Are the 12 Steps biblical?

It’s a question many Christians ask, especially when exploring sobriety, recovery, or freedom from alcohol. If you’ve ever wondered whether the 12 Steps align with Scripture, or whether God can use recovery principles to bring lasting transformation, this episode is for you.

In one of my all-time favorite conversations on the Love Life Sober Podcast, I sit down with bestselling author, pastor, and teacher John Ortberg to explore the biblical foundations of the 12 Steps, the role of surrender in spiritual growth, and why willpower alone is never enough to create lasting change.

John explains how practices like confession, self-examination, renewing your mind, habit change, accountability, and surrender are woven throughout Scripture. He also shares why the church may have more to learn from the recovery community than many Christians realize.

Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, stuck in unhealthy habits, or simply longing for deeper spiritual transformation, this conversation offers practical wisdom, biblical insight, and tremendous hope.

If You’ve Ever Thought…

• “Are the 12 Steps biblical?”
• “Can Christians do the 12 Steps?”
• “Why can’t I stop drinking even though I pray about it?”
• “Why doesn’t willpower work?”
• “Why hasn’t God simply taken this desire away?”
• “What does surrender actually look like in the Christian life?”

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.

Watch Here:

Listen Here:

Get John’s book, Steps: A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough

Heard something on the podcast you’d love to talk through with women who truly get it? Are you craving honest conversations, safe connection, and a place where you can finally exhale without pretending you have it all together?

Inside the Love Life Sober Community, you’ll find women walking a similar road. Weekly connection calls remind you that you are not alone. Monthly masterclasses help you understand what’s really going on beneath the habit. Prayer, encouragement, laughter, and real-life support meet you right where you are.

Come continue the conversation with us in the Love Life Sober Community.