Host or Lead a Retreat
Have a nice facility?
Host a Retreat
Do you have a facility that can accommodate 50 – 100 people, accommodate overnight stays, and have a heart for advancing addiction recovery? We need you! Consider hosting a retreat at your facility and bring transformation to your community.
Are you Ready to Lead?
Become a Retreat Leader
Came to Believe retreat leaders are responsible for building the teams that manage all aspects of running Came to Believe retreats. Leaders must display and espouse the core beliefs, values, and Christian principles that were held by the founders of AA, and the original 12 Step recovery method that promised permanent recovery. They must have a working knowledge of Annette Nelson and Clarence Snyder’s intent and purpose for starting the Florida retreat in 1967 and practice their methodology of taking individuals and groups through the Steps. Each leader must be able to clearly articulate the grassroots history of AA, its origin within the Oxford group, the use of the Bible as spiritual inspiration, and the ultimate expression of the God the founders understood.
The job role is that of servant leader. A servant leader coaches, educates, shares power and demonstrates trust in, and respect for, others abilities. The leader serves the people. Retreat leaders must possess the attributes of patience and tolerance and must be effective communicators and listeners.
CTB retreat leaders lead by example, inspire a shared vision, enable others to act, and encourage the heart.
Requirements:
- Has a minimum of 5 years sobriety (desirable) or is co-leader with someone with significant sobriety.
- Has attended at least 1 CTB retreat (multiple retreat attendance desirable)
- Has worked alongside retreat leaders and has participated on at least 1 leadership team
- Has read the Big Book and has a working knowledge and significant ability to speak with authority on the first 5 chapters
- Is able to effectively take someone through their steps as the founders did
- Has read Dr. Bob and the Good Old Timers and can overview the history presented in the book
- Understands the goals Clarence Snyder had in mind when he and Annette Nelson started the first retreats in 1966
- Understands how the founders and first AA’s got recovered
- Understands the spiritual practices and principles of the program
- Understands the key part the Bible played in early A.A.
- Understands how Came To Believe supports A.A., especially with newcomers
- Has sponsored people in the program
- Has experience speaking or has co-leader who carries the public speaking responsibilities
- Is fiscally responsible
- Can make quick, informed, and intelligent decisions
Responsibilities:
- Establish an appropriate venue with accommodations and facilities to conduct a retreat
- Establish methods of receiving funds and paying bills (budget, bank account/checking account)
- Select effective appropriate speakers
- Ensure that the program Master of Ceremonies is appropriate and capable.
- Determine 12 Step workshop format (single presenter, panel or small groups)
- Use Legacy Guide for Step workshop regardless of 12 Step experience format
- Coordinate a follow-up strategy to engage and help retreat attendees continue to grow and work steps 10,11 and 12 on a daily basis
- Organize and lead a team around core retreat functions:
- Marketing and promotion
- Budget, finance and registration
- Acquiring all ancillary books and materials for retreat attendees
- Shopping for snacks, drinks, coffee and other supplies as necessary
- Set up, greeting, logistics, A/V and breakdown/cleanup
*Many of the early retreats as well as several current retreats are led by married couples or two co-leading individuals. We recognize that this is a family disease and that inclusion of spouses and family members within the leadership team is appropriate and welcome.
