Outreach for Celebrate Recovery is a vital aspect of maintaining our own recoveries; it’s also about growing the programme and reaching those who are struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Step 12 and principle 8 tells us.

Step 12 Having had a spiritual experience as the result of these steps, we try to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Principle 8 Yield yourself to God to be used to bring this good news to others both by my example and by my words.

Outreach is the bridge between those in need and the healing that CR offers. Many people are unaware that help is available, or they fear judgement. Outreach helps break down these barriers and invites people into a safe space where transformation happens. Whether it is addiction, trauma, or personal struggles, Celebrate Recovery provides a Christ-centred pathway to healing and restoration. To expand our reach, effective outreach strategies must be employed to invite and encourage individuals to take that first step toward recovery.

Here are just a few ways that we can Reach Out:

Testimony Nights – Personal stories play an incredible part in outreach. Here in Derby in the early days we used to host an evening where we would invite other churches, probation services, and many more organisations; it was an event where we would do a short presentation and then there would be a testimony of a person’s journey of recovery.  The whole evening was around 1hour with lots of Q&A.

Local Events & Festivals – Setting up a stall at community events allows CR to meet people where they are. Offering pamphlets, sharing stories, and even providing prayer can make a significant impact.

Direct Invitations – Sometimes, a simple personal invitation is all it takes. Encourage CR members to invite friends, family, and co-workers who may be struggling.

Other Projects in your community – share testimonies at local Shelters, food banks, rehab centres, or community grocers.

Church and Small Group Involvement – Many people in church struggle silently. Here in Derby, we have once a year what we call a ministry marketplace where all the ministries of the church have a stall all around the church.  Many people bring their friends to this service as 50% of the morning is given over to allowing everyone to look and ask questions about the ministries that are on offer. Talking about CR in your small groups is another way that raises awareness and encourages participation.

Celebrate Recovery outreach isn’t just about growing numbers—it’s about changing lives. Every invitation, testimony, and act of service plants a seed of hope. As we step out in faith to reach those who are hurting, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, offering the message of healing and transformation.

Let us remember these words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16:

“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”