Jerry Harrison leading Celebrate Recovery
“Hello! I am a believer, and I struggle with trouble. My name is Jerry.”
This simple, honest introduction is how every Celebrate Recovery meeting begins on Signal Mountain — a reminder that everyone carries burdens, and no one walks alone.
Jerry Harrison, the ministry leader for the Signal Mountain chapter of Celebrate Recovery, knows this firsthand. His journey to the program began unexpectedly. Originally from North Carolina, Mr, Harrison moved to the area to attend Bible school.
He worked at Southern Champion Tray for over three decades, all while weaving in and out of church life.
But it wasn’t until his children were asked to play in the band for Celebrate Recovery that Mr. Harrison found himself sitting in the audience, just listening. What he heard hit home.
“I realized I was suffering from anger,” Mr. Harrison recalled. “That anger had separated me from God, and I needed help.”
15 years later, Mr. Harrison admits that anger still exists — but with God’s help, he’s learning to face it differently. That personal experience of healing through faith now shapes his leadership role. As Ministry Leader, Harrison teaches and helps guide others through their own paths of recovery.
Backed by his bachelor’s degree in Bible studies and ordination as a pastor, Mr. Harrison brings both personal insight and spiritual wisdom to his work with Celebrate Recovery.
What is Celebrate Recovery? Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry first launched by Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in 1991. It helps individuals address life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups — a phrase that covers everything from substance abuse and codependency to anxiety, grief, and anger. The program’s structure combines eight guiding principles drawn from the Beatitudes with biblically based steps to recovery, creating a balanced and engaging process for healing.
Celebrate Recovery on Signal Mountain. The Signal Mountain chapter of Celebrate Recovery opened in April 2022, offering a safe, confidential space where community members can find support. What makes this chapter unique is that it is not sponsored by a single church — instead, it’s the work of a coalition of churches across Signal Mountain, all working together to plan, promote, and sustain the ministry.
This collaborative spirit has created a program that truly belongs to the whole community. It’s a place where anyone — regardless of income, privilege, or background — can come and find help.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it touches every community, regardless of income level or privilege,” said Mr. Harrison. “That’s why it’s important for people on Signal Mountain and beyond to know that spiritually-led support is available right here for anyone seeking healing and recovery. No matter someone’s background or circumstances, help is here.”
A Place for Everyone. Celebrate Recovery is open to anyone looking for healing — whether the struggle is substance abuse, family dysfunction, grief, anger, or anything else creating a barrier between themselves and God.
Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday at Signal Mountain Bible Church (
4872 Shackleford Ridge Road). Dinner is served at 6:00 PM, followed by group worship at 7:00 PM, and small group discussion afterward. For more information, email
Jerry@epbfi.com.
Jerry Harrison with Daniel Wofford