A Small Beginning in Rockford
One Student and a Desire to Help
RU began in April 1996 when Steve Curington started a Bible study for people struggling with addiction and other destructive habits.
Steve understood the bondage of addiction personally. After years of struggling with alcohol and cocaine, he experienced sobriety and spiritual transformation through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. His experience gave him a desire to help others find the same hope and freedom.
The first Bible study was hosted at North Love Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois, and began with one student. Attendance was small and uncertain during those early weeks, but several regular students soon began participating. Their struggles included alcohol, drugs, pornography, and compulsive eating.
Although their circumstances differed, they shared the same need for hope, truth, accountability, and lasting transformation through Jesus Christ.
Established as an Independent Ministry
A Separate Nonprofit With Its Own Leadership
Although North Love Baptist Church hosted the first RU chapter, RU was established as a separate nonprofit organization governed by its own board of directors.
Its legal name is Reformers Unanimous, NFP, while the ministry is known publicly today as RU Recovery™. The RU Recovery name and logo are owned by Reformers Unanimous, NFP.
This independent organizational structure allowed RU to develop curriculum, train local leaders, and serve churches and institutions beyond the ministry’s original location.
Developing the RU Recovery Program
A Christ-Centered Approach to Recovery
As the original chapter grew, RU developed a structured program to help participants apply biblical truth to their daily lives.
RU teaches that lasting transformation is found through a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. The program addresses addiction and other stubborn habits through biblical truth, structured personal study, loving accountability, and the support of a local church community.
The core program includes the RU Recovery Journal, the Overcomer and Strongholds Study Course and the Ten Principles of faith-based recovery, biblical teaching concerning the Fruit of the Spirit, and practical opportunities for participants to apply what they are learning.
RU’s goal is not simply temporary abstinence. The ministry seeks to help people experience real victory, restored relationships, renewed purpose, spiritual growth, and lasting hope.
Expanding Through Local Churches and Institutions
Bringing Recovery Ministry Into Local Communities
In 2000, churches outside Rockford began implementing the Friday-night recovery program and its curriculum in their own communities.
Rather than requiring people to travel to one central location, RU equipped local churches to establish chapters where participants could receive ongoing instruction, accountability, encouragement, and support close to home.
Over the years, RU chapters were established throughout the United States and in other countries. The ministry also developed resources for institutional settings, including jails and other correctional environments. More than 1,000 RU chapters have been planted throughout the ministry’s history.
Residential Ministries
An Important Part of RU’s History
For a period of time, RU also operated residential discipleship programs for men and women in Rockford.
These programs provided a structured residential environment for individuals who needed more intensive support than a weekly chapter could provide. They became a significant part of RU’s ministry during that season.
Following a major organizational transition and reduction in available staffing, RU closed its residential programs. RU Recovery does not currently own or operate residential recovery homes or treatment facilities.
RU is especially grateful for the work of House of Hope of the Pee Dee, which incorporates RU curriculum into its residential program. We highly recommend its ministry and are thankful for the compassionate, structured care it provides to individuals seeking help.
House of Hope of the Pee Dee and other residential programs using RU materials are independent organizations. They maintain their own leadership, staff, admissions procedures, policies, services, and organizational oversight.
RU Recovery Today
Serving Chapters and Starting New Ones
Today, RU Recovery supports approximately 300 active local church and institutional chapters. New chapters continue to be established as churches seek a biblical and compassionate way to serve people affected by addiction and other stubborn habits.
RU now operates with a small staff, committed volunteers, and an independent board of directors. Together, they provide curriculum, chapter training, administrative support, ministry resources, and practical assistance to directors and workers serving in their communities.
The ministry’s current work is primarily carried out through:
