Celebrate Recovery x AACC Announcement

American Association of Christian Counselors and Celebrate Recovery Join Forces to Create an All-New Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Coach Program. 

Apply now for the full tuition scholarship. 

As more churches and ministry leaders walk with people facing addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, embrace family breakdown, and other mental, emotional, and relational struggles, the need for biblically anchored, evidence-based addiction and mental health support and ongoing training continues to grow. Church and recovery leaders are often on the front lines of some of the most painful realities people carry. In sanctuaries, small groups, counseling offices, recovery rooms, and late-night conversations, people are bringing real pain, real confusion, and real need. 

Church leaders and volunteers deeply desire ongoing training and growth so they can meet people in their pain without feeling overwhelmed or underprepared. They need to know how to recognize what they are seeing, relate with empathy, respond appropriately, and refer when needed, all while remaining anchored in the hope of Christ. 

This is why the American Association of Christian Counselors and Celebrate Recovery teamed up to create this training. Featuring some of the world’s leading voices in mental health, addiction, recovery, and ministry, this all new 42-hour online, video-based program builds on AACC’s dynamic mental health coaching training with a special emphasis on Celebrate Recovery strategies and techniques. Developed for church and small group leaders, wellness professionals, and those serving in ministry, the training includes all-new lessons focused on recovery and equips leaders as they walk with people toward healing each week. 

The training is scheduled to be released in July at the 2026 Celebrate Recovery Summit, as Celebrate Recovery marks its 35th anniversary. Taking place July 15–17 in Hendersonville, Tennessee, the Summit will be a powerful celebration of changed lives and God’s faithfulness. 

It also provides a fitting setting for the launch of this new phase of mental health coaching within the Church. For more than three decades, Celebrate Recovery has helped people find freedom and healing from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits through a relationship with Jesus Christ. 

What began in 1991 as a ministry at Saddleback Church has grown into a global movement, reaching churches, recovery houses, rescue missions, universities, and prisons around the world. From the beginning, Celebrate Recovery has offered what people deeply need: a safe place to be honest about their struggles and pursue healing in Christ. Founded by Pastor John and Cheryl Baker, Celebrate Recovery’s small beginnings have multiplied into a far-reaching ministry that has touched countless lives and families while equipping hundreds of thousands of leaders to reach the broken around the world. 

After John Baker’s passing in 2021, the work has continued through the leadership of the Celebrate Recovery team, including his son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Jeni Baker, and through thousands of local ministries carrying the vision forward. 

As Celebrate Recovery and the American Association of Christian Counselors continue to grow in their worldwide reach, this collaborative training effort will help the recovery ministry of the Church remain rooted in Christ while being supported by wise, informed care for the mental health concerns of those inside and outside the church walls. This training opens the door to deepen the effectiveness of recovery leaders and strengthen the support they offer every day.  

If you, your church, or your ministry are interested in being better equipped to support those facing hurts, hang-ups, and habits, including addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and other life struggles, enrollment is now open for the Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Coach Program. To learn more or register, visit https://lightuniversity.com/celebrate-recovery/.