Breakthrough: Trusting God for Big Change in Your Church

by Dawn Darwin Weaks

The last 30 years of American church life have played a familiar “The church is old, out of touch, dying, and it’s too late.” Why bother? What if the church is not old enough, not out of touch enough, and not dying enough? When survival-rooted panic is supplanted with calm, spirited creativity, that may be exactly the moment your church was made for, that your community was hoping for— and that God is waiting for. First Christian Church of Odessa, Texas made a radical choice and was reborn as Connection Christian Church, with a new view on ministry and new energy. Trusting God for Big Change in Your Church tells the story of what happened when this church dared to place their desperate, dying selves into the hands of a God whose middle name is “Surprise!” — and hints how readers might find that audacity in their own congregations.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2022

Reviews

[Ryan Motter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Connection Christian Church is one of deep love, faithful risk, and transformation. There is so much good in this story if congregations and pastors will open themselves to the possibilities that come when they are honest about where their church is and courageous about where their church could go. I especially appreciated that the perspectives of lay leaders were woven throughout this book, and look forward to the second volume, of what comes of Connection as it continues to live beyond pandemic days.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect book of hope and possibilities for struggling churches.

[Ryan McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the privilege of knowing Rev. Dr. Dawn Weaks, her husband and co-pastor, Joe, and many of the members of the congregation of Connection Christian Church. But please believe that I have no bias when I state that this book stands alongside the best from Goff, Allen, Batterson, Lucado, and other excellent Christian authors in readability, inspiration, and anointing in the Spirit. Coming from a church whose own attendance has dropped from 100+ to about 30 every Sunday, the description of revival and "Breakthrough" documented here (with actionable steps for emulation) is energizing and a reminder that God can still use "worn out, worn down" congregations. Praise God!

[Lara Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most inspiring and encouraging church transformation story I’ve ever read. Rather than a supposed “how to” manual, Breakthrough is a sort of spiritual memoir of a church and its pastors — demonstrating what can happen when a declining congregation decides to start taking risks for the sake of both their community and the Gospel. I suspect I’ll return to the stories in this book again and again.

Note: our congregation was blessed by the willingness of Pastors Dawn and Joe to meet with our group via zoom! If you are reading this as a study in your church, consider reaching out to see if they are available to meet with you.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable. Inspiring. Fun

Grateful for the ministry and witness of Dawn and Joe. Since our shared seminary days 30 years ago at Brite, you’ve been relatable, inspiring, and fun. May God continue to grant you courage, peace and provision for your journey. God bless the good people of Connection CC, Odessa.

[Melanie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, inspiring, and wise! This book isn't just the story of one church doing big things - it's a guidepost and encourager of what our Church and communities can be when we stand at the intersection of joy, creativity and courage and take the next steps forward.

[Don Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for our church as we are going through much of the same stuff.