Transformed by Faith

What’s possible when churches open the door to healing.

“Dunamis helped me reclaim the identity God gave me.”

“This program didn’t just change me. It changed my family.”

“I didn’t just get sober — I found a faith community that loved me through it.”

“My church became the place where God rebuilt my life.”

When people step into a Dunamis Recovery Group, they encounter more than a curriculum. They meet a God who heals, a community that understands, and a faith that reshapes their entire life story.

These testimonies come from individuals, families, and churches who have seen firsthand what happens when recovery returns to Christ — where it began. Their journeys are living proof that healing is possible, freedom is real, and transformation spreads outward into families, congregations, and entire communities.

What God has done for them, He can do for others. Maybe even in your church.

Group member stories

Discover real stories of freedom, hope, and transformation through The Dunamis Initiative’s Transformed by Faith Series.

Each video features men and women who have experienced life change through Christ-centered 12-Step recovery groups and The Dunamis Effect — a faith-based program helping people move from addiction to redemption.

Tyler's Story

Tyler’s story reminds us that no one is too far from God’s reach. Through a Dunamis Recovery Group, he found support, accountability, and a relationship with Christ that changed everything.

 

The group that welcomed him became a place where healing rippled outward.

Hanna's Story

Hanna found purpose, identity, and renewed faith through the Dunamis program. Her journey shows how a Christ-centered recovery group can restore someone’s sense of belonging and help them rebuild their life from the inside out.

Her story began because a local church opened its doors to people needing hope.

MORE VIDEOS IN THE SERIES

Chelsea’s story is a powerful reminder that healing happens when faith and community come together. Through the Dunamis Recovery Program, she found freedom, renewed identity, and the courage to trust God with every part of her journey.


Her transformation grew in a church community that chose to make space for honesty, grace, and restoration.

Nick’s journey reflects what happens when personal recovery grows into a calling to serve others. Through the Dunamis Recovery Program, he encountered God in the 12 Steps and experienced healing that reshaped his faith, purpose, and leadership.

Today, Nick serves as a group coach, walking alongside others with compassion, truth, and grace. His story shows how churches can not only support recovery—but raise up leaders who help sustain it.

Nicholas experienced deep spiritual and emotional renewal through Scripture, the 12 Steps, and a Christ-centered recovery group. His journey shows how faith-based recovery can bring lasting change that extends beyond the individual.


His story is one example of how churches can become places where transformation takes root and flourishes.

What Addiction Professionals

and Church Leaders are saying

russell

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."

ashley
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."

jerry-l
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."

Real Stories. Real Healing.

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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