I was very glad to see the article in The Alabama Baptist about “the church’s waistline.” I am very much in agreement with this problem in the church. It is hard sharing the love of Christ when the body of Christ has little or no self-control. One suggestion made in the article was that we need more programs. There is already a program available to help churches with this issue, along with many more issues. It is called Celebrate Recovery. Most people think that Celebrate Recovery is only for those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol. It is for that. But it is for so much more. Celebrate Recovery helps people with hurts, habits and hang-ups through the love of Jesus Christ. Just like an alcoholic or drug addict, an over-eater must realize his/her addiction to food. Admitting is the first step. Then there are steps that must follow.
I encourage any church who wants to see transformation in lives to consider beginning the ministry of Celebrate Recovery. It is greatly needed throughout our state. We must all take off the masks we wear in church, admit our shortcomings and seek support and encouragement from others. Only then, can we experience the lives God has created us to live.
Jody Baker
Birmingham, Ala.
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