An important adjunct to a healthy small group ministry is a recovery group ministry. Think of it as a rest stop along the small group freeway for those struggling with the effects of sin (such as abuse and addiction) and other difficult life trials (such as grief, depression, or anxiety). 

Starting a recovery ministry as a part of your church's overall groups' ministry presents some unique challenges and incredible ministry opportunities. Therefore, be sure to think about these issues up front as you begin planning out your recovery ministry.

Leadership buy-in and prayer support is essential.  Recovery groups, by nature, can be messy. So don't start a recovery ministry unless you have unwavering support from all areas of church leadership. It might even prove helpful to have key leadership go through the program. You'll need their help and prayer support, as well as the prayer support from the congregation as a whole. If your church has a prayer team, get them involved early as well. If your church doesn't have a prayer ministry, start one.

A mature and well-trained team is critical. As important as training, experience and spiritual maturity are for community group and life group leaders, these are critical for recovery group leaders. Recovery group leaders should be experienced group leaders who have been through recovery personally. Utilize an application process, conduct background checks, and enlist key church leaders to interview candidates. Invite Christians who are involved in secular recovery programs to apply for leadership roles. Commit from the beginning not to start groups unless you have two trained, qualified leaders and one apprentice per group.

Buy a solid recovery curriculum. Saddleback Church's Celebrate Recovery® curriculum is well known and well respected across a wide spectrum of churches and traditions. Seattle's Mars Hill Church is releasing their "Redemption Group" curriculum in 2011. Overcomers Outreach is another Christian 12-step model used in many different churches and denominations. Call churches within your theological tradition and ask what curriculum they use. Other churches may even have staff members that can train your team in the curriculum they use.

Create a safe, predictable and structured environment for recovery. Unlike the way many churches do traditional small groups, recovery groups require a specific type of environment. Recovery groups should meet at the church, counseling center or some other neutral location-not in member's homes. Most church recovery programs meet on the same night (traditionally Friday night, although any night will do), and will have both large-group and small group components. While formats may vary depending on the model and curriculum you choose, recovery groups require more structure and predictability, so that the members feel safe discussing much more difficult topics, and so that they know what to expect each time they come.

Start small. Because of the need for a safe and structured environment, confidentiality, and well-trained and experienced leadership, do not try to start too big. For the sake of the long-term reputation of your recovery program, which is essential to its viability, start small and let the program grow at its own pace.

Create entrance ramps and exit ramps. To facilitate entry into the recovery ministry, communicate that the recovery ministry isn't just for alcoholics or people who suffer from other addictions or severe abuse. Recovery is needed occasionally for everyone who struggles with the effects of sin and other difficult life trials. In the language of Celebrate Recovery®, if you have "hurts, hang-ups or habits," you're a candidate for recovery. Yet, recovery is a rest stop, not a destination (Philippians 3:12-14). The destination is spiritual maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:28), so we don't want people "hanging out" in recovery. After an 8-16 week season (or no more than a couple of seasons) in recovery for the laying aside of "every weight, and sin that clings so closely," participants need to be reconnected with the church's primary small group ministry and get back in the race (Hebrews 12:1).

While launching recovery groups presents many unique challenges, it is most definitely worth the effort.  Increased commitments to Christ, radical life transformation and healthier congregations are just some of the benefits that accrue to the church that takes seriously the ministry of recovery and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) to which Christ has called his church.

Greg Wilson has served in ministry for more than 20 years as a counselor, youth pastor, teaching pastor and church planter. He blogs regularly at For Those Who Thirst.