Participating in International Christian Recovery Coalition

The International Christian Recovery Coalition was organized just about three years ago after a Christian Recovery Leaders Nationwide Conference at Mariners Church Community Center in Irvine, California.

It has grown in participants, leaders, speakers, fellowships, churches, treatment work, media dissemination, articles, blogs, resource centers, a ChristianRecoveryRadio.com site, a 27 video class presentation on "Stick with the Winners," a Guidebook called "Stick with the Winners" that tells how to conduct recovery meetings using Conference-approved literature, the editions of The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, and a number of other projects including a large number of conferences, seminars, and personal meetings with Christian recovery leaders, workers, newcomers, and the public..

It costs nothing to be listed as a participant.

The mission is very simple: (1) The International Christian Recovery Coalition is an informal fellowship worldwide. (2) Its participants help disseminate facts about the role that God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible played in the origins, history, founding, original Christian Fellowship program of Akron A.A., June of 1935. (3) Suggesting as well the role they can and will play today for those who want God's help in overcoming alcoholism, addiction, and life-controlling problems; and are willing to go to any lengths to do so. (4) Applying the principles and practices--which actually were the principles and practices of the Apostles in First Century Christianity as recorded in the Book of Acts--in recovery programs, fellowships, groups, meetings, treatment, counseling, and outreach today. Just as was done in "old school" early A.A. and its Akron Christian Fellowship.

Our suggestions to those who may want to become participants and help implement the mission:

Check out the International Christian Recovery Coalition website by going to and looking at www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com. Look at the participants, mission, and projects.

If you approve, simply send a listing of yourself or your organization to dickb@dickb.com -listing something like the following:

"John Smith, Recovered believer, Serenity Group Fellowship, 4444 Hiawatha Street, Keeokuk, KS 99999, phone:   , email:    . URL.....  if any."

"Walla Walla Christian Treatment Center, [address, city, state, zip, phone, email, URL"

You will then be listed on the website as a participant in the Coalition.

There is no cost involved.

You are welcome whether as an enthusiast, endorser, benefactor, named participant, or anonymous "member."

And you can belong, serve, and contribute in your own area of interest--newcomer, oldtimer, 12-Stepper, speaker, secretary, clergyman, recovery pastor, recovery group leader, Christian recovery fellowship leader or worker, treatment program director, Christian counseling, rehab or detox work, Christian intervention, chaplaincy, medicine, psychiatry, psychology, therapy, teaching, social work, prisons, homeless, at-risk people, young  people, hospital, Christian residential treatment, sober living, transitional housing, academic institution, bridge group, non-profit agency, government agency, research, history, archives, 12-Step service or employment, pharmaceuticals, etc.

To ask questions, receive further information, offer help, or become listed, feel free to contact Dick B. at dickb@dickb.com, 808 874 4876, or Ken B. at 808 276 4945, or write Dick B. at
PO Box 837, Kihei, HI 96753-0837.

Christian Recovery Radio.com on air, growing, expanding

The New Christian Recovery Radio.com Series is On the Air, Growing, and Soon Expanding!
Dick B. and Ken B.
Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved

You can plug in to all these shows on www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com right now:
The following presentations are either on the air or shortly to be presented on the Christian Recovery Radio.com site. And all but the first can be seen, heard, read, and downloaded FREE – courtesy of the benefactors, sponsors, and contributors to, and participants in the work of Dick B. and Ken B on the International Christian Recovery Coalition www.ChristianRecoveryCoalition.com:
1. The Stick with the Winners 27 video classes on Alcoholics Anonymous History – a one-time only charge of $29.95 for all  27 of the video classes.
2. A free video series by Dick B. and Ken B. will feature many aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous History and of the Christian Recovery Movement. The first video is up and running with others to follow when funding is available to produce the ensuing video films free.
3. A free Take 12 Radio program of “A.A. History with Dick B.” is presented every Tuesday, with ongoing shows, and free archives of other shows. Producer is Monty Meyer of Oregon.
4. An ongoing free series of radio programs presently begun  and presented by Dick B. and Ken B. in Kihei, Maui, Hawaii on http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-recovery-radio-with-dickb; soon to be posted on ChristianRecoveryRadio.com and composed of interviewed personages such as:
(a) World-wide Christian recovery leaders, physicians, psychologists, addiction medicine specialists, writers, historians, researchers, speakers, Bible scholars, professors, clergy, recovery pastors, and international substance abuse prevention and recovery organization heads [from International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition, International Christian Recovery Coalition, City Team International, Overcomers Outreach Inc, Alcoholics Victorious, Footprints Inc., City Vision College, Neighborhood Alcoholics for Christ, Celebrate Recovery, Teen Challenge, Snyder Life Enrichment Retreats, religious denomination leaders handling alcoholism and addiction recovery, and church sponsored recovery groups];
(b) Christian treatment and rehab program directors, Christian sober-living facility and transitional housing directors, Christian residential recovery home owners, and Christian after-care facilitators.
(c) Christian interventionists, counselors, chaplains, and Christian detox facility directors; Christian bridge groups, church recovery groups, and church recovery fellowships.
(d) Chaplains and Christian outreach directors for care, prisons, homeless, hospitalized, veterans, and at-risk addicts, alcoholics, and codependents.
(e) Christian directors of A.A. and other national archive memorial facilities (such as Wilson House in Vermont, Dr. Bob’s Home in Akron, Dr. Bob Core Library in Vermont, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Library in Akron, the Shoemaker Collection at Calvary Episcopal Church in Pittsburgh, and the Seiberling Gate Lodge in Akron
(f) Active and recovered AAs, NAs, archivists, historians, International Christian Recovery Coalition speakers from its Speakers Bureau, government and social work employees, employee and union assistance program directors, social workers, and members of the public concerned about overcoming, preventing, and treating alcoholism, addiction, and codependency.
5. Dozens of free A.A. History Talks by Dick B., recorded and posted, and covering each aspect of A.A. origins, history, founding, original Christian fellowship program, and successes; as well as those people and organization that influenced the founding and development of early A.A.; and other topics published in Dick B.’s 44 books, over 1000 articles, blogs, YouTube presentations, forums, Dick B.’s several websites, and other Christian and recovery websites.
Gloria Deo

The Bill Wilson Movies and The Bill Wilson Facts

Dick B.’s Documented Account of the Story of Bill Wilson, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the Influences on Wilson [In reply to a question about Oxford Group influences, if any, on Bill Wilson]

Dick B.

Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights resereved

“Thank you for asking about the possible influence of the Oxford Group on Bill Wilson.

Actually, there were many influences on his A.A. ideas, as there were in the case of Dr. Bob: They definitely include, and I have documented, the following:

1. The Bible.

2. The Christian organizations and people that preceded and influenced AA: a) Evangelists like Dwight Moody and F. B. Meyer; b) Gospel Rescue Missions; c) Lay brethren of Young Men's Christian Association; d) Salvation Army; e) Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor; f) Oxford Group; g)Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker, Jr.

3. The Christian  upbringing of Wilson in the East Dorset Congregational Church, the Bible studies he did with grandfather Griffith and friend Mark Whalon, the conversion and cure of his grandfather Willie Wilson, the sermons and revivals and conversions and temperance meetings he attended, his 4 years at Burr and Burton Academy where he took a four year Bible study course, went to daily chapel at this Congregationalist school, and was president of and active in the school's Young Men's Christian Association.

5. The advice of his physician Dr. Silkworth on his third visit to Towns Hospital; that he would die or go insane if he didn't stop drinking; and that the Great Physician Jesus Christ could cure him.

6. The visits from his friend Ebby Thacher, telling him: a) that he (Ebby) had been to the altar at Calvary Rescue Mission, been born again, got religion; b) that he (Ebby) had learned several things from the Oxford Group friends (Rowland Hazard, Shep Cornell, and Cebra Graves) about Christian subjects he had studied as a youngster, and also about the power of prayer, about the Oxford Group[ program, about Dr. Carl Jung's advice to Rowland that he (Rowland) could be helped if he had a "vital religious experience"--a conversion experience;] c) Bill's trip to Calvary Church to hear and check up on Ebby Thacher's testimony; d) Bill's thought that perhaps Calvary Mission could do for him what it had done for Ebby; e) Bill's trip to the altar at Calvary Mission where he made his decision for Jesus Christ, wrote twice "For sure I had been born again," and wrote that he had "found religion." f) Bill's subsequent drinking, deep despair and depression, and thoughts that he should call on the Great Physician for help; g) Bill's last trip to Towns Hospital where he cried out to God for help, had his memorable "indescribably white flash" blazing in his room, sensed the presence of God, exclaimed "So this is the God of the Scriptures," stopped doubting the power of God, and never drank again.

7. Bills subsequent discussion with Dr. Silkworth where Bill was told he had had a "conversion experience." Bill's extensive study that day of the William James book on religious experiences that cured alcoholics, and Bill's conclusion that his experience in the hospital was a valid conversion experience.

8. Bill's adventure on discharge from the hospital out on the streets with a Bible under his arm and telling drunks in hospitals, missions, flea bag hotels, Oxford Group meetings that he had found a cure for alcoholism and that they should give their lives to God (See Big Book, page 191).

9. Bill's utter failure to convert or sober up anyone at all. Not before he met with Dr. Bob in Akron.

10. Bill's visit with Dr. Bob at Henrietta Seiberling's Gate Lodge for six hours where Bill convinced Bob that the idea of service to others was an essential element in the Oxford Group that was part of the mix, and Dr. Bob's assent.

11. The three months that Bill spent with the Smiths at their home in Akron where: a) Anne read them the Bible each day. b) Anne may have shared from the journal she had kept since 1933. c) there were daily prayers and  quiet time. d) there was an agreement that hospitalization was an essential ingredient. e) Attendance at the weekly "clandestine lodge" meeting of the Oxford Group at the T. Henry Williams home. f) Where extensive Oxford Group and Shoemaker literature were available at the meeting for the taking.

12. The success--when there was no Big Book, were no Steps, were no Traditions, were no drunkalogs, and were no meetings like those today--with A.A. Number Three-Bill Dotson. Bill and Bob visited Dotson in the hospital, told him to give his life to God and, when healed, go out and help others. Dotson turned to God for help, was immediately healed, and went out from the hospital a new man--which marked the founding of Akron Group Number One July 4, 1935.

13. Bill and Bob learning in November of 1937 by "counting noses" that forty members had achieved and maintained some sobriety--with an assured 50% success rate; and that God had shown them how the cure could be passed on by working with newcomers, hospitalization, belief in God, acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, old fashioned prayer meetings, Bible study meetings, Quiet Time, reading Christian literature, and helping others without charge.

14. When Akron, by a barely passing vote in Akron, authorized Wilson to write a book, Bill claimed there were six word-of-mouth ideas being used with success. He phrased the six ideas in at least 4 different ways--when it came to God's help. He claimed they were derived from the Oxford Group, but that there was no general agreement, particularly in the mid-west , on what they were. He also said they were applied according to the "whim" of the group involved. But Bill's  "six" word-of-mouth ideas were very different from the 7 point Akron Christian Fellowship program that Frank Amos summarized in his report to the Rockefeller people in 1937. See DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 131.

15. Bill soon sat down with Rev. Sam Shoemaker at the book-lined study at Calvary House--with closed doors--and worked out the program of the Big Book, derived largely from Oxford Group ideas (and the Oxford Group itself declared that the principles of the Oxford Group were the principles of the Bible--as Rev. Sherwood Day twice wrote in The Principles of the Oxford Group).

16. When it came time to write Chapter 5 of his new book, Bill asked Sam Shoemaker to write the 12 Steps, but Shoemaker declined saying that they should be written by an alcoholic, namely Bill. Bill then sat down, looked at his alleged "six ideas", and  quickly wrote out Twelve Steps in a book where the word "God" had consistently been used without qualification.

17. Just before the book went to press, four people (Ruth Hock-secretary, Hank Parkhurst--Bill's partner, Bill Wilson--the author, and John Henry Fitzhugh Mayo--who wanted the book to be Christian to the core) changed the language of the steps, deleting God from Step Two, and adding "as we understood Him" to Steps 3 and 11. Bill attributed this change to a "broad highway" to the contributions of the atheists and agnostics.

Most of this material can be found in various of my books listed in http://www.dickb.com/titles.shtml.

And the material is placed in updated, comprehensive, documented, teachable form in "The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide," 3rd ed., 2010. http://www.dickb.com.

Most of the recent, documented research is set forth in my two preceding books "Dr. Bob of Alcoholics Anonymous" http://www.dickb.com/drbobofaa,shtml, and "The Conversion of Bill W." http://www.dickb.com/conversion.shtml.

dickb@dickb.com

Jesus in Early A.A. Literature and Talks

Jesus in Early A.A. Literature and Talks Dick B. Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved Probably, a large majority of those in A.A. today, as well as those in the recovery community as leaders and as patients, and even the very small group of Christian critics of Alcoholics Anonymous would answer the following questions incorrectly or simply plead ignorance of the questions and the answers: “Is Jesus even mentioned in early A.A. literature?” “Did A.A.’s founders frequently mention Jesus?” “If so, are there still a number of A.A. General Services Conference-approved books and materials that mention, refer to, or discuss the role of Jesus in recovery from alcoholism?” Answers: Yes! Yes! And Yes! In fact, there are so many references, that it will suffice to mention and document a few of them, and then let inquirers search for themselves – just as Dr. Bob used to require questioners in early A.A. to search in the Bible for answers to their questions about the program. Here is Where You Can Find the Answers Bill W. and The Great Physician, Jesus Christ: In his own autobiography, Bill Wilson spoke of the “Great Physician”—a metaphor for Jesus Christ. This reference to Jesus Christ as the “Great Physician” was often uttered by Bill Wilson’s doctor, William D. Silkworth, M.D. See Bill W. My First 40 Years: An Autobiography by the Cofounder of Alcoholics Anonymous, 139, 145, 147; Dale Mitchel, Silkworth The Little Doctor Who Loved Drunks: The Biography of William Duncan Silkworth, M.D.. 44, 47, 49, 50, 51, 225; Dick B., The Conversion of Bill W.: More on the Creator’s Role in Early A.A., 43, 50, 52-53, 56, 59, 60, 62-67, 70, 76, 100-02, 115, 126, 133-34, 173, 189, 193. Bill W. and “The Lord. . . curing me. . .”: Probably the most emphatic testimony as to the role of Jesus Christ in Bill Wilson’s recovery is found on page 191 of the latest (4th, 2001) edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. Moreover, Bill’s affirmation of Jesus’s role was echoed on that same page 191 by Bill Dotson, AA Number 3. Bill W. and his decision for Jesus Christ: Mrs. Samuel M. Shoemaker and Bill’s wife Lois attested that Bill had made a decision for Jesus Christ – “handed his life over to Christ.” Dick B., The Conversion of Bill W., 61-62. Bill W. himself twice confirmed his statement: “For sure I had been born again.” Bill W.: My First 40 Years, 147; Dick B., Turning Point, 94-98, A New Way In, 62; The Conversion of Bill W., 62. Bill W. told AAs this at his last full-length talk at an A.A. meeting in New York. Bill quoted Dr. Bob’s reminder “that most of us were practicing Christians.”  The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks, 30. Bill W. pointed out to the Lecturers at Yale University that “a great many of us have taken to reading the Bible.” Alcohol, Science and Society: Twenty-nine Lectures with Discussions as given at the Yale Summer School of Alcohol Studies. “Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Inc., 1945, W.W., Lecture 29, The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous,” 467. Dr. Bob is frequently quoted in The Co-Founders Pamphlet P-53, speaking about “Jesus Christ,” the “Master,” his “Heavenly Father,” and the “Good Book” as he often called the Bible: The Co-Founders, 11, 13-15, 19, 20. 30. And, on page 34, Bill said of Bob: “So Dr. Bob became the prince of all twelfth-steppers. Perhaps nobody will ever do such a job again. You can find for yourself many other statements, about which I have written extensively, how early AAs, their “co-founders,” and their predecessors spoke of Jesus Christ. Examples are

(1) Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith mentioned Christ in the journal from which she daily shared with early AAs and their families. (2) Rev. Sam Shoemaker—who was called a cofounder of A.A. by Bill W.—started writing about Jesus Christ in his very first significant book—Realizing Religion, and continued to do so throughout his long career. (3) Shoemaker pointed out that Calvary Mission—where Bill W. made his decision for Christ—was the place where Jesus Christ changes lives. (4) Bill W. marched in a processional from Calvary Church to Madison Square to witness—the group carried the sign, “Jesus Christ changes lives.” (5) Endless Oxford Group writings were read by early AAs and frequently mentioned Jesus Christ. (6) Dr. Bob mentioned many times that early AAs considered that the Bible’s Book of James, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and 1 Corinthians 13 were “absolutely essential to the early program;” and, of course, it was Jesus that delivered the sermon (see Matthews 5, 6, 7)."

History and Origins of Alcoholics Anonymous

Here's what popped up, unsolicited, and without an author's name, on the internet this 29th day of May

The following are articles that have been written by several AA historians that have taken the time to search and research the history and origins of Alcoholics Anonymous. The articles appearing on this site were chosen to show references to the validity of the origins of the original message of Alcoholics Anonymous, not to show our history as a whole. For links to other sites that deal with the history of AA see the favorite links page.

The following articles are from one of AAs leading historians, Dick B. It was a pleasant surprise when I stumbled accross some of his articles a few 24 hrs ago. I have spent many hours reading his articles and books and have learned much about early AA from his research. For more from Dick B. go to his website at www.dickb.com

The Spiritual Beginnings of AA

A Review of Earliest AAs Roots

AAs Roots in the Bible Part 1

AAs Roots in the Bible Part 2

AAs Roots in the Bible Part 3

Roundtable Series on AAs Biblical Roots Part 1

Roundtable Series on AAs Biblical Roots Part 2

Roundtable Series on AAs Biblical Roots Part 3

Roundtable Series on AAs Biblical Roots Part 4

God as We understood Him

The Books and Materials Early AAs Read

Anne Ripley Smith"Mother of AA" Part 1

Anne Ripley Smith "Mother of AA" Part 2

Sam Shoemaker, an AA "Co-Founder" and Spiritual Source

The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous Part 1

The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous Part 2

The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous Part 3

The Oxford Group and Alcoholics Anonymous Part 4

Alcoholics Anonymous Its real Oxford Group connection 20 years of Input

A look at Meditation in Early AA

A Day with the Akron AA Pioneers

Alcoholism A Cure: The God Factor

The Four Absolutes - There Source, Application, and Significance

The Four Absolutes - More Revealed (Anne smiths views)

The Four Absolutes - Still More Revealed

AA and The Five Cs A Root from Soul Surgery

Alcoholics Anonymous, Its Christian Endeavor Root, and A.A. Co-founder Dr. Bob

Check out "Courage to Change" for Twelve Step Study

Check out Courage to Change in eBook form. For an inexpensive book by Bill Pittman and Dick B. on Rev. Shoemaker's important influence on the 12 Steps
http://www.amazon.com/Courage-To-Change-ebook/dp/tags-on-product/B003E6M7BC

Courage To Change

www.amazon.com

Change deals with the influence of Sam Shoemaker on the early years of Alcoholics Anonymous, the writing of the Twelve Steps, and the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill Wilson proclaimed at the 1955 International AA Convention, "The early

The Dream Come True: A.A. History Recovery Leader Interviews

Christian Recovery Leader Radio Interviews World Wide

A Dream Come True

Dick B.

Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved

Only a short time ago, AA Historian Dick B. announced at an International Christian Recovery Coalition Leadership Summit Conference held at the Crossing Church in Costa Mesa, California, that he had a dream.

The announcement came just after a host of great Christian Recovery Leaders had delivered very short talks on what they were doing to further the Christian Recovery Movement and on what their plans for the future included.

The talks were excellent

But time constraints required that the talks be limited to 10 Minutes, even as to Christian Recovery Leaders who had traveled to the International Christian Recovery Coalition conference from Florida, Texas, Northern California, Delaware, New Jersey, and many distant California locations such as Oroville, Palm Springs, San Jose, Costa Mesa, Whittier, West Covina, Huntington Beach, and elsewhere.

Dick announced at that conference, at the companion conferences in Livermore and Brentwood and Oakland, as well as the recent conference at His Place Church in Westminster, California, that he had a dream of having lengthy radio interviews with the dozens and dozens of  Christian Recovery Leaders, Workers, Newcomers, and concerned members of the public he has met and known over the past 23 years.

At this last conference, Rev. Michael Liimatta – long a leader in recovery work, treatment, outreach to the homeless and veterans, Gospel Rescue Missions, Alcoholics Victorious, Footprints, Inc., and City Vision College -- suggested a no cost radio solution. And we seized on the idea.

Today – May 29, 2012 – my son Ken B. and I conducted the first interview. And Rev. Michael Liimatta was the first Christian Recovery Leader interviewed. And these interviews will continue each week, indefinitely, as long as the free facility is made available. The dream came true.

And here is the link:

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-recovery-radio-with-dickb

Christian Recovery Leaders Worldwide: Interviews with Dick B. AA Historian

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-recovery-radio-with-dickb

5 Guiding Articles on How to Organize and Conduct Old School AA Meetings

Content for May 28, 2012 FYI Newsletter, send ASAP

______________________________________________________________________________

The Five Brief Articles That Tell You How to Start, Lead, and Conduct Old School A.A “Stick with the Winners” Studies, Classes, Meetings, Groups, Conferences, Individual Viewings, and other Presentations

By Dick B.

Copyright 2012 Anonymous. All rights reserved.

Hundreds have written, emailed, phoned, and posted requests asking how they can successfully organize, format, name, list, and lead an Old School A.A. History Study Today. And my son Ken and I have now held many conferences and meetings over the last three years on this subject. We learned as much from what we heard as from what we wrote about the hunger, need, issues, and desires of AAs, NAs, Christian 12 Steppers, Christian Recovery Groups, and others, that all had to offer. This newsletter contains 5 different resulting articles which should tell you what to do, where to look, what to acquire, how to avoid blockades and pitfalls, and how to glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ, as well as how specifically to help the alcoholic, addict, and suffering soul overcome his or her malady by seeking God’s help—just as the early A.A. Christians and their Christian Fellowship did when AA was founded in Akron, Ohio, in June, 1935.

“I want to start an A.A. History and Old School A.A. Bible Roots Group!”

Here Are the Five Articles Suggesting Exactly How to Proceed

Article One

Where do I begin?

Keep It Simple!

Five short articles will give you some practical suggestions as well as some hints for avoiding intimidation, controversy and blockades.

Become a Student First, and then Become the Leader

If you think about it, almost every good group, every good meeting, and every A.A. conference you have attended, and also every good A.A. speaker, good sponsor, and individual A.A. student studied first to learn the facts. So.

First, become the leader of the proposed A.A. History and Old School Bible Roots Group. Do it by learning A.A.’s own conference-approved materials. And, in order to become a leader, master the following A.A. General Services Conference-approved literature – Alcoholics Anonymous, 4^th ed, 2001; DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 1980; and The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks (A.A.’s Pamphlet  P-53).

Gather a Group of Your A.A. Friends. Pray together. Decide together. Conduct a Written informed Group Conscience together. Vote together on What You desire to and will do. Record Detailed Minutes of the Proceedings in Writing

Unfortunately, many good potential A.A. leaders and A.A. groups start at the wrong place. They go to some person in a Central or Intergroup Office; ask what they can do and how to go about it; and then are told by this self-appointed governor that they are not permitted to organize such a meeting, list it, study anything but “Conference-approved” literature, or even mention the Bible, Jesus Christ, Christian literature, or the growing body of our A.A. history.

So don’t start that way.

Choose a name for the group that will be inviting to AAs. Possibilities include:“A.A. Study Group.” “A.A. History Group.” “A.A. Roots Group.” Or “The Meeting!”

Gather a group of friends. Ask God to guide your group in its decisions. Propose the  name, a location, a time, and a Secretary. Propose a format and the literature your will use and be permitted to use and discuss at your meeting. Agree on how to conduct the meeting. Hold an informed Group Conscience covering each of  these points. Vote. Record in detailed writing the subjects of your meeting, the vote on each subject, and the informed group conscience decision. Have your Secretary certify and sign the written decisions. And keep that group conscience available at every meeting. And freely show it to any interested person who asks questions pertaining to the group decisions. Do so after the meeting is concluded.

Now you have done all you need to do: 1) Petition our loving God to express Himself in your informed group conscience proceedings. 2) Write, record, and retain your written, dated, signed informed group conscience. And 3) Decide to “go!”—to carry out the decisions in your meetings.

You are an A.A. group. You have an A.A. meeting. And you are autonomous, informed, and agreed, supported by A.A.’s Twelve Traditions, implementing your group decisions, and guided by Almighty God.

dickb@dickb.com

_______________________________________________________________

Article Two

The Resources We Recommend for Each Group

The  Previous Article One Suggested Precisely How to Establish Your Group

This Article Two Explains the Resources the Group and Its Leader Should Obtain, Study, and Use

First, make sure you have the following A.A. General Services Conference-approved Literature items. And these should be placed on the Secretary’s table, apart from other agreed literature:

Alcoholics Anonymous, 4^th ed, 2001;

DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 1980;

The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks (A.A.’s Pamphlet  P-53).

Second the following literature should be acquired, placed on a separate table, and used a) by leaders to learn; b) by speakers to teach; and c) by those attending the meetings to absorb the meeting materials:

Holy Bible;

Alcoholics Anonymous: The Original 1939 First Edition, with introduction by Dick B.

http://www.amazon.com/Alcoholics-Anonymous-Original-Edition-Empower/dp/0486480593/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338068799&sr=1-4

Dick B. and Ken B., The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide, 3^rd ed., 2010:

http://christianrecoverycoalition.com/christian-recovery-guide.shtml

Dick B. and Ken B., 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 (2012)

Center Column of Front Page of www.dickb.com,

with instructions to download for $9.95.

Dick B. and Ken B, The “Stick with the Winners” Video Series of 27 Video Classes that complement the foregoing four non-conference-approved resource books:

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com, with instructions for obtaining for $29.95.

Third, we suggest that a complete reference set of 29 Dick B. titles be acquired at the substantially discounted price of $249.00, kept in the group library, and used as needed.

We are offering the entire, 29-volume, "Dick B. Christian Recovery Reference Set" for:

Ongoing Special!

Only $249.00—Shipping included!* Order it on the front page of www.dickb.com

* Please note: The “Shipping included” offered as part of this “Ongoing Special” opportunity for the "Dick B. Reference Set" only applies within the continental United States. For Shipping & Handling for areas outside the continental U.S., please contact Ken B. via email at kcb00799@gmail.com for details.*

______________________________________________________________________________

Top of Form

Article Three

How Should We Conduct Such a Meeting

The Previous Article Two Explains the Resources the Group and Its Leader Should Study and Use

This Article Three Gives You Two Sample Examples of How You Can Lead the Meeting

There certainly can be no “one size fits all.” What you do in a meeting, what the topic should be, and how you should conduct a meeting depends on all these vital factors: (1) Asking God what He would like to see you do, and exactly how to do it. (2) Following His directions (3) Making your own choice, depending upon the topic, the type of meeting, and what the Group has decided in its informed group conscience (4) Aiming at serving and glorifying God and His Son Jesus Christ and (5) Carrying a message to those who still suffer that God can and will help them if they want that help and have renounced drinking and drugging for good.



Example one: “This meeting will study two articles about A.A. Cofounder Dr. Bob, and they consist of the interview of Dr. Bob in 1939 [often mis-named “his Faith Article], and the Tidings article about the talks of both Bob and Bill on the same platform at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles in 1948.”



(a) Announce the topic.



(b) Read all or at least the relevant parts of both articles.



(c) When you’ve completed reading the Interview article, ask members: “What do you think is the central message that Dr. Bob gave his interviewer.” “Did Dr. Bob talk about prayer and what did he say about it.” “What did Dr. Bob say about being ‘cured of drunkenness by prayer’” “What did Dr. Bob say about the difference between promising to go straight and sticking to it” “What did Dr. Bob say about“hitting bottom.” “What did Dr. Bob say about the visits of the pioneers to a newcomer in the hospital.” “What did Dr. Bob say about reading the Bible with the hospitalized newcomer.” “What did Dr. Bob say about ‘Christ’ on the two occasions he mentioned Jesus Christ.” “What did Dr. Bob say about using the Good Book—the Bible”

[And if time permits, ask questions concerning other points listeners may not have known]



(d) When you have completed reading the Tidings article, ask members: “What did Dr. Bob say in a few short words in his talk—about religious literature.”  “About church attendance,”  “About prayer.” “About the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.” “About reading the Bible.” [And if time permits, ask questions concerning other points listeners may not have known]



(e) If time permits, invite members to make comments on both articles, in an orderly and

brief fashion







Example two: “This meeting will be about how to approach a newcomer.”



Read the pages on that subject that we have written in the “Stick with the Winners” Guide.



Ask questions about each suggested approach. Ask what the Big Book says on the topic in “Working with Others” and elsewhere.



And so on.

Article Four

Suggested Topics for Your “Old-School” Meetings

Article Three provided two samples of how you can lead your meetings.

This Article Four provides dozens of suggested topics to use at an “old-school” meeting. There certainly can be no “one size fits all.” What you do in a meeting, what the topic should be, and how you should conduct a meeting depends on all of the following vital factors:

Asking God in the name of Jesus Christ what He would like to see you do, and exactly how to do it.

Following His directions.

Making your own choice, depending upon the topic, the type of meeting, and what the Group has decided in its “informed group conscience” meeting.

 Aiming at serving and glorifying God and His Son Jesus Christ.

Carrying an accurate, effective message to those who still suffer that God can and will help them if they want that help and have renounced drinking and drugging for good.

The first suggested groups of topics are provided in our new book:

Dick B. and Ken B., 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 (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2010).

You can download this title for only $9.95 by scrolling down in the center column of the front page of the following Web site until you come to the discussion of the book:

www.DickB.com

The second suggested groups of topics are presented in our new, 27-video class:

Dick B. and Ken B., “Stick with the Winners!” A 27-video class (2012).

This class complements the material in the Stick with the Winners! book mentioned above. And you can get access to all 27 videos for a one-time donation of $29.95 at:

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

The third suggested groups of topics are provided in our guide:

Dick B. and Ken B., The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide: Historical Perspectives and Effective Modern Application, 3rd ed. (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2010)

You can read more about this important resource here:

http://christianrecoverycoalition.com/christian-recovery-guide.shtml

You may purchase this book by using the “Donate” button provided under “Major Christian Recovery Resource #3” in the center column of this Web site:

www.DickB.com

The fourth suggested group of topics may be gleaned, title by title, subject by subject, in each of the 29 volumes of “The Dick B.  A.A. History and Christian Recovery Reference Set.” We have made this entire set available at the substantially discounted price of $249.00 (includes shipping within the United States. Please contact us about shipping outside the U.S.). We have recommended that every group obtain this Reference Set. Each of the books, with a picture page, is described on our website:

            www.dickb.com/titles.shtml

And the entire, 29-volume “Dick B. A.A. History and Christian Recovery Reference Set” may be acquired by clicking here:

http://www.dickb.com/index.html#Major_Christian_Recovery_Resource_2

If you have any godly questions concerning the topics and resources discussed above, please phone Dick B. at 1-808-874-4876 or Ken B. at 1-808-276-4945. Or send me (Dick B.) an email message at DickB@DickB.com.

Article Five

Topics for Your Convenience in our “Stick with the Winners” Guidebook and 27 video classes

Our Previous Article Four Provides Dozens of Suggested Topics to Use at An Old School Meeting

This Article Five Suggests the Following Two Guides to Topics to Use at An Old School Meeting

Announcing!

Dick B. and Ken B.’s Newest Title:

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

(Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2012)

Contents

Introduction: “Old-School” Christian Recovery

Ch. 1:   Resources for “Old-School” 12 Step Recovery Meetings

Ch. 2:   Conference-Approved Literature Foundations

Ch. 3:   The Real Akron A.A. Program

Ch. 4:   16 Key Practices of the Real Akron A.A. Program

Ch. 5:   “Old-School” A.A. and First Century Christianity

Ch. 6:   “Old-School” Elements That Can Be Used Today

Ch. 7:   How to Conduct “Old-School” Recovery Meetings

            Conclusion

Available on www.DickB.com for only $9.95 NOW!

(Just scroll down the center column of the www.DickB.com front page.)

Announcing!

Dick B. and Ken B.’s New 27-Video Class:

Stick with the Winners!

Video                    Title

00                           Introductory Video for the “Stick with the Winners!” Class

01                           Where to Begin with a Newcomer

02                           Show the Newcomer That the Cure of Alcoholism Was Not Something New from A.A.

03                           The Vermont Youth of Dr. Bob and Bill W. Set the Stage for Early A.A.’s Emphasis on

God, His Son Jesus Christ, the Bible, Prayer, Conversion, and Witness

04                           How Bill W. Got Sober by Turning to God

05                           How Dr. Bob Got Sober by Turning to God

06                           How A.A. Number Three, Bill D., Got Sober by Turning to God

07                           A Summary of How the Original “Old-School” A.A. Program Was Developed

08                           Frank Amos’ Seven-Point Summary of the Original Akron A.A. Program

09                           Part One: Practices One through Eight of the 16 Practices of “Old-School” A.A. in Akron

10                           Part Two: Practices Nine through 16 of the 16 Practices of “Old-School” A.A. in Akron

11a                         The 75% and 93% Success Rates of Early A.A. (Part 1/Video 1—got interrupted)

11b                         The 75% and 93% Success Rates of Early A.A. (Part 2/Video 2—conclusion)

12                           Part One: Groups One through Seven of the Resources about the “Old-School” A.A.

Program Available Today

13                           Part Two: Groups Eight through 14 of the Resources about the “Old-School” A.A.

Program Available Today

14                           The Starting Point: Mastering and Relying on Key Sections of Conference-Approved

Literature

15                           Supportive Statements in Alcoholics Anonymous (“the Big Book”)

16                           Supportive Statements in The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (# P-53)

17                           Supportive Statements in DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers

18                           Organizing and Conducting a “Conference-Approved Literature” Group

19                           Resources for Your Group and Its Meetings

20                           Topics for Your Group and Its Meetings

21                           A Sample Meeting Format

22                           Using the Sample Meeting Format with Other Topics

23                           Putting It All Together: Some Suggested Basic Approaches

24                           The Helpful Personal Stories of Four Early AAs . . .

25                           Conclusion: Here’s What Makes the International Christian Recovery Coalition and

These Suggested Meetings Different

(Available on www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com for only $29.95 NOW!)

Please phone Dick B. at 808 874 4876 or Ken B. at 808 276 4945 with any questions.