John Baker

John Baker (1948-2021) was the founder of Celebrate Recovery, a revolutionary Christ-centered 12-step program that destigmatized addiction and recovery in evangelical churches. After struggling with his own alcoholism and finding that secular AA meetings offered no space for faith while church small groups offered no safe place for discussing addiction, Baker created a biblical alternative at Saddleback Church in 1991 that bridged both worlds.

Combining Christian principles with the proven 12-step structure, Celebrate Recovery grew to impact over 7 million people across 35,000 churches worldwide, fundamentally changing how evangelicals address recovery and brokenness. Baker's legacy redefined evangelical compassion and vulnerability, opening church doors to those struggling with addiction, codependency, and other life-controlling issues. He died unexpectedly in February 2021 at age 72, leaving behind a movement that continues to demonstrate Christ's healing power.