Biblical Recovery Planning
I love studying maps.
Road maps, aviation maps, just about any kind of map that described the lay of the land and information on how to navigate somewhere. I remember taking long trips while looking at a huge paper map on my lap giving commands towards the next turn, yes, I am that old! Today we still have maps in the form of electronics called GPS. We also have another type of map that I would like to discuss titled the “Biblical Recovery Plan” (BRP).
The BRP is a valuable tool used to navigate one’s recovery while measuring progress. The BRP is similar to the road map in that it helps to navigate a person’s progress and direction in life. The BRP is a living document managed by the recoveree. Living because it is positioned to adapt to the changes and growth experienced in recovery. The mission of a BRP is restoration of the participant by establishing goals and measuring the progress of the journey towards obtaining the selected goals.
The Recovery Planning process is designed for forethought and adaptive strategies that reform, modify, and reshape one’s recovery Journey. This is why we called it living, because it is always in change. The development of the BRP requires an open heart of honesty and confession. Reflecting on God’s word we can determine how honesty and confessions are so important in one’s recovery.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
- 1 John 1:9
Once we confess in truth, then God will start His work in us inputting righteousness.
The recovery planning process provides an instrument for navigating and measuring the progress or challenges of one’s recovery through developing clearly defined goals, understanding potential challenges, and applying action steps to obtain the goals. Confidence and motivation increase as one achieves the goals they established. BRP is driven by the individual not the Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS). Choosing and organizing life domains is at the hands of the individual. Once the domain is established, we implement “SMART” goals and action steps to complete these goals.
Examples of Domains:
Living in the light of the Gospel in Jesus Christ
Abstinence from substances
Employment & Career Educational Opportunities
Living Situation, Personal Effectiveness/Well-Being
Interpersonal relationships, Emotional & behavioral fellowship
Gospel centered Communication
Physical health & well-being, Community-Life Functioning
Attending a biblical centered church
As discussed in our previous blogs on Recovery Capital (RC), the elements of the BRP utilize the addition of RC. Our job as recovery specialist is to assess the participant on what kinds of RC is needed for a successful journey, which is inserted in the BRP.
The first step in recovery planning is to document the individual’s strengths that aid in achieving the goal, however we do not erase the weakness or deficits because God uses all. In fact, God states, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9.
The weak points are a marker where we need to work to improve. God will use weakness for our strength.
Biblical Recovery Planning Path
The client selects a domain such as abstinence from substance, then selects the goal that supports the domain chosen. Once the goal is selected, we chose the strengths and the weaknesses (RC) to put into the planning action. The participant with guidance from the CRS determines the objectives to be accomplished on a weekly bases such as devotions, recovery meetings, bible reading, and sharing their story.
The process involves continued activities working towards a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely) Goal that achieves the primary mark of a new identity in Christ. This process is owned and manage by the participant, and again with guidance from the CRS. Usually we work in 90-day blocks, which can be broken down to weekly check in Meetings. The sessions end with scripture reading and prayer allowing the Holy Spirit to do the work.
John Carlson
Executive Director, Transformation to Recovery