ALCOHOLICS for CHRIST

Group Facilitating and Table Leading

Basic information from experience

To begin with, after working the12-Step Program of Alcoholics for Christ for twenty years, I have discovered several important issues. I can honestly say that today these Steps are more exciting to me than ever. And they have caused me to "come into deeper recovery" than I'd ever knew could be possible. I love the Tables. I need the Tables. Therefore, I go to the Tables with a sincere need for more healing in my life, more change, more God. I do not go as a teacher, with a prepared lesson in hand, to teach those at the tables. Instead, I go as "One beggar telling another, where to get the Bread (of Life)." and, needing the Bread, myself.

As I look at this program and gain a better understanding of it, I find that the 12-Steps are, foundationally Steps of Reconciliation. God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ Jesus, and has given us a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). How does this work? We realize that this ministry is a very personal one, and that God gives us "a personal testimony of reconciliation" to Him. By this we are convinced, encouraged, and strengthened to become involved in this ministry. In other words, "If a person thinks this is just a good program for me to take to those poor miserable suffering alcoholics out there, and he doesn't see his own personal needs in this program." Then "They'll be sorely disappointed," Because, "As people come to this program, they'll know if you're working it or not, and whether you believe in it enough to apply it to your own life!"

As a person who is very much interested and involved in this area called "Recovery," I have had the opportunity over many years to observe all the different programs and methodologies at work. And seeing that so many of these treatments do not have the desired effect of changing lives, it caused me to look even deeper into this issue. Being an alcoholic, with many of the addict's dysfunctional character flaws, I came to realize that I am a very isolated person with most of my relationships revolving around alcohol. Then, a new and exciting realization came to me as I was meditating on what the Christ-centered 12-Step Program does, and how it works. I began to understand, that; there are three basic relationships that a person will have in this world (Matthew 22:37-39):

1. With Father God through Jesus
2. With other people
3. With ourselves

I've asked people over the years, "Who is your worst enemy?" or, "Who causes you the most grief?" and, "Who gives you the most trouble?" The answer: ... "MYSELF!" Then again, I've asked people, "Who do you blame for your problems?" or, "Who is at fault for you being in this situation?" and "How did you get in this mess?" And sure enough their answer is, "So-and-so did this TO ME!" or "God did it TO ME." Does this sound like relational problems or relationship issues?

Does it sound like reconciliation is needed? No doubt, most alcoholics over time have both: hurt others and been hurt by them, many times in their lives. Hurt is a divider and an isolator! Reconciliation with God through Jesus repairs the "Breech in our Relationship Bridge" by supplying us with understanding, and taking hold of the Grace that He has for us (Ephesians 2:14-16).

God created the world to be in balance (1 Peter 3:8), and to have order. However, there are people who say, "All I need is God, just me and God! And leave me alone, because I don't want to get involved with others (again)." That person is out of balance. On the other hand, (s) he may be someone who loves God and other people, but hates himself (because of what they've done, said, been, or think). This low self-esteem is an out-of-balance condition. True balance gives glory to Jesus (John 17:21).

The Christ-centered Steps systematically work on reconciling the three relationships that would cause a person to come into a place of wholeness and balance. It is all through the Grace of God, because He has reconciled us to Himself, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. Simply put, that's what the program means to me. There's " Something Wonderful" that happens when a table is set up, then the guys come and sit down - and as they begin talking and sharing their intimacy- "The walls of isolationism begin cracking, then breaking, and finally crumbling." As they share God's Word, they are breaking down the "Walls "and as they pray for one another, more walls come tumbling down. And when we are stripped of our walls of phoniness, pride, and aloofness, and standing there in the nakedness of our character, we are truly humbled before God and man. It is then that the tender mercy and grace of God floods over us, washing and filling us with joy unspeakable. We are broken! We are contrite! We are loved! I truly believe that if people did nothing but these things, then everyone who came to the tables would share in "Joy of the Lord" and receive "strength for tomorrow." I have come to believe that the "Power" and the "Core" of addiction is I-S-O-L-A-T-I-O-N. In other words, if you have a (binding) relationship with alcohol (or drugs), it is impossible to have an intimate relationship with God (serve two masters. Matthew 6:24), or a meaningful relationship with other people (double minded-James 1:8).

Again, I repeat, that anyone interested in taking this program into the prisons / jails, has got to first of all, take it into their own lives and work the program. Take ownership, and you disarm Satan. Once you understand that this program works for you, and also for others, then you won't be under a great deal of stress to either; add to the program, prop it up, or try to make it work. It does it all by itself (well, really it's God)! All you have to do is be honest and open, and this will set the tone for the table.

Most substance abusers already know they're in trouble, and they also know they're hurting. What they need is a safe place to come together, and share their troubles and hurts, and a place to be able to encourage each other a ministry of encouragement). In retrospect, the Table Leading Insights that I have discovered are:

1. Believe in the Program
2. Work the Program in your own life.
3. Understand that it is God working the Program.

Fundamentally, it's letting the power of God and the togetherness of the community do their work in the lives of those who come to the tables seeking. Many times, as a Table Leader, I have experienced some frustration, when someone comes to the tables, and they won't talk (open up). However, as they sit there for weeks, and they observe things, I realize they are going through a change (of God working in them). And then, sure enough, unexpectedly, they break wide open and outcomes the flood. If this takes time, be not concerned, let God do His work.

Another problem of sorts, are people who try to dominate the tables, and want to "fix" everyone. What we do in this type of situation is STOP them and tell them we are not here to "fix" each other, but to work on our OWN issues. We as facilitators allow very little cross talk (many conversations), and being restrictive of much dialog keeps the table sharing progressing along.

An important item to remember, is when working Steps 2 / 3, is to make an invitation to those who have never asked Jesus to come into their hearts, and be their personal Savior. When one volunteers to accept Jesus as their Savior, it is very appropriate to have the whole group at the table to repeat the Sinner's Prayer along with the person.

Another suggestion is to have prayer sheets to pass out at the table, and as we go around sharing, to ask people to write down the names of those sharing on the list. Then, after they take their turn sharing, ask for a brief prayer request. This will get them to pray for each other through the coming week, which will serve as bonding agent.

Setting Up and Maintaining Order at the Tables

1. Six to ten people at each table, whenever possible.
2. Open with prayer.
3. Each person to identify him (her) self.
4. Brief comments on the Step you are on.
5. Ask someone to read the introduction to the Step.
6. Go around the table with each person reading a Scripture from the Step (questions below Scripture optional).
7. Ask each person, in turn, to share his reason for coming, and what the Step means to him.
8. After each person shares, ask for a brief prayer request.
9. Try to limit sharing, so everyone has the opportunity to share, in the allotted time.
10. Thank everyone for attending, and close with prayer (either you or ask someone else).

Problems of Recidivism / Relapse

There are many causes that contribute to a person "falling back" into an old lifestyle, even though they have pledged to themselves to stay clean and live a different lifestyle. What are these issues and/or items that would cause a person to deviate from their stated goal? There are many occurrences, and situations that precede this ugly condition of "Back-to-square-one." Therefore, we respectfully present several conditions, and in no particular order that we have noticed and do here remark upon:

1. Being alone, and lonely. No, or very little, moral and/or spiritual support.
2. Discouragement - whether real or imagined, is a devastating emotional pit.
3. Lack of Communication: To stop dialogue is to "close up shop!" No visitors welcome.
4. Rebellious Judgmental Attitude - "Criticizing the World," instead of ourselves.
5. Denying Deep-Seated Problems. Superficial cleansing only works for a short time.
6. Stop Being Humble: Become arrogant, proud, and boastful, little by little.
7. Cease Being Intimate: Put back on the "Garments of Superficiality."
8. Replaying old Hurtful Tapes due to a fresh encounter of an unpleasant situation.
9. Stop Being Honest - Rationalize because it's easier, and quicker.
10. Think you're "Smart" (Cunning): Thereby rejecting the "Counsel of the Lord."
11. Cut back on "Working Your Program" - After all, you're completely healed, aren't you?
12. View a little slip as a major setback, and give up completely.
13. Refuse to make yourself accountable to another person(s). Don't admit those thoughts or faults.
14. Have the Failing Attitude that "You're not worth much!" Low self-esteem.
15. Reduce your time spent with God (Cut prayer time and Bible reading).
16. Think you're owed something by: government, society, employers, relatives, friends, etc.
17. There are many more, too numerous to mention here.

When there is a weakening of resolve, there is also a deterioration of character. This is understandable in the "Kingdom of the World," when the human nature is in charge. But in the 'Kingdom of God," for every setback or lapse, there is "Grace." Do not give up! Do not stay down! But arise, and learn from your mistakes (or better yet, from the mistakes of others), and share your testimony of God's love with others.

Interview with an A/C Jail Coordinator

The following is an interview with Mike A., who has faithfully been taking the Alcoholics for Christ Programs into jails in upper Michigan. The Lord has been using Mike to prove that this program works in jails, and works successfully. Mike has been in the A/C Ministry for 19 years.

Interviewer: Mike, how long have you been going into jails as a ministry?
Mike: I started about 15 years ago, never thinking it would go like it has, or become what it is-a national ministry. But the reason I got into it is that I used to be sick (spiritually) just like these guys, and I wanted to do something about it for them.

Interviewer: And, what changes have you seen occur in that period of time? Like changes in the make-up of the jail population, and the way the prisoners are treated?
Mike: First of all, the jail population has increased and about 80% of the inmates are there for alcohol and drug related charges. Next answer, the jail administration is working more toward the recovery end (than it was 15 years ago).

Interviewer: Is there any type of prisoner that is easier to minister to, like drug abusers and non-violent crimes, those going to prison, or crimes against persons? What type is the toughest to minister to?
Mike: They are all the same, the only difference is how much they're hurting, or are needy (of the Lord). As far as those who won't accept help, they are the ones who aren't ready, and don't want the structure or discipline of the program.

Interviewer: Mike, you said that many times you see repeat returnees (recidivists), and you should not get discouraged about them coming back. (1). How do you not get discouraged? (2). What do you do to keep from getting discouraged?
Mike: You do get discouraged and disappointed. This is where the Lord teaches us how to deal with it. But the real pay-off comes when someone will walk up to me when I'm out somewhere, and say, "Hi, Mike." And they tell me how good they're doing, going to church and all. So much different from the last time I saw them, when they were in jail. And always get pray support, as much as you can.

Interviewer: What is the best way to begin a jail ministry? (1). Whom do you first contact? (2). What kind of recommendations (like letters) should you get?
Mike: To begin with, go to the 'main man' who is usually the Captain or Lieutenant of the jail. Tell him you have a program like AA, only it's Christian-based (they used to call A/C in jail-AA for Jesus). What would be really good is if you could meet on the same night that AA meets. That way the inmates could choose to go to one or the other, and the guards would only have to arrange to pull them out of their cells one time. Get as many letters of recommendations as you can, like from the Prosecuting Attorney, Judges, Pastors, or Counselors. AND NEVER-NEVER upset the Chaplain, or any of the Lock-up People. Remember, you're in there as a courtesy. They're doing you a favor!

Interviewer: What if there is another ministry already in the jail you want to take A/C into? (1). Do you suggest "partnering" with them? (2) Or, should we go a different route? (3). What if they represent a local denomination (church)? (4). Since we are not "a church," should we try and fit our program with an existing jail ministry.
Mike: Too many questions all at once! Let me see. Most ministries that are already in the jails don't need or want any partners. Next, stick to the program you have-it works. And A/C is an interdenominational ministry, so we can't become denominational. And finally, the way we work with any ministry is to 'Carry the message of Jesus Christ', OK?

Interviewer: If there is already an alcohol/drug abuse program (governmental / private clinic) set-up in the jail, (1). What do we do? (2). How do we get A/C's 12-Step Program recognized?
Mike: Well that's easy, those are secular programs and we're a spiritual program. And besides, the Lord is going to run the program, if YOU let Him! How to get it recognized? Pray, have the program ready and available, and the Lord will open doors. Like to set the prisoners free, and to let His people in with the good news.

Interviewer: What type and kind of literature, can and should we take into the jails? If they want Bibles (like the Life Recovery), how do we pay for them?
Mike: Alcoholics for Christ has a promo-type fold-over that has the 12-Steps with Scripture References, and also a 12-Step Workbook that works real good. Local area churches often see A/C Jail Ministries as a missionary effort, and give donations to supply Bibles. However, the person going in often has to "hustle up" the dough.

Interviewer: Normally, how much time do we have to run the program each night? How much time should we spend in each segment (praying, Scripture-reading, etc.) of the program?
Mike: From one to two hours, depending upon what the lock-up people allow. As for the 2nd question, I let the Holy Spirit lead me in attending to the needs of those that come to the meeting.

Interviewer: If they have family (wife, mother, brother-sister) should we find out about them and invite them to a local meeting of recovery, for co-dependency issues? (2). If they have had addiction counseling, should we dialogue with that counselor (or agency)?
Mike: "Absolutely not! If they ask you, then you direct them to help (other resources). Let the women minister to women, and vice versa. Also, we are not into addiction counseling, we are a support group of peers."

Interviewer: Do you, or have you ever got involved with helping a prisoner get bail? How about, referring them to a certain-type of lawyer, or a specialty bondsman?
Mike: "No, if they're trying to get out or off, it's usually a con. However, when they're sincere and work the program, I have worked with them to get them on a work release. And we're definitely not in the legal referral business."

Interviewer: Would you tell us in your own words, what is the best counsel you could give someone who is interested in this ministry? And please elaborate!
Mike: OK. The 12-Steps of Recovery with the Scriptures and Jesus as Lord, are what works. There is a need in the jails for A/C because God is in it through His Son-Jesus. And also, if it doesn't work the way you want it to don't be discouraged, God will find a way. But, and this is real important, do find a Christian Base of Support that will "cover" you and your ministry with prayer and Scripture-reading (read the Word into and over your ministry).
You'll find that personal time and ministry time (like phone calls) clash and they sometimes can create conflict. So the best thing to do is to find someone else to help you with the ministry, as it's too much to do alone. So then you can switch-off with someone, and the ministry won't become a burden. Also seek interaction with another Christian, so that you will be held accountable, and it will also keep you in true humility to God. Don't be too proud or embarrassed to ask for help.
You'll need dedication, the kind that comes when the Lord is burning your heart, and gives you a deep desire to serve the Lord in this area. Discernment will be a great help, as it is necessary for the learning. Also, be a good listener, a good table-leader, and have a personal understanding of the 12-steps. Don't lose site of the necessity of change, just be ready to cope with it.
Lastly, you'll need a clear understanding of what "servant-hood" really means, and especially what that means in relation to recovery. Remember, God said He would be with us always, through all things, and at all times.

Mike (or those working with him) frequently answers questions about the jail aspect of the Prison / Jails Ministry. Address all questions to Mike A. at the A/C office.

Prison Testimony

Testimony from Clayton B.:
Like so many people who have found themselves in trouble with the law, I learned belittling and rejection at a very early age. This is not an excuse, this was my life. I grew up as an unwanted child in an adopted home. I was beaten for everything I said or did, whether I deserved it or not. I couldn't distinguish right from wrong. And repeatedly I was told that I would never amount to anything. They said, all my choices were wrong, I was wrong, my life was wrong. I remember the overpowering feeling of resentment that grew within me, and emerged into open hostility and deep-seated hatred. I hated everyone and everything. As I moved into and through my teenage years the rage in my head made me an out-of-control wounded animal. Oh no, not me! Whoa! There really is no other way to say this. Then when alcohol had come into my life, it came not to visit, but to permanently stay. It became my crutch, my friend, my front, my medication, and my god. By the time I was in my mid-twenties, I was drinking almost a quart of Jack Daniels a day. All other relationships in my life became a scorn, and I trivialized them. All too frequently, I would groggily wake up in the morning on my couch at home, with a bruising hangover. And not be able to remember how or when I got there. When I could rouse enough to ask "How did I get here?" The reply would be something like, "You must'a drove yourself." Or, "I dunno, nobody came with you." In a panic, I would hurry to the door, dreading to even look out through the glass for my car. Every time, I expected to see damage to the car, but instead, there it would be parked, square and neat without a scratch. How can a person in a "Blackout," navigate a car through many twists and turns, and not ever hit something? Was I out-of-control? It was to get even worse real soon.

In 1977, I got into one of my many fights, only this time a man lost his life! When the police came and arrested me, and charged me with open murder, I absolutely couldn't believe it. I was locked up! I denied it, I kicked, and I screamed, but they wouldn't believe me. Boy, did I ever need a drink! Now I was facing a death sentence. Now, I really needed a drink.- no the whole bottle, please! The days turned into months, and my denials got louder. But the legal process kept on churning against me, what was I to do? Even my friend Jack Daniels had abandoned me - more abandonment, more rejection.
It dawned on me, that I was in the most serious trouble of my whole troubled life, and that there was no way out. I was going to death row. They were going to execute me. I looked to the only hope left (Jesus), my prayer was simple, it went like this, "Lord, if it's my time to go, then I'll shut up and go....but, if You have something for me to do, then You'll hafta provide a way out." Three days into a jury trial, the way out came. The prosecution told my lawyer that they would accept a plea bargain, at first my Conniving mind said no. And then as I toyed with the offer, the evil one that had been such a big influence in my life, kept trying to convince me to play with them, and see what else I could get out of the deal. It was then a breakthrough came, and I was reminded this was the answer to my prayers, and you do not play with God! I accepted what was offered, and began a life-long relation with the One who would sustain me through the coming dark hours, and meet my every need.

During my 18-year stay in prison, I saw the need for a ministry that would really work - in prison, and out (when the inmate is released). And this was my prayer, to be led to a ministry that is based on the Word of God, and is conducted as God instructs. So when I was released in 1995, my wife introduced me to the Alcoholics for Christ ministry. I liked what I saw and heard. I felt the approval of God, that this is where he wanted me. This was fulfillment of the prayer I uttered when I first came to Christ, when I said, "If You have something for me to do..." Because He gave me a compassion to help other people to keep them from going back to prison, or to keep them from going there in the first place.
I had seen so many people be released from prison, and break the law again, and come right back in. I did not want this to happen to me. I know that being at large, in a free world is an individual choice, and also that I had made bad choices in my life. And so, choices do not come easy to me, because the thoughts come to me, "I'm going to get yelled at," or "something hurtful will be said to me," that will make me feel like I am nothing, and that I can do nothing right.
Confusion is a state of indecision, based on our prior learning experiences. The prison-experience is one of being told: what to do, when to do it, how to do it, and what to think about doing it. Couple this with my growing-up influences and experiences, and here is one mixed up person, with a set of complex emotions that only God can understand. And that is one reason why we turn to God, and stay turned to Him, because the issues of temptation, disobedience, and rebellion come upon us like a storm. And only by focusing on God, and not the storm will we be able to stay free and untangled (from the snares of Satan).

When I was released from prison into a halfway house, I had $50.00 in my pocket. Six months later I bought my first vehicle (on credit-unbelievable). All of this while I'm still in a halfway house, only God could have made this happen. Praise His Holy Name!
Soon afterwards, I moved to Michigan and I became affiliated with a local home church. After attending A/C meetings and finding out what they were about, I knew that this was the vehicle I had talked to the Lord about. And when I found out that A/C was expanding their jail ministry into prisons, I knew in my heart and being, that this was the fulfillment of my first covenant with God. Is there anything too difficult for God? You try Him and see for yourself! God NEVER fails.