Are the 12 Steps Based on the Bible? | John Ortberg
The 12 Steps didn't begin as a recovery program. They began as a path of Christian discipleship.
In this episode of the Love Life Sober Podcast, Christy sits down with bestselling author and pastor John Ortberg for a powerful conversation about the biblical foundations of the 12 Steps, the role of surrender in spiritual transformation, and why willpower alone is never enough to create lasting change.
John shares how practices like confession, self-examination, renewing your mind, habit change, and surrender are woven throughout Scripture and why the church may have more to learn from the recovery community than it realizes.
If you've ever struggled to change through sheer determination, felt unsure about the 12 Steps as a Christian, or wondered why God hasn't simply removed the desire to drink, this conversation will give you hope.
If You've Ever Thought...
"What does surrender actually mean?"
"I've asked God to take this desire away, so why hasn't He?"
"How do I practice the 12 Steps as a Christian?"
"Why do I keep falling back into the same habits?"
This episode is for you 🩷
In This Episode, We Discuss:
• The Christian origins of the 12 Steps
• How the recovery movement emerged from Christian discipleship
• Why surrender is the doorway to freedom
• The difference between trying harder and training wisely
• Why confession and self-examination matter
• Renewing your mind and changing your habits
• Progress over perfection
• How God works through imperfect people and why growth is often slower than we expect.
Links & Resources
Join the June 40-Day Alcohol Fast
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/june-fast
Get John's book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn't Enough
https://amzn.to/43fFyS1
The Aligned Conference
https://www.alignedconference.org/
📖 Order Christy's book, Love Life Sober: A 40 Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind
https://lovelifesober.co.uk/book
Connect on Instagram: @lovelifesoberwithchristy
Disclaimer
The creators, hosts, and producers of the Love Life Sober podcast are not healthcare practitioners and therefore do not give medical, psychological, or professional advice nor intend for the podcast or any Love Life Sober communication to substitute for such. Views and opinions expressed in any referenced or linked resources do not necessarily reflect those of the Love Life Sober team or guests.
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Christy found her true calling when she gave up alcohol and discovered a passion for helping women do the same. She has since coached hundreds of women across the US and UK as a highly trained senior sobriety coach, blending neuroscience, faith, and practical tools to help clients break free from alcohol and live with purpose.
She is the author of the best-selling Love Life Sober: A 40-Day Alcohol Fast to Rediscover Your Joy, Improve Your Health, and Renew Your Mind, and the host of the Love Life Sober podcast. Christy lives in Sussex, England, with her husband, their two teenagers, Ella and Carter, and their cavapoo, Copper.
You can discover more from Christy at
