ignite hope. fuel recovery.
FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE—HELP OTHERS FIND FREEDOM
Welcome to the Coach’s Playbook—a practical guide designed to equip and empower Dunamis Recovery Coaches. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to understand your role, launch and lead a successful group, and access the tools and support available to help you thrive. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing group, this comprehensive resource is here to walk with you every step of the way.
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BECOME A RECOVERY GROUP LEADER
Recovery is a journey—but it doesn’t end with you. Step 12 of the 12 Steps is about giving back. As a Dunamis Recovery Group Leader, you’ll guide others on their path to freedom—through faith, truth, and service. Join us on our mission to guide others through their sobriety journey. Together, let's save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Recovery Coach is a trained volunteer who facilitates a group using our leader resources. Coaches model a Christ-centered approach and embody the 12th Step: “Having had a renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to all persons with an addiction, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
Yes—it’s highly recommended. Strong coaches usually have:
- Leader training & guides
- Launch resources (flyers, slides, social posts)
- Ongoing support—we’re always a call or an email away
- Community support from other group leaders
Your lived experience becomes the bridge that helps others trust and heal.
We equip you with everything you need:
- Step-by-step leader guide
- Coaching videos & training modules
- Ongoing mentorship from experienced leaders
You’ll never feel like you’re doing this alone.
Most coaches invest 2–3 hours a week, including preparation and group time. It’s designed to be sustainable, even alongside other commitments.
Ideally, there will be a constant effort to raise new leaders so that new groups can develop as the first group grows, and needs to split into two. Once a group gets over twenty people, it becomes difficult for everyone to be heard. Birthing a new group seems to be the best solution, so there is more room for newcomers.
There’s no fee for training or support. Churches or individuals typically cover the cost of books and starter kits, but all coaching resources are provided free of charge.
Yes. While most groups meet in churches, many gather in homes, community centers, or even online. Recovery centers often host Dunamis recovery groups to support graduates as they transition back into life.
Wherever there’s a need for hope, a group can be launched. Trust God to use the power of the Holy Spirit to work miracles anywhere, anytime!
You won’t be walking this road alone—we’re with you every step. Dunamis provides:
- Leader training & guides
- Launch resources (flyers, slides, social posts)
- Ongoing support—we’re always a call or an email away
- Community support from other group leaders
We exist to ensure your group is both sustainable and impactful.
"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
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."
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