- Recovery (from sin) is a resource for everybody – not just those who have addictions.
- There is ongoing promotion of recovery opportunities, with posters, printed announcements, emails, and announcements via slides during worship services.
- There are separate small-group options for men and women.
- There is a stated policy on confidentiality, and consequences for breaking confidence.
- Whole-person, Christ-centered recovery is promoted and discussed in community groups, Sunday School classes, and even sermons.
- One or more of the pastors oversee the church’s recovery ministry.
- Pastors are appropriately transparent about their own personal recovery.
- The church has a referral network of Christian professionals in the area.
- The church sponsors a counseling ministry, either in part or in full.
- The church makes professional counseling services available for free, on a sliding scale basis, or at a discount for those who cannot afford therapy.
- The recovery ministry offers regular opportunities for continuing education.
- Lay recovery facilitators work under the supervision of a pastor or elder.
- The sermons are centered on Christ and major themes of scripture, rather than simply being watered-down, social messages, etc.
- The church has one or more individuals who are equipped to facilitate interventions.
- The church has a clear, scriptural policy on discipline that is carried out in a balanced, relational, and impartial manner.
- The church actively promotes Christian maturity rather than moralism and legalism.
- Moral failure is handled, not simply as a moral issue, but as one that likely has psychological underpinnings as well.
- The recovery ministry promotes a high view of the Bible as authoritative, not merely good advice.
- The recovery ministry recognizes that, while addictions may have many things in common, each addiction has some core features that are unique.
- Spiritual disciplines and personal accountability are encouraged and expected as recovery gets underway.
- Recovery sponsors and/or mentors are available at each meeting.
- Recovery leaders are equipped to avoid burnout and encouraged to seek help for it.