding the right community matters. This page covers the main options for Christian recovery meetings and faith-based support groups, including in-person, online, structured programs, and informal gatherings.
If you're not sure where to start, we can help you think through your options. You can also explore our guides to supporting families and faith-based recovery programs.
Talk to Someone →
Types of Christian Recovery Meetings
Find the Right Community
Some groups meet weekly in a church classroom. Others meet online every day. The right fit depends on where you are, what you need, and the kind of support you're ready for.
Celebrate Recovery
What it is: The largest Christian recovery program in the world, hosted by local churches. Based on the 12 steps with a biblical foundation. Meetings typically include large group teaching, small gender-specific groups, and fellowship.
Who it's for: Anyone dealing with hurts, habits, or hangups. Not just substance abuse - also covers codependency, anger, food issues, and more.
How to find one: Over 35,000 churches worldwide host Celebrate Recovery. Visit celebraterecovery.com to find a meeting near you.
What to expect: Welcoming environment, structured format, anonymity respected. Most meetings are weekly and free.
Recovery Alive
What it is: A church-based recovery ministry rooted in Christ-centered 12 steps. Offers multiple group formats: Power Groups (teaching), People Groups (gender-specific sharing), and Process Groups (step work). Also runs online meetings, marriage recovery, mental health coaching, sober living homes, and teen/kids programs.
Who it's for: Anyone dealing with addiction, codependency, or other life-controlling issues. Also has specific tracks for marriages in recovery, teens, and kids affected by family addiction.
How to find one: Visit recoveryalive.com to find in-person groups or join their online community. They also provide resources for churches wanting to launch their own Recovery Alive ministry.
What to expect: More comprehensive than a weekly meeting. Includes multiple group types, coaching, sober living, and family-focused ministries. Strong online presence for people without local options.
Church-Based Recovery Groups
What it is: Many local churches run their own recovery ministries, Bible studies for people in recovery, or support groups. These vary widely in format and focus.
Who it's for: People who want recovery support integrated with a specific church community.
How to find one: Call churches in your area and ask if they have recovery ministry, addiction support groups, or relevant Bible studies. Some list these on their websites.
What to expect: Varies by church. Some are structured programs, others are informal. Ask about format, frequency, and whether it's gender-specific.
Reformers Unanimous
What it is: A faith-based addiction recovery program hosted by independent Baptist churches. Weekly meetings with structured curriculum.
Who it's for: People seeking recovery support in a conservative church environment.
How to find one: Visit reformu.com for meeting locations.
What to expect: Structured curriculum with weekly meetings and discipleship focus.
Online Recovery Communities
What it is: Virtual meetings and communities for people who can't access in-person groups or prefer online connection.
Who it's for: People in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or anyone who prefers starting online before attending in person.
How to find one: Options include Celebrate Recovery online meetings, Recovery Alive online groups, Facebook groups for Christian recovery, church livestream recovery services, and recovery-focused Discord servers.
What to expect: Varies widely. Some are structured meetings, others are informal community. Anonymity easier to maintain online.
What to Look For
Healthy Groups Share These Qualities
Safety and confidentiality
What's shared in the group stays in the group. If a group doesn't take confidentiality seriously, find another one.
Gender-specific options
Many people do better in men-only or women-only groups, especially when discussing sensitive issues. Mixed groups work for some, not for all.
Gospel-centered, not shame-centered
Good Christian recovery points to grace, forgiveness, and identity in Christ. If a group makes you feel worse about yourself without pointing to hope, it's not helping.
Accountability without legalism
Structure and accountability matter. But if the group is more about rule-following than heart change, it's missing the point.
Consistency
Recovery needs rhythm. Groups that meet regularly and reliably provide stability that sporadic gatherings can't.
Meetings vs. Programs
Recovery Meetings vs. Recovery Programs
Meetings and groups
Meetings provide ongoing community and support. They're typically weekly, free, and open to anyone. Think maintenance and encouragement for the journey.
Residential programs
Residential programs like Teen Challenge provide intensive, long-term transformation. They're immersive, structured, and address deep-rooted issues over 12-18 months.
Most people need both at different stages:
- A program to build the foundation
- Ongoing community to maintain it
If you're exploring whether someone needs a program or just meetings, we can help you assess the situation. Learn more about what Teen Challenge is or review our guide on choosing a faith-based recovery program.
Can't Find a Group Near You?
You Still Have Options
Start one.
Celebrate Recovery and Recovery Alive both provide resources for launching a group at your church. It's more accessible than you might think.
Go online.
Virtual meetings are better than no meetings. Recovery Alive has a strong online community. Start there while you look for or build in-person community.
Find a church first.
Even without a formal recovery ministry, a healthy church community provides accountability, teaching, and relationships. That matters.
Connect with us.
We help families and individuals navigate recovery options. If you're stuck, reach out.
How SVTC Can Help
We'll help you find the right next step.
Shenandoah Valley Teen Challenge has been walking with families since 2003. We don't run recovery meetings, but we help people find the right resources for their situation.
Whether you need help finding a local group, evaluating program options, or just want to talk through where you are, we're here. No cost. No pressure. Just real help from people who've been there.
Need a full program assessment?
Explore our resources on faith-based recovery programs and learn how to decide between outpatient support and residential care.
Compare program options →FAQ
Christian Recovery Meetings FAQs
A Christian recovery meeting is a gathering where people in recovery from addiction or other life-controlling issues meet for support, accountability, and spiritual encouragement. Most are based on biblical principles and include prayer, Scripture, and sharing.
Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered 12-step program hosted by churches worldwide. It addresses "hurts, habits, and hangups" including addiction, codependency, and other issues. It's the largest Christian recovery program in the world.
Recovery Alive is a church-based recovery ministry offering multiple group formats, online meetings, marriage recovery, sober living homes, and programs for teens and kids. It's rooted in Christ-centered 12 steps with a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Most are free. Some may take a voluntary offering. Residential programs have costs, but weekly meetings are typically no charge.
AA is based on a "higher power" concept that's spiritually general. Celebrate Recovery is explicitly Christian, based on biblical principles with Jesus as the higher power. CR also addresses issues beyond alcohol.
Yes. Many meetings welcome family members, and programs like Celebrate Recovery and Recovery Alive address codependency and other issues, not just substance abuse.
That's normal. Most groups are welcoming to newcomers. You don't have to share anything you're not ready to share. Many people attend several times before opening up.
Start with celebraterecovery.com or recoveryalive.com for the largest directories. You can also call local churches and ask about recovery ministries. If you're in Virginia, contact us and we'll help you find options.
It can be, especially as a supplement to in-person connection or for people without local options. It's not a complete replacement for face-to-face community, but it's better than isolation.
Your Family Doesn't Have to Face This Alone
Connect with a caring team ready to listen, guide, and pray with you.