exists to guide people into the life-changing breakthrough found only in Jesus.

Meet Tanton (Church Planter)

Breakthrough Church is not simply an idea or ministry strategy — it is the natural overflow of God’s work in my life and His clear calling to serve Eau Claire for the glory of His Kingdom.

My name is Tanton Schnider, and The Lord has called me to serve Him by to launching a new church called Breakthrough in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 2017, while living in Eau Claire, I experienced a personal return to faith after a season of hurt, loss, and spiritual distance. Through God’s grace, I encountered Jesus in a deeply transformative way, and that experience continues to shape my heart for people who feel disconnected from God or the Church.

Following that transformation, I served full-time at Red Cedar Church in a variety of ministry areas including youth, hospitality, outreach, young adults, and facilities. Those years gave me valuable hands-on ministry experience and helped confirm my calling to pastoral leadership and church planting. Red Cedar Church now serves as the sending church for Breakthrough Church.

To continue growing as a leader, I attended Kingswood University in Sussex, New Brunswick, where I earned my pastoral degree. During that season, God repeatedly placed church planting on my heart. Although I considered other locations, God continually redirected me back to Eau Claire and deepened my burden for the city.

Why Eau Claire? Because this city represents both part of my story and a growing community filled with people searching for hope, purpose, and authentic connection.

Why start a church? Because church planting remains one of the most effective ways to reach people far from God. Breakthrough Church exists to create welcoming spaces where people can encounter Jesus, experience authentic community, and discover the transforming breakthrough found only in Him.

WAYS TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH TANTON

  • Text or Call

    715-790-0122

  • tanton@breakthrough-church.com

Why Eau Claire

Eau Claire is a growing and diverse community filled with young families, working professionals, college students, and people searching for connection, purpose, and hope. With a population of approximately 72,000 residents and continued growth in recent years, the city continues to attract individuals and families who are building careers, raising children, and planting long-term roots in the Chippewa Valley.

Yet beneath the growth and vibrancy of the city, there is also a deep spiritual and relational need. Recent research indicates that only approximately 32% of Eau Claire residents would say they have a personal relationship with Jesus, while nearly 27% identify as atheist, or having no belief in any deity. These numbers reveal a city where many people are spiritually disconnected and searching for something more.

At the same time, Eau Claire continues to face growing social challenges. Roughly 14% of residents live below the poverty line, and the city has experienced increasing struggles related to homelessness, isolation, mental health, and economic hardship. While Eau Claire is known for its strong schools, thriving businesses, universities, and vibrant arts culture, many people still feel unseen, disconnected, and without lasting hope.

Breakthrough Church is being planted in Eau Claire because we believe this city deeply matters to God. Our heart is to create a welcoming and accessible church where people from every background can encounter Jesus, experience authentic community, and discover the life-changing breakthrough found only in Him.

Eau Claire’s relatively young population, strong family presence, and growing diversity make it a strategic place to build a life-giving, disciple-making church focused on outreach, spiritual formation, and genuine relationships. We believe now is the right time to invest in a church that bridges divides, serves people with compassion, and helps individuals and families take meaningful next steps toward Jesus.

We are not simply planting a church to start another Sunday gathering. We are planting Breakthrough Church to be a visible expression of hope in the city — a church committed to loving people well, reaching those far from God, and helping Eau Claire experience the transforming breakthrough of Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Pray For Eau Claire

That our city would experience the hope and breakthrough found only in Jesus, and that new salvations would spark a movement across Eau Claire.

Pray For Divine Connections

That God would lead the right people, families, and partners to Breakthrough Church during this pre-launch season.

Pray For Our Interest Gatherings

That every conversation, gathering, and relationship would point people closer to Jesus.

Pray For Our Launch Team

That God would raise up people to help build and launch this church with unity, wisdom, courage, and servant-hearted leadership.

Pray For Kingdom Provision

For financial support, resources, and faithful partners to help establish a strong and healthy church in Eau Claire.

Pray For A Strong Foundation

That Breakthrough Church would be built on prayer, obedience, and the leading of the Holy Spirit through every season of launch and beyond.

Prayer Updates

LAUNCH TIMELINE

  • Sept 19, 2026

    • Community Bonfire Night

    Oct 3, 2026

    • Interest Party #1

    Oct 10, 2026

    • Fall Family Festival

    Oct 24, 2026

    • Launch Team Gathering #1

    Oct 31, 2026

    • Trunk-or-Treat Outreach

    Nov 7, 2026

    • Friendsgiving Outreach

    Dec 5, 2026

    • Interest Party #2

    Dec 12, 2026

    • Intercessory Prayer Gathering

    Dec 19, 2026

    • Christmas Family Outreach

  • Jan 9, 2027

    • 7-Day Church Fast Begins

    Jan 16, 2027

    • Launch Team Gathering #2

    Jan 23, 2027

    • Winter Family Game Night

    Feb 6, 2027

    • Interest Party #3

    Feb 20, 2027

    • Breakthrough Community #1 Launch

    Mar 6, 2027

    • Launch Team Gathering #3

    Mar 27, 2027

    • Easter Community Outreach

    Apr 3, 2027

    • Interest Party #4

    Apr 24, 2027

    • Breakthrough Community #2 Launch

  • May 8, 2027

    • Mother’s Day Invite Push

    May 22, 2027

    • Family Park Kickoff

    Jun 5, 2027

    • Interest Party #4

    Jun 12, 2027

    • Launch Team Gathering #5

    Jun 19, 2027

    • Father’s Day Backyard Bash

    Jul 10, 2027

    • Community Block Party

    Jul 24, 2027

    • Breakthrough Community #3 Launch

    Aug 7, 2027

    • Interest Party #5

    Aug 14, 2027

    • Backpack Blessing Bash

    Aug 21, 2027

    • Launch Team Gathering #6

    Aug 28, 2027

    • Preview Service #1

  • Sept 4, 2027

    • Preview Service #2

    Sept 11, 2027

    • 7-Day Pre-Launch Prayer Week

    Sept 12, 2027

    • Preview Service #3

    Sept 19, 2027

    • LAUNCH SUNDAY!!!!

Break. Build. Become.

Break free from sin and generational bondage.

Build a foundation and life through faith in Jesus.

Become the person Jesus created you to be.

FAQs

  • Breakthrough Church is proudly affiliated with The Wesleyan Church, a global movement of believers committed to sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and making disciples throughout the world.

    As a Wesleyan church, we believe in one God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and that salvation is found through faith in Jesus Christ alone. We believe the Bible is God’s inspired Word and the foundation for our faith, teaching, and daily living.

    We also believe the Holy Spirit transforms lives, empowering people to grow in grace, live holy lives, love others deeply, and reflect the character of Jesus in everyday life.

    Our partnership with The Wesleyan Church provides spiritual accountability, leadership support, and a shared mission to help people encounter Jesus, experience breakthrough, and live out their God-given purpose.

    https://www.wesleyan.org/about/our-beliefs

  • Faith-Driven Risk
    We believe following Jesus requires courage, trust, and a willingness to step into the unknown when God calls. Faith-driven risk means choosing obedience over comfort and trusting God to do what only He can do. Breakthrough Church will consistently move forward in prayerful faith, believing God for transformation beyond what human effort alone can accomplish.

    Mission-Focused Living
    Our church exists to live with intentional purpose, aligning every aspect of life with God’s mission to reach people and make disciples. Every relationship, conversation, and opportunity is a chance to point others to Jesus. Mission-focused living keeps us outward-focused, engaged, and responsive to the needs of our community.

    Kingdom-Minded Giving
    We believe everything we have belongs to God and is meant to advance His Kingdom. Our generosity extends beyond finances to include time, gifts, and compassion. Through Kingdom-minded giving, we partner with God to see lives transformed locally and globally.

    Live Like Jesus
    We strive to model our lives after the character, compassion, and holiness of Jesus. This means choosing love over judgment, obedience over convenience, and service over status. Living like Jesus is central to our discipleship process and shapes how we treat one another and our community.

    Strength Through Fellowship
    We believe believers grow stronger when they walk together in authentic, Christ-centered community. Fellowship provides encouragement, accountability, and support through every season of life. Through Breakthrough Communities and shared life, we experience the strength God designed His Church to carry.

  • Breakthrough Church is passionate about building ministries that help people encounter Jesus, grow in their faith, and live in authentic community. As we launch, our primary ministries will include Sunday Worship Gatherings, Breakthrough Communities (small groups), Kids Ministry, Youth & Young Adult connection opportunities, Outreach & Community Engagement, Prayer & Intercession, and Leadership Development. Every ministry is designed to help people take practical next steps toward becoming more like Jesus while building meaningful relationships with others.

  • We believe life change happens best in community. Breakthrough Communities are small groups that are welcoming spaces where people can belong, grow spiritually, pray together, and walk through life alongside one another while becoming more like Jesus.

PARTNERS