A NARR Faith-Based Community of Practice initiativeLearn why this work matters
Recovery Congregation NetworkA NARR Faith-Based Community of Practice initiativeGet Certified

A new welcome is taking root

Where faith and recovery meet.

Recovery Congregations are houses of worship that welcome and walk alongside people affected by substance use disorder—with training and support from NARR and its partners.

Start certification What is a Recovery Congregation?

You do not have to do this alone.

A diverse group gathered in a warm room, listening and talking together.
Belonging begins with a seat at the table.

The problem & the hope

Recovery starts with belonging.

Addiction is a treatable condition, not a moral failure. Recovery happens in our communities: through relationships, accountability, and people who stand by those in need. That's the calling congregations already live out. We'd be honored to have yours join the network built around this vision.

The heart of it

Eight guiding principles

Broad enough for every community to live them out in its own way, at its own capacity.

Explore the certification path
01

Spiritual & pastoral support

Meet people with compassion, prayer, and practical care.

02

A manageable condition

Treat substance use disorders as manageable conditions, never moral failures.

03

Embrace & walk alongside

Make room for people in recovery and stay with them on the journey.

04

Visible community outreach

Bring recovery information and welcome beyond the walls of the congregation.

05

Share recovery information

Help your community find trustworthy pathways to recovery and support.

06

Host or refer to support

Connect people with recovery support groups that fit their needs.

07

Recognize crisis & connect

Know how to recognize crisis and connect people to timely help.

08

Trauma-informed safe space

Create a place where people can share hurt and begin healing safely.

How it works

Three steps, fully supported

1

Learn

Attend a free information session and discover what a Recovery Congregation is—no commitment required.

2

Get equipped

Join cohort calls, consultation, and technical assistance that connect you to local resources.

3

Get certified

Complete a short review and join the national network of Certified Recovery Congregations.

See the full path to certification

Ways to get involved

There’s a place for everyone

Faith communities

Take the first step toward welcoming people in recovery.

NARR state affiliates

Cultivate and support congregations across your state.

State Advisors

Volunteer as a local liaison for certifying congregations.

Partners

Collaborate as a national or local ministry partner.

What’s ahead

Upcoming events

Webinar series

Cultivating Community launches

A free monthly webinar series for leaders exploring recovery ministry.

Get updates
Info session

Monthly informational sessions begin

One-hour Zoom overviews of certification—come with questions.

Get updates
Conference

NARR National Faith & Recovery Conference

An annual gathering celebrating congregations and honoring State Advisors.

Get updates

In partnership with

Ready when you are

Start where you are.
Grow from there.

Whether you are just beginning to learn or ready to gather a team, there is a supported next step for your congregation.

Start the conversation Explore the principles

Stay connected

Bring a question. We’ll meet you there.

Have a question or want to learn more? Visit the contact page and tell us how we can help.

Back to the beginning