Why 12 Steps
Many may ask why we chose to use a format similar to AA. They may even reject us thinking that they don’t need a discipleship program modeled after those with addictions. This is nothing more than pride.
We don’t reject anyone.
In fact, those who have found freedom from addictions often live fuller lives than the modern average Christian. While our model may be very similar to AA on purpose, none of the steps and revelations of how to step into sonship came from AA. They were taught to us by God the Father and due to the immense similarity to the steps in AA, we chose to value their contribution and their format.
The number one reason we chose this format is community. Every believer has a struggle with personal darkness, every believer. This is most often swept under the rug and never addressed. Most believers learn to just live with their darkness. Coping is not what Christ offers. To truly become a follower of Christ, and ultimately become someone who carries victory, we have had to bring this darkness into the light. Community that is strong in acceptance and understanding; community that supports without ever judging; community that recognizes that darkness is common to all believers; community that shares each other’s burden is how we help each other get free.
The second reason we chose this format is anonymity. When we bring our own darkness to light, no one wants to be made to feel ashamed. Shame is the primary reason that Christians don’t grow. The darkness we have lived with will be left in the dark and relegated to the past. Who we once where becomes testimony, but while we are in process, our fellow travelers protect our secrets, for this is love.
The third reason we chose this format is that many are in fact dealing with addictions and bondages to sin. We honor the process that works and has gone before. In fact, we encourage our members to continue to utilize whatever 12 step program they are currently apart of. They will discover that rather then being an alternative, we are an enhancement and a continuation of the process they have already started. No one should leave their 12 step program to join ours. We will, in fact, encourage our members who have an addiction to join the appropriate 12 step program as well. Our program turns sinners into saints, but many may need the specifics that are found in a 12 step program that is appropriate for their addiction.
The forth reason we chose this format is due to the incredible level of similarity we found between the lessons Father taught us and the steps that AA takes its members through. God has a plan to get His people free. AA has stumbled upon that plan. As we have yielded ourselves to God, He taught us His formula for destroying sin’s stronghold and gaining the power of victory. It is no coincidence that AA has also been using this same path for decades.
God the Father wants His sons to walk in authority and power. He does not want us in bondage to anything. He has anointed us to break bondage. The process of becoming a person who carries victory will never change. It is wired into our humanity. Freedom is the result of surrendering ourselves completely to God’s workmanship, allowing Him to mold us on every level according to His will alone. We have found freedom, and so can you. Rather than being one who earns for freedom, you can become one who is anointed by freedom with the power to release it to others.
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