Is FREE a church?

FREE is a faith-centered recovery community. We gather for reflection, storytelling, music, and shared practices that help people heal and grow—but we don’t look or operate like a traditional church. There’s no pressure to believe the “right” things, no altar calls, and no expectations about where you land spiritually. We have people that come from different faith traditions and spiritual paths. Some people consider FREE their spiritual home; others see it as a companion space alongside meetings, therapy, or other communities.

How do you support “spiritual refugees” if you use the Bible?

We use the Bible as a storytelling and wisdom resource, not as a weapon or a rulebook. For many of us, the Bible has been used to shame, exclude, or control—and we take that history seriously. When we engage scripture, we do so through themes of honesty, freedom, healing, courage, and love, always leaving room for questions, resistance, and different interpretations. You’re never required to agree, believe, or participate in a way that feels unsafe.

Are you a 12 Step program?

No. FREE is not a 12 Step meeting and does not replace one. Many people in our community are active in AA, NA, Al-Anon, Recovery Dharma, SMART Recovery, or other programs. Others are not. We see FREE as a complementary space—a place to explore spirituality, meaning, and connection in recovery without replicating meeting formats or steps.

I don’t know what my higher power is, and I’m uncomfortable with “God.” Can you help me?

Yes. And you’re not alone. At FREE, you don’t have to define your higher power—or even decide if you have one. We make room for people who are curious, skeptical, deconstructing, or still figuring things out. Some people use the language of God, some don’t. What matters here is honesty, openness, and respect for your own pace.

Why is FREE Recovery Community important? Isn’t a 12 Step program enough?

12 Step programs save lives. We believe that deeply. FREE exists because many people in recovery still feel spiritually homeless—especially those who are queer, burned by church, or longing for deeper meaning but unsure where to look. FREE offers a non-judgmental spiritual community where recovery wisdom and faith exploration can exist together without pressure or performance.

I don’t know if FREE is for me—who attends?

People in recovery. People who love someone in recovery. People who are curious about spirituality. People who are tired of pretending. You’ll meet folks with long-term sobriety and folks just starting out, people who believe in God and people who aren’t sure what they believe at all. FREE does have a strong queer presence but not exclusive—what connects us is a shared desire for healing, honesty, and connection.

Is FREE only for people who are sober?

No. FREE is for people who are exploring recovery, living in recovery, supporting someone in recovery, or simply curious about healing and spiritual growth. Some people have years of sobriety. Some are newly sober. Some are still figuring out their relationship with substances. What matters here is honesty, not having it all figured out.

Is FREE LGBTQ-affirming?

Yes. FREE is fully LGBTQ-affirming. Queer people are not an “add-on” here—they are part of the heart of this community. You do not need to explain yourself, defend your identity, or wonder if you belong. You do.

Do you take money or expect donations?

We do invite donations as part of our gathering—but giving is always optional. FREE exists because of generosity, not obligation. There is no expectation that you give and no judgment attached. Many people are in seasons where financial giving isn’t possible, and that is fully respected here. The most generous giver and the person who doesn’t have the capacity to give are treated the same.

If you choose to give, it’s a way to support the space, the community, and the work we’re building together. If you don’t, your presence is still a gift—and you are just as welcome.

Is this a replacement for therapy or recovery meetings?

No. FREE is not a substitute for therapy, treatment, or recovery programs. We see FREE as one part of a larger support system—a place to explore spirituality, meaning, and connection alongside the other supports that help people heal.