Church Assists in Recovering Lives from Addiction

In the 1930s two men in Akron, Ohio, founded a program that was
destined to spread around the
  world and improve millions of lives. Patterned on the
successful 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, San Martin’s
Church of the Valley offers Celebrate Recovery for local residents
suffering from addictions.
In the 1930s two men in Akron, Ohio, founded a program that was destined to spread around the  world and improve millions of lives. Patterned on the successful 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, San Martin’s Church of the Valley offers Celebrate Recovery for local residents suffering from addictions.

According to program director and Pastor Ron Holtz, Celebrate Recovery is not just for “those kind of people” who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. It is intended for anyone struggling with aspects of life like overspending, overeating, codependency or any habit which “interferes with living life to its fullest.”

Each Tuesday, up to 30 people gather at the church, 13380 Depot Ave., to share a meal from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, followed by an hour of pastoral teaching or testimony by participants. 

At 8:30pm, the big group divides into smaller groups for an hour of focus on problem areas. The groups are:

– open sharing for men,

– open sharing for women,

– sexual abuse and sexual addiction for women, and

– life hurts, God heals for teens.

This last hour is based on a series of workbooks called “Celebrate Recovery” by John Baker, a pastor at Southern California’s famous Saddleback Community Church.

According to Holtz, “We’re not here to fix anybody. We’re here to support them, to let them get worries off their chests, to offer release from guilt.”

Holtz reports that one participant told him, “This is more like church than church itself,” referring to how group members can be honest without worrying about being judged.

Part of the program emphasizes accountability.  “People walk in blaming others for their problems but end up realizing they have responsibility for the choices they make. To get results, they must step out and accept responsibility,” he said.

Holtz is a licensed minister at Church of the Valley and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. A graduate of Northwest University in Kirkland, Wa., he also is employed as a service technician.

Holtz helped establish Celebrate Recovery in San Martin in 2001 after more than 30 years of being clean himself. He saw the need to “help others step out of their problems.”

His wife, Michele, is facilitator of the sexual abuse and sexual addiction group, which started this year.  She calls it “intense, with in-depth discussions that lead to healing. It works if women are honest and want it to.”

Every three months or so, Celebrate Recovery sponsors a concert and potluck at the church. On Dec. 20, the event will feature local band Blue Dog.

There is no charge for Celebrate Recovery, but participants are welcome to make donations to help cover program expenses. Pastor Ron and Michele invite local residents to come and take advantage of this opportunity to talk about life’s problems in a supportive group.

Church of the Valley holds Sunday worship services at 10am. There are also children’s and youth ministries, women’s Bible studies and men’s prayer groups available. Call (408) 683-2829 or (408) 710-1032 for more information.