When Watermark’s Director of re:generation asked if I had ever been to the world’s largest weekly 12- Step recovery meeting, I had to say no. Part of The Sober Curator’s mission is to promote resources surrounding all paths to recovery. We like to be in the know about anything and everything related to sobriety and recovery. I’m not even luke-warm on the mega church environment. However, the thought of 1,200 people meeting weekly and actively seeking freedom from life’s struggles sounds amazing. Coincidentally, the meeting is only about 10 minutes from my house. So of course, I had to go experience this immediately. And now, I get to share what I learned.
Re:generation is in 78 cities and 18 States
Re:generation is a Christ centered, fundamental and biblically based, 12-step recovery program. It includes daily lessons and weekly small, 15- person group meetings covering foundational Groundwork followed by 12 step work. It’s happening virtually and IRL in 78 cities/18 states. Director, John Elmore wrote the curriculum for the Watermark program and developed online training resources for other churches to start facilitating the program as well.
We all experience brokenness
The premise is that we all experience brokenness in life. At re:generation, the belief is that anyone can experience new life and freedom by working through steps of healing given to us by God through the Bible. All who are tired, broken or hurting are invited to come find recovery in Jesus Christ. Re:generation is 12-step discipleship through recovery. By working through these biblical steps within an authentic community, people have found freedom from substance abuse, anxiety, codependency, pornography, eating disorders, depression, fear, control, emotional/physical abuse, anger, obsessive thoughts and many other personal struggles.
The re:generation meeting
The re:generation large group meeting begins with worship music followed by a short talk from a staff member. Then, large group wraps with a testimony from a member working the program. Next, participants break into small groups lead by members who have already been through the program. Small group is where Groundwork, then step work is done.
To date, I have attended a few large group meetings and the introduction to small group at Watermark’s Dallas campus where the re:gen program began. I enjoy the message but am not entirely comfortable with some of the expectations around sharing. These are pretty intense and fairly comprehensive. There are also expectations around joining Watermark to continue with the program. This does not work for me either. I do have several friends who have completed the entire program and describe it as life changing. Through the process, I witnessed their relationship with Christ grow stronger as they overcame their struggles and helped others do the same. Going from spiritual bankruptcy to freedom and being able to pass the gift along to others beautiful thing.
We honor all paths to recovery
After trying re:gen, I know my path to recovery is still a more traditional, less religious 12 step program. I know that what works for me may not work for someone else and vice versa. And this is completely fine. There are many paths to recovery. And The Sober Curator honors each and every one of these paths as much as we honor every personal journey to recovery. Without a doubt, there is absolutely something to be celebrated in the thousands of people who have found freedom from addiction through re:generation.
Keeping an open mind
Admittedly, after attending some of the meetings, I did not have a very open mind when it came to Re:gen. However, I was pleasantly surprised by program director, John Elmore. All aspects of Elmore’s life are guided by his strong faith. This became evident after only a few minutes of conversation. His enthusiasm for recovery is contagious. And his sermons are fantastic and carry the recovery message with a powerful impact. Under his direction, his staff also delivers incredibly thought provoking sermons which continue to resonate with the thousands of people in and outside of the re:gen program.
One God who heals all struggles
John Elmore was kind enough to sit down with me to share his story and answer my questions. He has walked through addiction and now helps thousands overcome their struggles to live in freedom as he does today. We discussed what makes re:generation unique. The difference is that re:gen focuses on one God who heals all struggles vs focusing on one struggle (addiction/sin). According to Elmore, this approach makes it less likely that people identify themselves as their sin, addiction or struggle.
10 Minutes to freedom
During our conversation, I also discovered that John Elmore is a #Quit-Lit author. Obviously, The Sober Curator loves #Quit-Lit. This is a really cool bonus because the book is incredible. Especially, since it is getting results for so many. Freedom Starts Today: Overcoming Struggles and Addictions One Day at a Time provides a detailed account of John’s story. It outlines Elmore’s formula for recovery and includes daily readings, prayer journaling and commitments.
The formula for success includes a daily check-in with a trusted Christian friend. It is recommended that this friend be one who will pray for you and hold you accountable to working on your addiction. It takes just 10 minutes a day. Elmore refers to this book as what he wishes he had in new sobriety. He calls it day by day instructions for the first 90 days.
Final thoughts on re:generation
While re:generation is a more intense, and fundamental religious approach to recovery, I see no conflict with re:gen and Alcoholics Anonymous or any other 12 Step program. Re:gen would complement and only add to any recovery program IF you are looking for a Bible based, Christian and fundamental path. If this path is for you, I recommend listening to the re:gen teachings here. Attending a re:gen meeting is also a powerful recovery experience.
Fundamental, Bible based, 12 step recovery is not for everyone and that’s ok. Overcoming addictions is a wonderful thing. Hopefully, we can all agree on this. Regardless of how we feel, at 78 cities strong and growing, re:gen is getting results and is becoming a path much more frequently travelled.
Please ask for help
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
