The Rev. Dawnn Brumfield’s public battle with her weight (one she’s now currently winning) serves as a metaphor for her greater ministry: one that’s had to start by simply being herself.
Brumfield, a progressive, non-denominational church planter, has worked for years in youth ministry, and says that the authenticity she’s needed to connect with young (and old) people has gotten nothing but easier after her 2004 gastric bypass surgery that’s led to a 170 pound weight loss.
In this interview, Dawnn talks about her work as a church planter, youth minister, and a preacher who sees wholeness at the heart of the Gospel.
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Synopsis
Hope, perseverance, and authenticity define the ministry of this gifted woman. Here are my notes from the interview:
Personal Wholeness
It may be the most important part of a vibrant ministry – and minister: wholeness. Dawnn says churches talk too little about the importance of physical fitness – in sermon and example – and should do more.
Community Wholeness
Dawnn’s new church plant will endeavor to meet social service as well as spiritual needs – part church, part non-profit is a trend she sees as growing.
Reaching Young People
Dawnn says the key is to help them figure out who they are and what they’re called to do, right here and now.
About Dawnn Brumfield
Dawnn M. Brumfield is a native of Chicago who she has committed her life to constructing a continuity of care. She is intentional about creating and serving in ministry that integrates the mind, body and spirit. Dawnn holds degrees from Columbia College Chicago and Vanderbilt Divinity School. Her ministry focus is to prepare the church for ministry to ALL people regardless of race, gender, class or culture, sexual orientation, family design, and physical, emotional or mental conditions. Rev. Dawnn has worked as Youth and Young Adult Pastor and Associate Minister for churches in Chicago and Nashville, TN. She has also worked as a chaplain at Metro State Women’s Prison and Atlanta Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. Currently, Rev. Dawnn is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Chicago Theological Seminary. Dawnn enjoys reading, writing, spending time with her family and friends, and watching sports. Most of all, she loves spending time with people and watching God’s plan come to life.
Books Dawnn Recommends
Messy Spirituality – Mike Yaconelli
Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century – Aubrey Malphurs
Sponsors I Mentioned
Turnaround 20/20 – Learn from experts who have conquered obstacles to growth and watched God turn things around. Turnaround 20/20 is a unique congregational development conference that brings together 20 experts who speak for 20 minutes each. People like Nelson Searcy, Charles Arn, George Hunter, and Elmer Towns will focus on a specific area of congregational development and are out to spark new ideas and innovations for you and your church. Turnaround 20./20 is Tuesday, October 23 in Nashville, TN.
