One4K: Church Partners with Ministries for Evangelism

Oklahoma City, OK: As part of a revitalization strategy passed in 2019, Wilmont Place Baptist Church is partnering with Oklahoma City ministries to reach out into the community with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wilmont has chosen to partner with Oklahoma Baptists' Hope Pregnancy Center and Child Protective Services' CarePortal in efforts to carry the church's message into the communities on the south side of Oklahoma City. At Wilmont, community evangelism is part of The Journey.

During morning worship on February 9, 2019, Pastor Shawn Nichols announced to the congregation the church's partnership with Hope and CarePortal in an effort to build community relationships for the purpose of sharing the gospel. In a campaign branded "One4K," Pastor Nichols encouraged every member of the church to choose one community ministry in which to serve one hour weekly outside the walls of the church for (4) the kingdom of Christ (K). Hope Pregnancy Center and CarePortal were suggested as effective ministries in which to serve.

Kim Wood, a member of Wilmont, was recently appointed by the church as their Community Ministry Director with oversight in organizing participation with outside ministries as part of the church's One4K campaign. Wood presented the church with volunteer opportunities for both community ministries during the February 9 worship. One4K serves as part of stage 3 of The Journey, the church's discipleship pathway that encourages every member to grow in Christ.

A volunteer application was made available to any church member wishing to serve with Hope Pregnancy Center. This application process, developed by Hope, begins the certification process clearing volunteers to serve women and families who have experienced an unplanned pregnancy.

Kim Wood is developing a CarePortal team that will field the requests submitted by Oklahoma County's DHS and will partner with other church members to visit the families in need to supply resources and share the gospel.

"This is what our church has been waiting to do for years," said Wood, church Community Ministry Director. "We have been wanting to connect with our communities for years but we just didn't know how to go about it. Pastor Shawn has given our church direction and we are excited about where we go from here."

For more information, church members and guests are encouraged to read more about The Journey at https://www.wilmontplace.com/journey.html or to contact the church office at 405.634.0440.

About Hope Pregnancy Center: As a non-profit organization, Hope Pregnancy Center believes you should receive services from an organization who will not profit from your situation or decision. At Hope you’ll find a safe, confidential and caring environment to explore your choices without judgment. They can help reduce any fear or worry you are experiencing by providing Professional pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, Education on each of your options, Caring staff and volunteers to listen as you process your options and circumstances, Referrals for additional needs and services, and Support programs to walk with you through the decision making process and beyond.

About CarePortal: CarePortal is a technology platform that connects vulnerable children and families to people who have something to give. Social workers uncover the needs. CarePortal makes local churches aware, giving them a real-time opportunity to respond. First and foremost, CarePortal exists to help hurting children and families. All requests submitted through CarePortal come from caseworkers at government child welfare agencies or other child-serving organizations approved by CarePortal to vet needs.

About Wilmont Place Baptist Church: Wilmont Place Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist church of 150 active members on the south side of Oklahoma City. Text-driven expository preaching, Bible-teaching, personal growth, and community evangelism define the culture and direct the activities and events of the congregation. The church is working through a formal revitalization strategy in which members become family and the community becomes ministry.

###