Attraction rather than Promotion

My church has recently instituted a new program aimed at attracting (and keeping) graduates from the alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers we sponsor and run.  Having been heavily involved with these programs over the years, I'm thrilled to see our congregation moving in this direction.


Will it succeed or fail?  Depends.


Since its inception in 1935, the "12 Step" program has attracted millions of people world-wide.  To date, Alcoholics Anonymous boasts a roster of 2,000,000+ active members with a recovery success rate of 48% in members with 5+ years of sobriety (for those who work a regular program).  Recovery revolves around walking a spiritual path and building a relationship with God.  Yet, only a very small percentage ever manage to graduate into the sanctuaries of organized religion.  Why is that?


Several reasons contribute to this phenomena: Resentments, misunderstanding, confusion, and misinterpretation rank among the top.  But the most prevalent cause of religious non-involvement can be summed up in one word... "attraction."  Unless religion succeeds at offering a more attractive option in the minds of addicts, it cannot hope to win their hearts.  


So, what does Recovery have that church doesn't?  To quote an old Recovery adage, "Attraction rather than Promotion."  The 12 Steps recognize that water seeks its own level.  In other words, people seek out their own kind and gravitate toward comfort and familiarity.  Recovery does not force its members into fellowship, within the confines of 4 walls.  Sure, there are official "Recovery Clubs", but at any given time of day, I can find a meeting in a park, a church, a coffee shop, a school, a restaurant, a community center, a tent, or even a bar!   I can find a group that suits me and stick with it, or I can bounce between several groups that I like.  It's up to me!  


If someone in need cannot come to a meeting, the meeting will come to them; "meeting people at their point of need."  Entire groups of recovering alcoholics and addicts volunteer for "H & I" (hospital and institution) visitation.  Others volunteer to man 24/7 recovery phone lines, to answer the call for help any time of day or night. It's not about the building, the books, or the program, it's about the people.  People are the key.  Without them, there is no recovery. 


Does any of this sound familiar?  Sounds kind of like the ideal church, doesn't it?


Here's the beauty part ... Recovery is less about "saying" and more about "showing."  We won't tell you how to live, we'll show you how to live.  One of the founding principles of Recovery is, "If you want what I have, you must do what I did to get it."  In other words, if my life looks appealing to you, follow in my footsteps and you can be happy, joyous, and free.   However, if they do not want what we have, if our lives lack appeal, they will refuse to follow; whereby the exercise becomes futile.

The Rooms of Recovery thrive on meeting the newcomer at their level, where they live, rather than where society expects them to be.  Human beings want to be lifted up, not looked down upon.  Not to say all churches look down on recovering addicts.  In fact, I believe it to be quite the opposite.  However, "reality" does not dictate "perception."  On the contrary, our perceptions determine our realities.  Whether or not we perceive our religion as welcoming and attractive is irrelevant.  It is the newcomer's perception that matters - well founded or not.  In as such, we must relearn proper methods to affect positive perceptions, or we're dead in the water.

As a church body, if we want to grow our ranks via the rooms of recovery, we must learn to cater to THEIR needs, rather than expect them to conform to OURS.  "Attraction rather than Promotion."  A church that masters the precepts of Recovery will surely be blessed with a membership explosion in the ranks.   


I just pray my church gets this right.