Alabama Pastor On A 12 Step Program For Sin

Recently, my friend and Townsquare Media co-host, Scott McCown from Central Church of Christ, mentioned the 12 steps and how to adapt them for all of us sinners. I thought it was very interesting, and he began to put a list together.

Brother Scott, tell us about this twelve-step program of sorts.

When I was a much younger minister, a young person I attempted to help spiritually had a battle with an addiction. This young adult tried to fight their addiction, but ended up needing help beyond what the church leaders or I could provide. With their parent’s guidance and the help of local counselors, they checked into a clinic in a distant state. Along with other guidance, this young person endured a 12 Step Program.

At that time in my life, I knew about Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and other similar programs, but I did not know the 12 Steps. When this young person returned from the program, they brought me a copy of their 12 Steps. You may be familiar with them. The more I look at these, the more I realize the wisdom of these steps and how we as Recovering Sinners can benefit from some form of application. I propose the following “Twelve Steps of Sinners Anonymous:”

1. Admit I am powerless over sin and that my life is unmanageable on my own (Rom 3:10-23).
2. Understand that there is a power greater than myself that can and is willing to restore me to sanity (righteousness) (Heb 11:6).
3. Make a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God in Christ (2Co 5:17).
4. Make a fearless and moral inventory of myself (2Co 13:5).
5. Admit to God, myself, and to another person the exact nature of my sinfulness (Jas 5:16).
6. Be ready for God to remove all the defects of my character (2Cor 5:21).
7. Ask God to remove these defects (Luk 13:3, 5, Act 3:19).
8. Make a list of those harmed by my actions and be willing to make amends (Mat 7:12).
9. Make direct amends to these people whenever possible (Mat 5:23-26).
10. Continue to take personal inventory and promptly admit when I am wrong (1Jo 1:7-10).
11. Seek through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact and relationship with God, praying for His wisdom to help us in times of need (Heb 4:15-16, Jas 3:17).
12. Having a relationship with God in Christ that heals our sin-sick soul, I make an effort to carry this message to others who struggle with sin in their lives (2Ti 2:2; Matt 28:18-20).

Hello, my name is Scott, and I am a recovering sinner. A sinner in need of and thankful for the Grace of God.