As Women of the Way, we seek Unity in the Body as we focus on Who unites us rather than What divides us.
We are One Body with many parts. We are One Church with many voices.
Join me in welcoming missionary, Amanda Curtis, director of the Crossroads Pregnancy Center, as she shares her voice on Unity.
Unity in a Christ-based Inter-Denominational Ministry
I’ve been asked what it’s like to lead Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic, a faith-based ministry that is purposefully and strategically inter-denominational.
How is it possible to do so with one voice? With unity?
Unlikely Heroes Carry Out His Work
All through scripture we find God uses men and women who are sometimes very unlikely characters to carry out His work. A shepherd boy (David) defeats the mighty Goliath, a prostitute (Rahab) shelters spies leading to the fall of Jericho, and a religious terrorist turned missionary (Paul) spreads the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Bible is full of unlikely heroes allowing us to envision how we too may insert ourselves into kingdom-work. If God can use _ (insert unlikely hero here)_ then surely he can use me!
There is a common thread that unites these heroes – each was introduced, albeit in unique ways, to the God of the universe. Then they put their faith into action and became part of a bigger story regardless of their imperfections.
Isn’t that what we should all want? To be used by God for His glory?
This was my mantra in 2017 and Matthew West’s song “Broken Things” became my battle song. Why am I telling you this? So what went down in my life in 2017?
God Asking for More than a Bumper Sticker
I was climbing the corporate ladder at Boeing in the missile defense industry. Then God placed a calling on my heart for women and babies. I had always been pro-woman and pro-life but in 2017 God asked more of me
than just a bumper sticker on my car. I walked away from my career to start Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic. Thanks to my corporate experience, I had learned the value of diversity.
Just as variety is the spice of life, diversity is key to organizational success.
Having been in corporate America for 15 years, I observed first-hand how diversity fosters an environment where people tend to be more creative, diligent, and hard-working. It is invaluable to have folks of different minds, walks of life, and backgrounds to come together for a common purpose. Each person brings something unique and fresh to the table – different perspectives on topics and different approaches for solutions.
Determined to be Diverse
So, when I surrendered to God’s call on my life to start a pregnancy help center, I was resolved to have diversity among the board, staff and volunteers with a focus on casting a wide net to draw in people from varying denominations. Diversity in a Christ-based nonprofit is interesting and critical to achieve.
Uniting under a Common Code
At Crossroads, all board members, staff and volunteers unite under a “Statement of Faith” and “Code of Christian Conduct” in order to carry out the mission of Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic which is:
To empower individuals within our community to make healthy life choices
consistent with the sanctity of human life; provide pregnancy confirmation and support; offer parenting education; and guide those with pregnancy loss to a place of healing.
Under these standards and agreements, we have built an inter-denomination team who has had great success in less than two years of operation. We are the fastest growing pregnancy help center in Tennessee with 99% of our clients choosing life for their babies!
Our focus is laser sharp
We begin by intentionally creating a safe space for women
and men to feel accepted and loved. Because they are. We believe deeply that every person who comes to our center has been “fearfully and wonderfully made” for a purpose on purpose.
Deeper Discussions
It is through the relationships that are formed that we are able to have deep discussions with our clients – discussions about parenting, abortion, and adoption. Even better, we are able to be the hands and feet of Jesus to share the gospel with them.
Setting Aside Differences for One Common Goal
Through corporate evangelism training, we set our denominational differences aside for the sake of one common goal – to point everyone to Christ who comes through our doors. As we grow, my prayer is that God brings in even more diversity.
Unity like a Beautiful Garden
I believe His children are like flowers in a garden. How boring would it be to only see peonies? Or just roses? Or only wisteria? But my, oh my, how I love to see a beautiful English garden spilling over with all of these beautiful flowers! I imagine our Father loves to see His children working together in unity – putting aside doctrinal differences for the ultimate goal of Kingdom work.
God Brings it All Together
It has been my life’s honor and privilege to acknowledge God’s call on my life and watch what He does every day at Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic through our staff and volunteers. When I reflect on how God used my corporate background to develop the framework for an inter-denominational ministry, I can’t help but smile. He has allowed me, a very unlikely person, to be part of something huge right here in my community! We have such a great team all united under Christ.
There are some days that I can’t believe this is what I get to do with my life here on earth!
~Amanda
Amanda Curtis has been the Director of Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic in Fayetteville, Tn since 2017.
Contact her at
amanda@cpregclinic.org
www.crossroadspregnancyclinic.org
facebook.com/crossroadspregclinic
If you would like to volunteer or donate to Crossroads Pregnancy Clinic, please contact Amanda to contribute to the vital ministry in our community!!