Curriculum Review of The Twelve Steps--A Spiritual Journey
By Sarah Barton (Sagamore Institute Faith in Communities, 2005)
The Twelve Steps--A Spiritual Journey argues that the traditional 12 Steps (which are based upon Christian roots and theology), accompanied by the Scriptures, are important healing tools for recovering Christians. The curriculum is designed as a guide for those in recovery to understand the spiritual power of the Twelve Steps from a Christian perspective. It is especially helpful for adults whose childhoods were negatively affected by an environment that was not nurturing. Rather than presenting this curriculum as a replacement for other twelve step groups, the authors recommend that participants also seek out Twelve Step programs that address the specific issues that are relevant to them.
The first three chapters cover introductory material that will help group participants become familiar with the Twelve Steps and how the groups will operate. These chapters ask group participants for a commitment to the steps, to the support group, and to a recovery partner. Chapter 4 provides insights regarding common behavioral characteristics of adults who were raised in dysfunctional homes.
Subsequent chapters tackle each of the Twelve Steps in turn. Each chapter begins with an overview aimed at helping group participants to understand and work on that step. A prayer is included that can be used prior to sharing or at the meeting's conclusion. Personal Reflection exercises pose challenging questions and ask participants to examine their emotions and experiences. Relevant Scripture references are interspersed throughout the exercises to aid participants in applying Biblical principles. Helpful Hints are included which provide program and Scripture-oriented resources for prayer, meditation, and Bible study. These resources include The Life Recovery Bible and two books written as companions for this program: Prayers for the Twelve Steps: A Spiritual Journey and Meditations for the Twelve Step: A Spiritual Journey. A Preparing for Community section promotes family group discussion and is followed by Key Ideas which highlight the major themes covered by the step.
The appendices contain many helpful resources, including instructions and guidelines for group facilitators; suggested meeting formats; a sample meeting announcement; additional resources and support groups; the Serenity Prayer and Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi; group participant guidelines; milestones in recovery; the Twelve Steps and related Scripture; and common behavior characteristics.
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