Celebrate Recovery DNA Group Format

DNA Elements of Large Group Format: One hour in length 

(The order of the format is flexible. As long as the main components are included you may adjust the flow of events as you prefer.) 

• Welcome and open in prayer 

• Worship music 

• Read the 8 Principles or Christ-centred 12 Steps, with biblical comparisons 

• Teaching or Testimony 

• Testimonies are to be written in advance 

• Edited by Ministry Leader or Team Member 

• Must be read using the approved edited version. 

• Closing prayer (strongly recommended to close with the Serenity Prayer) 

• Dismissal to Open Share Groups 

Optional Best Practice Elements: 

• Announcements 

• Chip ceremony 

• Special music with offering 

• Guest speaker or special lesson 1-2 times a year. 

DNA Format for Open Share Groups: One hour in length 

1. Welcome and open in prayer 

2. Leader introductions 

3. Read the CR Small Group Guidelines 

4. Group open sharing 

5. Wrap-up and close in prayer 

Optional Best Practice Elements:

• Focus question 

• Read issue pamphlet for that group 

• Do a 5-10minute (max) devo or minimony. (recommended for Open Share Group Only CR’s) This is not a teaching moment. 

• Share written prayer requests  

• Invite participants to your fellowship event following group, if you have one 

• Chips 

DNA Format for Step Study Groups: 1 ½ hours to 2 hours in length 

1. Welcome and open in prayer 

2. Leader and participant introductions 

3. Read the 8 Principles or Christ-centred 12 Steps 

4. Read the CR Small Group Guidelines 

5. Read the lesson acrostic from the Participant’s Guide (when starting a new lesson) and take turns sharing answers to the questions. 

6. Wrap up and close in prayer 

Optional Best Practice Elements:

• Small Group Expectations (Initially when a new meeting starts) 
• Worship song 
• Read a topic from the Celebrate Recovery Bible (no more than 5 minutes) 
• Present the homework questions from the Participant’s Guide for next week’s meeting 
• Announcements 
• Share written prayer requests

Additional Celebrate Recovery Tools: