Welcome to the Creator Profile Series, where we highlight incredible individuals who have answered God’s call to reach the world in unique ways. Traditional churches often struggle to connect with niche communities online, especially those affected by ‘church hurt’—a phenomenon where individuals leave the church due to negative experiences, such as judgment, hypocrisy, or abuse. Statistics show that around 37% of adults who have left church report ‘church hurt’ as a significant factor in their decision (Barna Group, 2021). God is raising up content creators from all over the world to fill that gap, reaching out to those who have felt alienated and overlooked by traditional settings. These profiles showcase how diverse and passionate creators are using their gifts to reach those who feel lost or overlooked.
TACO supports, trains, and networks these creators, helping them grow their impact. Not all of them are directly connected to TACO long-term—we find them, love them, support them, and continue to support them as they work out their individual calling to change the world. We’re proud to support a movement of digital missionaries, each with their own mission field, making an impact that the traditional church may not be able to.
Profile: DSW Ministries – Healing Wounds through Advocacy
Diana Winkler, the heart and voice behind DSW Ministries, is a singer, songwriter, empowerment speaker, and domestic violence advocate whose mission is to offer hope and healing to those in need. Drawing from her own experiences of abuse, Diana uses her talents to help Christians heal from domestic violence, abuse, and trauma—specifically spiritual abuse. Her journey into advocacy grew from her own struggles, and she aims to reach individuals who have been trapped in abusive situations, offering them a message of encouragement and resilience.
From Pain to Podcasting: A Mission to Heal
Diana’s inspiration for her podcast, The Wounds of the Faithful, came from her own journey through verbal and emotional abuse. “I felt like I was trapped, and none of the options in front of me were very good ones,” Diana shares. It was during one of her darkest moments that she decided to leave her abusive situation, choosing to trust God’s plan for her life. This decision led her to create her podcast during the pandemic as a resource for abuse survivors. “The inspiration for my podcast came from the abuse survivors in my small groups,” she explains. “I wanted to give them more resources.”
Now in its fifth year, her podcast serves as a platform for those who need healing from abuse. Diana’s mission is to create a safe space where survivors can find hope, support, and the assurance that they are not alone. Her passion for helping others has kept her going strong, despite the challenges along the way.
How TACO Supported Her Journey
Taking the TACO training was a pivotal moment for Diana. “TACO has connected me with other Christian content creators and validated the ministry I am called to do,” she shares. One of the biggest lessons she took away was the importance of staying true to her calling without apology. “We all have unique gifts, and it’s okay if mine are different from other creators.” The training helped Diana understand that her mission was valuable even if it didn’t look like traditional ministry.
TACO also provided Diana with practical skills, such as modernizing her podcast’s intro and outro to make her content more engaging. But beyond the technical improvements, it was the sense of community and encouragement that meant the most. “The support I received from other creators kept me motivated, especially during moments of discouragement. Knowing that I’m not alone in this journey has been incredibly empowering,” Diana reflects.
Challenges and Future Goals
Diana has faced challenges such as technical issues, balancing her responsibilities, and building a community. She has adapted by shifting to biweekly episodes and remains committed to providing support for abuse survivors. Looking ahead, Diana aims to break even financially, invite dream guests, refresh her website, and create stronger community spaces for those in need. Diana admits that forming a community has been challenging, but she remains committed to creating spaces for survivors to find connection and support.
Her advice to new content creators is rooted in staying true to your mission. “Ask God what He has called you to do and then do it to the best of your ability. Never compromise your integrity or your ministry’s mission to get numbers. This is a long game.”
How to Support Diana
You can connect with Diana and support her work through her website, DSW Ministries. Her podcast, The Wounds of the Faithful, is available on all major platforms.
