01
Read
The chair announces the step and the assigned pages. We read the Big Book aloud, one paragraph at a time around the room. No identifying before reading — the text is the authority.
Portland Men's
Big Book Step Study
Sundays · 9:00 – 10:30 AM ET
Portland Recovery Community Center · Portland, Maine
When
Every Sunday
9:00 – 10:30 AM ET
9:00 – 10:30 AM ET
Where
Portland Recovery Community Center
102 Bishop St, Portland, ME 04103
102 Bishop St, Portland, ME 04103
Format
Hyannis Format BBSS · Men
Hybrid · In-Person + Zoom
Hybrid · In-Person + Zoom
Zoom
Meeting ID: 818 2516 4650
Phone: +1 929-205-6099
Phone: +1 929-205-6099
What Is Big Book Step Study?
Big Book Step Study (BBSS) follows the Hyannis format, a rigorous meeting structure developed on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in the early 1980s. It focuses exclusively on working the Twelve Steps exactly as they are laid out in the first 164 pages of Alcoholics Anonymous — no outside literature, no treatment-center step work, no other methods. Just the Big Book, taken at its word.
We follow a 15-week rotation cycle through the text, from the Doctor's Opinion through Step 12. When the cycle ends, it starts again — so you can join any week and you'll always come back around to the beginning. The meeting runs 90 minutes with no break.
How Each Meeting Works
02
Qualify
A member who has worked all twelve steps as laid out in the Big Book shares their direct experience with that week's step — what the text told them to do, and what happened when they did it.
03
Share
The floor opens for discussion, starting where the reading left off. Sharing is limited to members who have completed the steps with a Big Book Step Study sponsor.
04
Repeat
The 15-week cycle repeats continuously. Every pass through the text goes deeper. Men helping men get through the steps and carry the message to the next alcoholic.
Recordings
We record speaker qualifications each week. Listen to how members applied the Big Book's directions to their own lives, step by step.
Your First Meeting
1
Just show up
Walk into Portland Recovery Community Center any Sunday before 9 AM. Find a seat and grab a Big Book. You can also join on Zoom — no password needed. This is an open meeting; everyone is welcome.
2
Follow along in the text
We read directly from the Big Book — that's the only literature used at this meeting. If you don't have a copy yet, there are extras available and you can read it online at aa.org.
3
Listen and learn
If you're new, just listen. This format asks that sharing be limited to members who have completed all twelve steps with a Big Book Step Study sponsor. If that's not you yet, introduce yourself and pass — and talk to someone after the meeting about getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Big Book Step Study?
Big Book Step Study (BBSS) is an AA meeting format that works the Twelve Steps exactly as they are laid out in the first 164 pages of Alcoholics Anonymous. We read the text aloud and apply its directions step by step.
What is the Hyannis format?
The Hyannis format is a rigorous 90-minute structure developed on Cape Cod in the early 1980s. It uses a 15-week rotation through the first 164 pages, a qualified speaker share, and discussion limited to men who have completed the steps BBSS-style. Learn more on our About page.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself. Extra Big Books are usually available at Portland Recovery Community Center, and you can read the book online at aa.org. You can attend in person or join on Zoom with no password.
Can I share if I'm new?
If you're new, listen and pass. Sharing is limited to men who have completed all twelve steps as laid out in the Big Book with a BBSS sponsor. Introduce yourself after the meeting and someone can help you get started.
Is this meeting on Zoom?
Yes. We're hybrid every Sunday from 9:00 to 10:30 AM ET. Join in person at Portland Recovery Community Center or on Zoom with meeting ID 818 2516 4650.
How is BBSS different from a regular AA meeting?
Most AA meetings are open discussion. BBSS reads only from the Big Book, follows a fixed 15-week rotation, includes a step qualification from direct experience, and limits sharing to men who have completed the steps in this format.
What if I don't believe in God?
Neither did a lot of us. The book addresses this directly in "We Agnostics" (Chapter 4). You're welcome to listen while you work through it at your own pace.
Resources
7th Tradition
This meeting is self-supporting through our own contributions — no outside funding, no fees. Your 7th Tradition keeps the doors open, the Zoom running, and the Big Books on the table.
News & Contact
March 2026
New website is live. Bookmark this page for quick access to Zoom links, recordings, and meeting info. Past speaker shares are now available on the Recordings page.
Questions? The easiest way is to ask someone at the meeting. You can also find us through CSOAA Maine.
Stay in the Loop
Get a weekly reminder with this Sunday's step, pages, and Zoom link.
Join Us This Sunday
Whether you're new to recovery or have been sober for decades, there's always more to discover in the Big Book.