Dick B. Books, Articles, Talks on A.A.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Dick B. on Christian Recovery Radio today interviews Don Z of Joy of the Lord Ministries

Dick B. interviews Christian Recovery leader Don Z. on the January 13, 2013, episode of the "Christian Recovery Radio with Dick B." show.

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

Dick B.

You may hear the Don Z Interview Right Now!

_____________________________________________________________

You may hear Dick B. interview Christian Recovery leader Don Z. on the January 13, 2013, episode of the "Christian Recovery Radio with Dick B." show here:

http://mcaf.ee/m5fcs

or here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-recovery-radio-with-dickb/2013/01/14/dick-b-interviews-christian-recovery-leader-don-z

Episodes of the "Christian Recovery Radio with Dick B." show are archived at:

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

Synopsis of the Don Z Interview by Dick B.

Don Z. is our guest this evening. We met Don not long ago at a vibrant Christian 12-Step meeting in Los Gatos, California. It was held in a special meeting room at Calvary Church. And we discovered Don is no stranger to 12 Step recovery programs and Christian recovery fellowships.

Don has been sober since December 28, 1989, and his home group is Saturday Nite Live in San Jose, California. Don received his ministerial credential in 1991. He lives in Saratoga, California, and is the founder/director for Joy of the Lord Ministries which was birthed from Don's home from within Saturday Nite Live. It is a ministry of the Abundant Life Assembly of God Church in Cupertino, California. JOTL Ministries has a website at www.joyofthelordrecovery.com.

Don has been married 16 years to his bride Robin who runs her own Christ Al-Anon meeting. They have four children between them and are grandparents to Cruz Sunrise who is 7 weeks old. Don’s father introduced him to Jesus Christ, and Don himself had a white light experience after hitting bottom and crying out to God for help. Don had the usual “accidental” DUI’s—four of them. He entered A.A. in 1982 for some 17 days, and did not return for help until 1989. This despite the fact that his mother and grandmother died of alcoholism But, he says: "Our family has been revolutionized by the Lord Jesus, the anonymous power in the 12 Step rooms of recovery; and they are committed to being the best children of God that they can be.”

As Don knows, Ken and I are very enthused about establishing a working group, workshops, and network of Christian leaders and workers in San Francisco’s South Bay Area. This is a major mission of International Christian Recovery Coalition for 2013; and we were eagerly awaiting some information today from Don about Saturday Nite Live, Joy of the Lord Ministries, Abundant Life Assembly of God Church, and bringing the Christian Recovery Network back to life. We understand he is working to that latter objective with Doug Nunes, Director of Recovery, Calvary Church in Los Gatos. Such a network of Christian leaders and workers in recovery now exists in various parts of the United States; and we look forward to working with one in the San Jose-South Bay Area extending at least from Livermore, Brentwood, Pleasanton, San Jose, Los Gatos, Palo Alto, and Foster City.

Some key points made by Don as to what he calls his bridge efforts in the secular community.

First, after a year and a half of sobriety, he was on fire for the 12 Steps, A.A., and love of Jesus. But like so many these days, he was rebuffed by a fiery few bleeding “deacons” who told him he could not say what he was saying. Then, in 2001, he met a woman believer and asked her if she would like to study Scripture. Her answer was, “Yes.” Then a born again gentleman joined them, and their little meeting included music, prayer, sharing, and speakers who were teachers—a much-needed commodity in today’s divergent, mixed-message, secular-leaning recovery world.

Second, they stressed what the A.A. pioneers stressed, and Dr. Bob emphatically mentioned in his last major talk—found in full in Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks (A.A. General Service Conference-approved pamphlet P-53).

Early AAs believed the answers to their problems were in the Bible. And the parts they considered absolutely essential were Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, 1 Corinthians 13, and the Book of James. See Dick B., The James Club and the Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials, www.dickb.com/JamesClub.shtml.

Third, they stressed the importance of a relationship with God for those who want help. They offer information about the love of God and the opportunity to grow in grace.

Finally, Don told us about the Christian Recovery Network he hopes to see revived. This group was formed in 2001, had a website—since expired, and listed the many solution-oriented Christ-centered groups in their area. These had dynamic leaders who were born again; but their names and locations were not known to those seeking God’s help. A Christian Recovery directory was put together and posted, and met the need. But the site and directory expired.

Today, we urged Don to continue his work with leaders in his area, as well as with us for resources. This so that the Christian Recovery Network can be restored to life, a Directory can be assembled and disseminated, and leaders in the area can work together for growth in Christian recovery, led by devoted leader-believers in the San Jose-San Francisco South Bay recovery arena. Strong groups already exist, and success is a matter of restoration not experimentation.

dickb@dickb.com

Gloria Deo

Take it away, Don.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

AA Beginners - A Plan for Needed Orientation of Newcomers

A.A. Origins--Beginning Facts for an A.A. Newcomer:

Start with “Old-School” Akron A.A. of 1935

By Dick B.

Orientation Needs to Be Given

A newcomer in recovery needs a simple explanation of the fellowship he or she has chosen to enter. Call it “orientation.” Call it “beginner’s facts.” Or call it “a beginner’s meeting.”

And that beginner orientation offers the least controversial presentation if and when it comes right out of Alcoholics Anonymous “General Service Conference-approved Literature.”

The article following this orientation on “old-school” A.A. origins will present beginning facts for an A.A. newcomer explaining the “new” 1939 Twelve Step program which Bill W. wrote and then published in 1939.

“Old-School” A.A. Began Taking Shape over the Summer of 1935

Much of the understanding of the simple program of early Akron A.A. lies with the requisite account of how the first three AAs got sober just before Akron Group Number One--the original “Christian fellowship”--was founded in June 1935. Regrettably, this vital information was never adequately researched or reported until I began my 23-year trek into the roots--the origins--of A.A.

Each of the first three AAs played a specific role in shaping the essentials of the old program. For a study, see Dick B. and Ken B., The Dick B. Christian Recovery Guide: Historical Perspectives and Effective Modern Application, draft of 4^th rev. & exp. ed. (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2012), 167-73.

In a sense, Bill W.’s contribution came first with his new birth at Calvary Rescue Mission where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in early December 1934. Next with his “vital religious experience” (as it was first called) when--during his December 11-18, 1934, stay at Towns Hospital—when he cried out to God for help and experienced his hospital room blaze with an indescribably white light, after which he never drank again. And then with the beginning of what Bill believed was his “commission” to carry the message to all the drunks in the world. The message commenced with what Bill called the great thought: “Bill you are a free man! This is the God of the Scriptures.” See Bill W.: My First 40 Years (Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2000), 145-46; The Language of the Heart (NY: The AA Grapevine, Inc., 1988), 284.

Dr. Bob’s contribution came later but began much much earlier. In his Christian upbringing in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, Dr. Bob had received what he called “excellent training” in the Bible. It was coupled with what he learned from his parents, his church and Sunday school, the program of the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, Bible studies, and the Young Men’s Christian Association. Years later, Bob surrendered. He dropped to the floor with his friends at the home of T. Henry Williams and prayed with them for his deliverance from alcoholism. The prayer, all believed, was answered when the stranger Bill W. from New York soon showed up in Akron, met with Dr. Bob for six hours, hit it off with Bob, and convinced Bob that he had never grasped the idea of “service” that Bill had acquired through the Oxford Group.

Finally, the contribution of Bill D., A.A. Number 3 of Akron, was much more simple. Deep in the throes of alcoholism, Bill D. was persuaded by Bill W. and Dr. Bob that there was a solution, that he must give his life to God, and that he must then help others. Bill D. did just that. He was immediately cured. He emerged from the hospital a “free man,” as Bill W. put it. And Bill W. announced that the date on which A.A. Number Three, Bill D., was discharged from the hospital, July 4, 1935, marked the founding of the first A.A. group in the world—Akron Number One.

Where to Learn the Simple, Seven-Point Summary of the Early A.A. Program of 1935

With the following A.A. publications before him, a speaker, leader, or sponsor can enlighten the beginner with the following:

1. Pioneers were guided by, studied, and recovered with the Bible: Dr, Bob stated in 1948: “In the early days . . . our stories didn’t amount to anything to speak of. When we started in on Bill D. [A.A. Number 3], we had no Twelve Steps, either; we had no Traditions. But we were convinced that the answer to our problems was in the Good Book.” The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biblical Sketches Their Last Major Talks (NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1972, 1975,) p. 13. [The “Good Book” was what the early AAs called the King James Version of the Bible that they used.]

2. Their seven-point biblical program was summarized and published in DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers (NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1980,) p. 131. See the precise language also in: Dick B. and Ken B., Stick with the Winners! How to Conduct More Effective 12-Step Recovery Meetings Using Conference-Approved Literature: A Dick B. Guide for Christian Leaders and Workers in the Recovery Arena (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2012), 25-37.

3. By November 1937, about 40 pioneers had been astonishingly successful. The details of precisely how a cross-section of those early AAs had recovered were printed and published in the personal stories in the first edition of their Big Book, published in April 1939. See Alcoholics Anonymous: The Original 1939 Edition. With a New Introduction by Dick B. (Mineola, NY: Dover Publications, Inc., 2011), 10-26, 180-396. Almost all of those stories were removed from future editions. For a study, see Dick B. and Ken B., Pioneer Stories in Alcoholics Anonymous: God’s Role in Recovery Confirmed! (Kihei, HI: Paradise Research Publications, Inc., 2012.) Years after these stories had been removed, A.A. finally restored them in Experience, Strength and Hope: Stories from the First Three Editions of Alcoholics Anonymous (NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2003).

4. Each of the first three AAs succinctly told, in his own words, the solution he had found, and these words and the solution were then recorded it in various editions of their Big Book. Here is what they said, as reported in Alcoholics Anonymous, 4^th ed. (NY: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2001):

Bill W. said: “Henrietta [wife of A.A. Number 3], the Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease, that I just want to keep talking about it and telling people,” p. 191.

Dr. Bob said: “. . . [W]e know that we have an answer for you. It never fails. If you go about it with one half the zeal you have been in the habit of showing when you were getting another drink. Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!” p. 181.

Bill D. [A.A. Number 3] said: “That sentence, ‘The Lord has been so wonderful to me, curing me of this terrible disease that I just want to keep telling people about it,’ has been a sort of a golden text for the A.A. program and for me.” p. 191.

In its chapter ‘There is a Solution,’ the 4^th edition of the Big Book said: “The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward our fellows and toward God’s universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous. He has commenced to accomplish those things for us which we could never do by ourselves.” p. 25. See Dick B. and Ken B., Pioneer Stories in Alcoholics Anonymous: God’s Role in Recovery Confirmed!, 75-86.

Gloria Deo

Friday, December 7, 2012

Dick B.'s 3 Important Books on A.A. and the Bible

A.A. and the Bible

Three Excellent Books for Your Holiday Season

All three are now available in print on demand and electronic form www.dickb.com/titles.shtml

Dick B.

At long last, AAs and Christians in recovery are recognizing the importance in recovery of what Dr. Bob said in his last major talk about the major importance of the Bible in A.A. recovery.

In The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks, A.A. cofounder Dr. Bob is quoted as follows on page 13:

In early A.A. days. . . our stories didn’t amount to anything to speak of. When we started in on Bill D. [A.A. Number Three], we had no Twelve Steps either; we had no Traditions.

But we were convinced that the answer to our problems was in the Good Book.

To some of us older ones, the parts that we found absolutely essential were the Sermon on the Mount, the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and the Book of James.

Page 14 underlines the continuity of the Bible’s importance. It quotes Dr. Bob as follows:

It wasn’t until 1938 that the teachings and efforts and studies that had been going on were crystallized in the form of the Twelve Steps. I didn’t write the Twelve Steps. I had nothing to do with the writing of them.

We already had the basic ideas, though not in terse and tangible form. We got them, as I said, as a result of our study of the Good Book.

The “Good Book,” of course, was the Bible that both Dr. Bob and Bill Wilson had studied during their Christian upbringing in Vermont, in church, Sunday school, in their homes, in the daily chapel at their academies, in the Young Men’s Christian Association, and – in Bill’s case – in the four-year Bible study course he took while a student at Burr and Burton Seminary in Manchester, Vermont.

These facts first propelled me into a study of A.A.’s Bible roots. They caused me to research what Dr. Bob and Bill and Bob’s wife and Henrietta Seiberling and T. Henry and Clarace Williams—as well as many pioneers in their First Edition Big Book Stories—said about how and when they read and stressed the Bible and about which portions were of top priority for recovery.

As a result, I published three books which have become landmark guides for AAs, for Christians in recovery, for Christian recovery leaders and pastors, for historians and for meetings.

These are they, and they can help you this year (2012) and hereafter as you look for and strengthen your recovery, sobriety, healing, and relationship with God from this point on:

Dick B., The Good Book and The Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible, Bridge Builders Edition, 1993, ISBN 1-885803-16- 8. www.dickb.com/goodbook.shtml.

Dick B., The Good Book-Big Book Guidebook, 2006, 1-885803-91-5, http://dickb.com/guidebook.shtml

Dick B., The James Club and The Original A.A. Program’s Absolute Essentials, 2005, ISBN 1-885803-99-0, http://dickb.com/JamesClub.shtml

All three of these important A.A. and the Bible studies and guides are now available in print on demand and in electronic form. They can be purchased through Amazon.com. If you would like to purchase them at wholesale in bulk, please contact Ken B. at kcb00799@gmail.com.

Gloria Deo

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Join us in Cleveland for powerful AA History Workshops in Nov

Cleveland A.A. History Workshops Nov 5 - 8 already gaining supporters and participants. For details, see http://MauiHistorian.Blogspot.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Join Us in Cleveland - AA History Workshops Nov 5 - 8

Join Us in Cleveland!

The International Christian Recovery Coalitions Presents

The Dick B. A.A. History Workshops in Cleveland, Ohio

(Tentative Dates: November 5-8, 2012)

Why should you consider joining Dick B. and Ken B. in Cleveland in November for these A.A. history workshops? How is your success rate in carrying the message to those who still suffer?

That’s the trouble,” Clarence said, “They take it so casually today. I think a little discipline is necessary. I think A.A. was more effective in those days. Records in Cleveland show that 93 percent of those who came to us never had a drink again. When I discovered that people had slips in A.A., it really shook me up. Today, it’s all watered down so much. Anyone can wander in now.” [DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 261--emphasis added]

How much growth have you been seeing in terms of newcomers that are coming and staying?

The first Cleveland meeting started in June, 1939 [actually, May 11, 1939] at the home of Abby G. and his wife Grace. It was composed of Abby and about a dozen others who had been making the journey to Akron to meet at the Williams home. But Abby’s group presently ran out of space. . . .

These multiplying and bulging meetings continued to run short of home space, and they fanned out into small halls and church basements. . . .

We old-timers in New York and Akron had regarded this fantastic phenomenon with deep misgivings. . . . [T]here in Cleveland we saw about twenty members, not very experienced themselves, suddenly confronted by hundreds of newcomers . . . How could they possibly manage? We did not know.

But a year later we did know; for by then Cleveland had about thirty groups and several hundred members. . . . Yes, Cleveland’s results were of the best. [Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, 21-22—italics in original; bolding added]

What was Cleveland doing? Mitchell K. wrote on page 108 of How It Worked: The Story of Clarence H. Snyder and the Early Days of Alcoholics Anonymous in Cleveland, Ohio:

Two years after the publication of the book [the first edition of Alcoholics Anonymous], Clarence made a survey of all the members in Cleveland. He concluded that, by keeping most of the ‘old program,’ including the Four Absolutes and the Bible, ninety-three percent of those surveyed had maintained uninterrupted sobriety. [Emphasis added]

Join us in Cleveland November 5-8, 2012! For details, please call Dick B. at 1-808-874-4876 or Ken B. at 1-808-276-4945; or email us at DickB@DickB.com.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Old School A.A. In Canada: Subject of Radio Interview

Mark Galligan Explains How the Christian Recovery Meeting in His Home Applies “Old-School” A.A. Principles in 12-Step Recovery Today

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

Dick B.

Synopsis of Dick B.’s Radio Interview of Mark Galligan Today

Over and over each week, my son Ken and I receive emails and phone calls from AAs, NAs, Christian recovery leaders, 12 Step Fellowships, and others in the recovery arena asking virtually the same question and phrased as follows:

I never heard in A.A. or learned anything about how the early A.A. program conducted its successful meetings, and talked freely about God and His Son Jesus Christ and the Bible. I never heard that A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature supports incorporating early A.A.’s principles and practices as an option available in today’s meetings. I get rebuked in meetings if I mention Jesus Christ or the Bible in A.A. meetings. But our group is hungry for more information about “old-school” A.A., and about how to establish and conduct meetings today that will study, discuss, and apply “old-school” A.A. principles and practices now. Where do we start?

In our frequent “Christian Recovery Radio with Dick B.” radio show interviews, we are hearing from leaders all over the world who are telling us how hungry their friends and acquaintances are for information, how much they want to start a study group, and how sorely they need information and guidance as to how to go about it.

Mark’s second interview today lays out clearly some very significant facts about how his Canadian meetings are doing it with great success today in house meetings with up to 20 men—half considered “newcomers” (those who have six months or less of sobriety) and half considered “old-timers” (those who have, on average, 10 years or more of sobriety). And our listeners can learn a lot from Mark’s talk. They can also get in touch with him as a “Christian Recovery Resource Center or Person” associated with the International Christian Recovery Coalition and as a member of the Coalition’s Speakers Bureau Here are some salient points from my interview of Mark Galligan today.

The Meeting Focus:

Like those in early A.A. in Akron, the meetings are held in the home. They are directed at initiating newcomers. The aim is to teach the place that God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible had in early A.A. A number of the members use King James Version of the Bible—the “Good Book” early AAs used. Others use the NIV for its updated language. Mark believes there is no conflict in this usage.

The Tools They Use:

1. The entire text of the original “Serenity Prayer.” (Many involved in recovery have never heard the full, “long form” version of this prayer.)

2. Key A.A. General Service Conference-approved books; e.g.:

a. DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers;

b. Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age;

c. As Bill Sees It;

d. The Language of the Heart;

e. ‘Pass It On.’

3. The Little Big Book Dictionary (a dictionary and concordance).

4. The Anonymous Press Study Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd ed.--each second

Page is blank and enables notes to be made.

5. The A.A. General Service Conference-approved pamphlet, The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks—stressing Dr. Bob’s last major address where he points out that the old-timers believed that the solution to their problems was in the Good Book (their affectionate name for the Bible), and emphasized as “absolutely essential” Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, 1 Corinthians 13, and the Book of James.

6. Dick B.’s The Good Book and the Big Book: A.A.’s Roots in the Bible

The Conduct of the Meetings:

Members must commit to attending each week. They must do the work. And they must be prepared for the subject matter to be discussed.

Each meeting starts with prayer. Then the text. And then a review of what was learned the previous week.

For the first three months, each newcomer must write down—three pages a day—the “first 164 pages of the Big Book”; including the Preamble, the Forewords, and the Doctor’s Opinion. They are told that, if they complete that assignment, at the end of 90 days they will have completed the 12 Steps. Their attention is called to the mention of God 326 times, and to the descriptions of Him as Creator and Maker.

The Problems in Today’s Meetings:

Mark points to the fact that, in many 12-Step recovery meetings today, one hears little about the Twelve Steps. The meetings can be characterized as “group therapy.” Mention of the words God and Jesus Christ are blocked out. A large percentage of the meeting attendees are not interested in hearing about them. And there is a new brand of talk about I, I, Me, Me.

The Growing Hunger for Truth:

Mark’s group has taken the group to a deeper layer of appreciating what early AAs actually did in their original Akron “Christian fellowship” meetings. He finds newcomers hungry for the Word of God.

The Importance of Quiet Time:

Consistent with what we are finding all over the world, there is a great interest in the restoration of Quiet Time. Mark finds there is very little talk about prayer and meditation or about Quiet Time in most meetings. It’s missing. This despite the fact that A.A.’s own literature points out that meetings were not considered important in early A.A., but that Quiet Time was a must.

We called attention to some strong movements in that direction. For example, Rock Recovery Ministry of the Rock Church in San Diego is now featuring a new book by The Upper Room, titled Disciplines: A Book of Daily Devotions 2013. For some time, members in the recovery program have sent text messages to each other based on what they have learned about the topic for the day found in The Upper Room. Also, in Texas, Father Bill W., an Episcopal priest who formerly headed Austin Recovery, is now Chair of Episcopal Diocese of Texas Recovery Committee. This committee is making a significant effort in Houston and Austin to plan an effective program of that nature. We also called attention on the program to our popular title, Dick B., Good Morning!: Quiet Time, Morning Watch, Meditation, and Early A.A., 2d ed. (www.dickb.com/goodmorn.shtml), which reports the historical roots of the Quiet Time practice, and the specifics as to how it was done. E.g., the Quiet Time meeting involved an opening prayer, Bible reading, group prayer, seeking God’s guidance, discussion and/or sharing by Dr. Bob’s wife Anne Smith from her personal journal [see Dick B., Anne Smith’s Journal, 1933-1939 (www.dickb.com/annesm.shtml)], and use of The Upper Room and other devotionals such as The Runner’s Bible, and My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Conclusion: Mark summed up by repeating the foregoing items, stressing that there was no room for laziness in today’s recovery work. There are plenty of resources available now for satisfy the growing hunger. He again mentioned the important tools being used in the home meetings in Ontario.

You Can Hear the Mark Galligan July 2 Interview Right Now

You may listen to the second part of Dick B.'s interview with “Akronite” and Christian Recovery leader Mark Galligan on the July 2, 2012, episode of the "Christian Recovery Radio with DickB" show here:

http://goo.gl/cZiSu

or here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-recovery-radio-with-dickb/2012/07/02/dick-b-interviews-christian-recovery-leader-mark-galligan-2

Episodes of the "Christian Recovery Radio with DickB" show are archived at:

www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

Dick B.’s email: DickB@DickB.com

Dick B.’s main Web site: www.DickB.com

“Christian Recovery Radio with DickB” show archive: www.ChristianRecoveryRadio.com

Gloria Deo

Sunday, July 1, 2012

July1, 2012 All Dick B. Recovery Radio Interviews to Date

Christian Recovery Radio with DickB.

Hear from Christian Recovery Leaders and Workers Around the World

July 1, 2012 – Snippets of our Radio Interviews Thus Far. Many many more to come

Dick B interviews Christian Recovery leader Bill Boyles