Stick with the Winners! How to Conduct More Effective 12-Step Recovery Meetings Using Conference-Approved Literature: A Dick B. Guide for Christian Leaders and Workers in the Recovery Arena by Dick B. and Ken B. (Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2012) shows step-by-step how to establish or modify A.A. meetings or Christian Recovery meetings so that they can include information on the roles played by God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible in early A.A.'s astonishing success. It answers such questions as: (1) "How can we conduct 12-Step meetings that both honor A.A.'s existing Traditions, Steps, and techniques, and at the same time allow us to talk about Jesus and the Bible?" (2) "What do we do when someone says, 'No, you can't talk about Jesus or the Bible at an A.A. meeting'?" (3) "How can we organize, list, and hold an A.A. meeting which conducts studies of A.A. history, the Christian origins of A.A., the early or "old-school" program of Akron A.A., and the foundational tools of present-day Twelve Step Fellowships?" (4) "Is there a way that our 12-Step group can persuade the hordes of newcomers that it is important for them to know and try to apply today the principles and practices of First Century Christianity described in the Book of Acts that were used by the early A.A. 'Christian fellowship' in Akron?"Stick with the Winners! points out that the answers to questions like those above are very simple. First, fully acquaint yourself with the A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature that actually tells about and endorses "old-school" A.A., such as The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous pamphlet (Item # P-53) and DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers. Second, share with others the informative statements about early A.A. that are already in print and available today from Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., and from the AA Grapevine, both in New York. (You may obtain A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature from any local Central or Intergroup Office; and, in many cases, they are also available from outlets such as Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.) Third, start your group in conformity with A.A. Traditions: Gather a group of A.A. friends. Hold a Steering Committee or Organizing Committee meeting. Ask for the guidance of the loving God as He may express Himself in an informed group conscience. Select the date and place and time for your meeting. Elect a secretary. Adopt a format which includes an opening prayer, a preamble, a call for newcomers, and a list of both conference-approved and other literature that will be displayed and used (preferably with the conference-approved and other literature displayed on separate tables). Decide on content for the meetings; e.g., (1) read from literature and call for discussion; (2) have a speaker talk on a particular topic and call for discussion; (3) invite well-informed speakers to address a topic; (4) study the Big Book; (5) study the Steps; (6) study A.A.'s original Bible basics--Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, 1 Corinthians 13, and the Book of James--using guides such as the Dick B. James Club book; (7) use films and teaching videos already available on A.A. history and the Christian Recovery Movement. Record in writing and have the Secretary sign and keep on hand at meetings the Minutes of the informed group conscience meeting.
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