HEALING INDIVIDUALS. MOBILIZING CHURCHES.
Empowering recovery
through personal transformation and Christ-centered 12 Step groups.
Download Chapter 1
Get the first chapter the updated book The Dunamis Effect by Dr. Don Middleton. In the book, Dr. Middleton outlines a different way to think about 12-Step recovery programs by centering the process around an intentional Christian and Biblical priority.
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There’s a Role for Everyone in Recovery
Whether you need healing or feel called to lead—we’ll guide you.
We provide faith-based 12 Step recovery resources—books, small group materials, and support—for individuals in recovery and churches launching groups. Our mission is to restore lives and strengthen communities—one story at a time. Whether you’re navigating your own recovery, supporting a loved one, or starting a ministry in your church, you’re not alone.
The Dunamis Initiative offers a proven path to healing—rooted in Scripture, powered by the 12 Steps, and sustained by community. Explore our resources, join the movement, and discover what’s possible when recovery meets revival.
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What others are saying
Russell D Smoldon
"I lead a Life Recovery group that we set up through our Church that deals with addiction of all kinds. Based off the Life Recovery Bible and Biblical teachings, we have adopted The Dunamis Effect as our guidebook. We use this guide and the 12 steps in a belief that Jesus is our Higher Power. The group loves this more modern, medical, and spiritual approach to the 12 steps and recovery. I recommend this approach if your goal is to bring spiritual wellness and the love of Jesus to recovery. This is essential to lifelong sobriety and a selfless service to God and our neighbors."
Christ Church of the Valley (CCV)
Ashley Wooldridge
“The Dunamis Effect” provides the needed resources for a comprehensive Christian recovery ministry for churches of any size. I highly recommend it to any church wishing to expand their reach.
Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
Jerry L. Law
"Dr. Middleton has tackled the issue of developing a 12-Step program based recovery program that supports men and women who identify as Christians and have historically been reluctant to engage in traditional 12-Step Programs."
MEET OUR FOUNDER
Hi, I'm Don M., a Family Practice/Addiction Medicine physician, a follower of Jesus, and the founder and CEO of the Dunamis Initiative.
I also enjoy long term sobriety.
"This changed everything for me"
I grew up in the church and became a Christian in 5th grade. As I grew older, I served in many capacities for years in my local church. As my family grew and I continued in my career, I slowly began drinking more. One day I realized I had a problem, and I could not stop drinking. I was still an active member of my church, small group, and even coached youth sports in the community. I had even carved out a somewhat successful career. All this while drinking 4 to 5 fifths of bourbon a week. I tried to stop and could not.
In my Dunamis Effect group, I learned I was powerless over everything, and turning my will and life/outcomes to God released His power (dunamis) to restore me to sanity and heal my family. My life now exceeds my wildest dreams.
~Dave in Ohio
I had tried on and off for years to get sober through all variety of programs including AA, outpatient treatment and work with therapists. These things would work for a short while but never produced lasting results. It was only when I gave up on the idea that I could solve it and instead let Jesus be the leader of my life that I finally found sobriety.
To do this, I worked with my Recovery Partner through The Dunamis Effect book and workbook and with Jesus as the focal point, I finally found relief. Every morning I pray for Jesus to keep me sober and every evening I thank Him profusely for the gift of sobriety. Jesus saves us from all manner of sin, and this program is designed to guide us to Christ for His deliverance from addiction.
~Jacob in Arizona
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Together we can bring hope—Christ-centered 12 Step recovery for you, your loved ones, and your church.
The Dunamis Initiative is a fiscally sponsored project of Partners In Action, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible through our sponsor.