Running a Celebrate Recovery group week in, week out is deeply rewarding, but it can sometimes feel a bit like operating on an island. Our local group meets weekly in our church hall, and over the years, we’ve grown into a warm, consistent community of about 15 to 18 regular attendees. We’re a diverse group, coming together with a wide mix of hurts, hang-ups and habits, but all united in seeking God’s healing and grace.
When we first heard that Catherine Robinson, UK Director for Celebrate Recovery, wanted to visit our group, we were truly honoured and deeply encouraged. Knowing that national leadership cares enough to travel out and sit with local teams in person gave us all a massive boost.
During her visit, Catherine and her husband jumped right in like part of the family. They didn’t just observe; they joined our main session, spent time chatting over tea and coffee, and spent precious time encouraging our leadership team. During small group time, Catherine joined in with the ladies’ group while her husband joined the men’s group. Her presence brought a real sense of connection to the wider CR family. For our leaders, it was immensely helpful to gain fresh perspective, ask practical operational questions, and get constructive feedback from someone viewing our setup with fresh eyes.
And the support didn’t stop there; we also had a follow-up Zoom meeting to provide further training specifically tailored to help our Open Share Groups. That extra session was invaluable. It allowed us to digest everything from the initial visit, reflect on our discussions, and gain specific guidance to strengthen our small group leaders and overall group setup. It ensured the momentum continued rather than fading away.
As a result of meeting with Catherine, we’ve made some really practical changes to how we run our Open Share Groups. We now clearly explain the “one share only” format so that everyone understands they have one dedicated time to share. It’s working brilliantly, and we’ve been so encouraged by how well everyone has embraced it. Additionally, our ladies’ group updated their setup – they now sit in a circle on chairs rather than relaxing back on sofas, which has created a much more intentional, engaged, and focused atmosphere.
I firmly believe it’s vital for the CR family to visit other groups. Celebrate Recovery is all about community, and that shouldn’t stop at the doors of our individual churches. Visiting other groups breaks down isolation, cross-pollinates great ideas across teams, and reminds us that we are part of a vibrant, supportive movement right across the UK.
A massive thank you to Catherine and the national team for being so accessible and supportive. If you’re a group leader considering inviting a rep or visiting another local group, don’t hesitate. Do it!
