Celebrate Recovery founder John Baker dies Written by Mike Thom Thursday, Feb 25 2021, 9:02 AM John Baker gave his life over to Jesus 30 years ago and was healed from addictions. (Celebrate Recovery/Facebook) Article continues below advertisement ↴ The man who along with his wife founded a program that has helped millions of people find freedom from hurts, habits, or hangups, has died. John Baker passed away on Tuesday, February 23, according to a statement from the program Celebrate Recovery. John and his wife Cheryl founded the 10-step recovery program through Saddleback Church. It has since grown to become a global ministry. "John touched more people with the healing power and grace of Jesus Christ than anyone else that I have ever known personally and one of those lives was mine," says Celebrate Recovery National Director Mac Owen.