Encouragement

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Alcoholics Anonymous models Christ's Church better than most American Churches

Ouch. The title of this article appears to be harsh and even offensive to those who are church members. However, I believe that the format that is in place in many Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings is more biblically based then some of the churches that have drifted away from this outline. As a result, from my experience and exposure to AA, I would conclude that the program is even more effective in its goals then much of America's church. What's more impressive is that AA produces loyal and faithful members who experience real change and turn around in their life as well as produce a genuine care for others to change as well. This article will compare three areas of the biblical format of the church with that of AA. These areas are as follows: the welcoming of guests/new members, participation, and fellowships/relationships.
Consider the following passage: 3 John 1:5-8, "Dear friend, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, especially when they are strangers. They have testified before the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. After all, they went on their trip for the sake of the Name, accepting no support from gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support such people so that we can become genuine helpers with them" (ISV). In this letter, the author is commending the reader in regards to the treatment of strangers. Recall in verse 6, "You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God." Notice that the author emphasizes that strangers are sent in a manner worthy of God. What are the implications of this simple sentence? For a stranger to be sent in a manner worthy of God, time must be invested in them by mature believers. If this does not occur, change will cease to occur. Furthermore, the passage ends with a deceleration stating partnership with the strangers. This statement requires further growth to the point where strangers becomes co-laborers. The only way this can occur is if the church is consistent in love, guiding the stranger away from sin, into obedient, Christ-like lives. Unfortunately, this is not the model followed by many churches. Undoubtedly, there is some type of new visitor’s agenda in place; however, as read in the aforementioned verses, we are called to a more intentional approach. I recall visiting AA meetings during substance abuse classes early in my graduate school experience. These open AA meetings where very similar at each location I attended. (This is another factor that the church should be portraying. That is, though different services, orders, and aesthetics, there should be one universal message with one unanimous goal. ) Before I reached the door, members socializing outside purposely stopped their current conversations to warmly welcome me as they had not recognized me, thus allowing me to feel welcomed. It was asked that if any individual was here for the first time, to raise their hand if comfortable to do so. The moment I did, I noticed the older gentleman seated to my right grab a pen and begin to scribble something down. He then proceeded to pass the note around to seemingly every other man in the meeting excluding myself. Finally, the paper reached me and the following words were written down, "If you ever feel the urge, call us immediately." Following this was a list of names and telephone numbers. How amazing is that! These men recognized me as a new member seeking help for possible alcoholism, and wanted so eagerly to help me from this. Every person who walks into a church is struggling with something deathly, that is, sin. Each person walking into church has some form and severity of this disease. Shouldn't we, those who already received healing treatment in the form of Christ's atonement, want to embrace those new attenders lovingly just as in my experience!
The second and third aspects that stood out to me are closely related, in-group participation and relationships. First of all, I noticed that many of the attending members from each of the groups were carrying a book titled "The big book"(1). As the meetings proceeded, individuals all took turns reading passages aloud. If an individual did not want to read they simply said pass, and the next person picked up the next passage instantly. As I sat in this experience for the first time I thought about how this is what church should be like! These individuals are holding this man made book very close, reciting its content and putting it into effective practice, and experiencing life changing results. How much more should Christians meditate, memorize and most importantly put into practice the Bible, the literal words of God! Recall Hebrews 4:12, “ For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart” (ISV).
The format that I witnessed being used in the AA meetings I participated in was to read the entire chapter of the book per meeting, with a meaningful discussion. How far have churches drifted from this model? I personally have seen many pastors take a verse or two out of context to "verify" a particular point they want to get across. Or otherwise, I have seen teachers use a verse or two without explaining the background, or context of the verses used. This only leads to confusion, misinformation, or even false teaching. Apart from reading aloud, time was allotted at the end of the meeting for open discussions. Individuals took turns sharing testimonies, struggles and words of encouragement. Individuals shared willingly and emotionally. One could notice the visible impacts these contributions were having on the others in attendance. What this portrayed to me, as a new attendee to these meetings, was that each person there genuine cared for one another. Testimonies, advice, and stories were shared and received with respect and humility. What this means is that everyone there considered each Other as equals. No one was above the other, in that they couldn't receive from or invest in a discussion. As we reflect on the biblical demands for the church, we cannot ignore the original format as described in Acts. In fact, Acts 2:44-46 states:
"All the believers were united and shared everything with one another. 45They made it their practice to sell their possessions and goods and to distribute the proceeds to anyone who was in need. 46United in purpose, they went to the Temple every day, ate at each other’s homes, and shared their food with glad and humble hearts."
I regretfully say that this does not describe many churches today. People complain about length of services, let alone are willing to meet EVERY DAY. Verse 46 contains the phrase "united in purpose". This summarizes my experience with AA overall, and is what the church needs to return to. The first century church understood what Paul eventually discussed in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (KJV). As the bride of Christ, we are all one! God does not discriminate, why has the church began to? God uses all to speak and touch others through; the young (Jeremiah and Timothy), the new believer (Stephen), the elderly (Moses, Noah, Sarah), the disabled (John 5), and even a rock or a donkey if necessary (Luke 19:40, Numbers 22). The point I am making is that a church body needs to ensure that all members are united in purpose, working to build up one another. The final point in this aspect outlined in Acts is that all believers shared everything with one another even to the extent of selling one’s own possessions. Tithes and giving is a topic that I need not to discuss in much length as it is a concept that is found literally throughout the entire Bible. I do not think giving is an issue for debate, rather than an issue of individual’s hearts. Just for the record, members of the AA meetings I attended gave to the collections and I can say that there was not one person who complained about doing so. It was as if they had an understanding of 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each of you must give what you have decided in your heart, not with regret or under compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver" (ISV).
The intent of this article is to initiate meaningful conversation amongst our church pastors and leaders. I pray we can examine and reexamine over and over the model of “church” we are using. Has this “ministry” strayed from the commands Jesus has so clearly given us? How can we become more Christ-like? Let us be a bride that is unblemished, souls are depending on it!
Written by:
James A Hoffman Jr, BS.
9/26/2014
[email protected]
References
(1) Retrieved from: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/read-the-big-book-and-twelve-steps-and-twelve-traditions

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