About Celebrate Recovery and History

Celebrate Recovery was founded in 1991 as a ministry of Saddleback Church by Pastor John and Cheryl Baker. John shared with Senior Pastor Rick Warren a vision God had given him for a new Christ-centered ministry where people could find freedom from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

The first night 43 people attended, and Celebrate Recovery was born with only four Open Share Groups — Men’s and Women’s Chemical Dependency, and Men’s and Women’s Co-Dependency. Over the years, thousands of people have gone through the program at Saddleback Church. Many of them have gone on to serve in Celebrate Recovery and other areas of the church. 

Thousands of churches have started a Celebrate Recovery ministry around the world, and that number continues to grow. Celebrate Recovery is not just growing in churches, but in recovery houses, rescue missions, universities, and prisons around the world. It continues to be a growing global movement. 

The need for Celebrate Recovery is unmistakable, being a safe place for people to find freedom from the issues controlling their lives.

We are happy to announce that River of Life Church offers a weekly meeting every Monday from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at River of Life Church in the Classic Sanctuary. (Childcare is provided!)

Interested in taking the Step Study Classes? Please complete the form below. Classes begin January 17th for both men and women