Thursday Lead Format

Lead-based SA meeting format for Thursday evening.

7:00-8:00 Thursday LEAD Meeting Format

Revised October 9, 2025 Group Conscience

Thursday—Lead Format

  1. Opening: Good evening: My name is ___________ and I am a recovering sexaholic. Welcome to this mixed meeting of Sexaholics Anonymous. This is a closed meeting lasting around an hour. Only those desiring their own personal sexual sobriety should attend. This is a no smoking, no vaping facility. If you need to smoke or vape, please use the designated areas outside. Please silence your cell phones and limit your activity to not disrupt the meeting.
  2. Moment of Silence & Serenity Prayer: Will you please join me in a moment of silence, followed by the Serenity Prayer
    God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Thy will not mine be done. (SA 95)
  3. Newcomers: Is there anyone here today attending their first SA meeting? If so, will you please let us know your first name, not to embarrass you, but so that we can get to know you better. Read pgs. 1-4, pg. 8 & pgs. 191-193 in SA if there's a newcomer.

    If there are newcomers, pass around a copy of the pamphlet "Sexaholics Anonymous" for members to write their names and phone numbers for the newcomer. Remind group not to sign if they are of the opposite sex.

  4. Is there anyone attending this SA meeting for the first time? Will you please introduce yourself?
  5. Introductions: Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves by first name and state our length of sexual sobriety. I'll begin, and we will go around the room. My name is ________, I'm a sexaholic and I have been sexually sober for __________.
  6. Meeting Format: Tonight, we will be using a somewhat different meeting format. As part of this meeting, ________________ will be sharing their Lead, their Experience Strength and Hope from their perspective. Following the Lead, there will be a chance for listener comments talking in the "I", not the "we" or "you" followed by our normal closing activities.
  7. About the Lead: The Lead is to help us face ourselves as we really were, what happened, and where we are today. The words "I am a sexaholic and I am powerless over lust" come out of this insight with progressive victory over lust being shared and displayed in our day to day living. Bringing who we are into the light keeps us from hiding who we were and becomes the road of recovery. Thus, we are sharing our experience, strength and hope with others. It is suggested that members sharing their Lead be allowed to do so without interruption, free to "tell their story", however they may, even if it comes out haltingly. Listening members may quietly leave the room if the subject matter becomes too explicit or they feel triggered. We encourage all to participate.

    While we are an anonymous fellowship, anonymity does not imply legal confidentiality. In particular, sharing first-hand information about abuse of vulnerable populations in which the appropriate authorities have not been notified may result in a report to the authorities. Talk with your sponsor before divulging very personal details &/or criminal activities.

  8. Opening Reading: We will be reading from the White Book pages 79-81. Each person may read a paragraph passing to the next person until it is complete. Since this is our opening reading, we will go through this reading without discussion.
  9. Introduce Lead: CHAIRPERSON ***INTRODUCE THE PERSON SHARING THEIR LEAD***
  10. Open for Sharing: CHAIRPERSON at the conclusion of the lead sharing remind members ***OPEN THE MEETING FOR SHARING***
  11. At 7:55 - Seventh Tradition: Announce it's time for our Seventh Tradition. We have no dues or fees, but we do have expenses, such as literature and rent, and are self-supporting through our own contributions. As we pass the basket, I will read the tradition correlating with the month found on page 209.
  12. Does anyone have any SA related announcements for the group?
  13. Anniversaries: Is anyone celebrating an SA sobriety anniversary today or this past week?
  14. Sponsorship: This group values both sponsoring and being sponsored. A sponsor is one who is at least a bit farther in his, or her understanding and practice of the Twelve Steps of SA. A sponsor is a guide, a mentor, a coach, someone who helps us understand ourselves and our sobriety. If you are willing to sponsor, please raise your hand. We encourage everyone to have a current sponsor.

    ***GET A SPONSOR***

  15. Anonymity Reminder: Anything you have heard at the meeting is strictly the opinion of the individual participants: the principles of SA are found in our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. This is an anonymous program. Please keep the name, address, phone number and personal story of anyone to meet or learn about in SA to yourself. And what we say here, let it stay here *here*here*
  16. Closing Reading – Chairperson's Choice:

    Will someone please read A vision for You, found on page 210?

    OR

    Will someone please read the 9th Step promises from pages 83-84 in the Big Book or Hand out copy to the reader.

  17. Third Step Prayer: Please remember that we are guests in this facility and must leave it in the same condition we found it. Help me close the meeting with the Third Step Prayer.

    Chairperson consider laying out 3rd step prayer sheets to include everyone.

    God, I offer myself to thee, to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that a victory over them may bear witness to those I would help of Thy Power, Thy love, and Thy way of live. May I do thy will always!

    Keep Coming Back, it works if you work it!

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