An Interview with Pastor Martin Pinnell

Calvary’s Cross Baptist Church has been a longtime supporter of Human Coalition – Raleigh. For years, Senior Pastor Martin Pinnell has supported our clinic, promoted our ministry from the pulpit, and last year the church blew past their 4000Steps goal of $2,500 to raise more than $10,000! Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down for a conversation with Pastor Martin and his wife, Erin, about their church’s commitment to LIFE.

Let me begin by asking how you encouraged your church to form such a strong partnership with Human Coalition?

Pastor Martin: I know this issue is a crucial one for our country, our community, and our churches; so we make it a priority. But really, the passion from our church coordinator, Erika, propelled us forward. My wife Erin and Erika have led the church in staying involved with Human Coalition all year since 2016 4000Steps.

The event day was so informational with statistics, pictures, and client stories, which gave us great ideas for how to stay connected after the event. Our congregants made spa gift bags for your clients. We also participated in Holiday Connections, which has put a name and face to the reality of the ladies you serve every day. Participating in 4000Steps just laid a foundation of excitement for all the work of Human Coalition.

You recently preached an entire sermon on partnering with Human Coalition – Raleigh. THANK YOU, we are posting it below for others to listen! Personally, I was encouraged by how you said the 4000Steps season of fundraising resulted in a unique unity and joy in your congregation. What did you think as your church surpassed their $2,500 goal all the way to $10,000?

Pastor Martin: It was unbelievable–we passed our initial goal in like 24 hours! We had a big bottle on the wall that we colored in each week and we were coloring above it on the wall! It built such excitement and joy every week!

Erin: When you [Amber] came to speak, it was your testimony that helped to put things in perspective for people. After the walk we knew we could keep doing more. Families were unified around this…they were all praying for God to provide for their goals and praising Him when he provided. God was hearing our prayers and we were able to ask for more and praise Him for more.

Erika: In 2015, we raised $800 with 3 walkers…so $2500 was a big goal! It was exciting to see families get involved. We grew together, as families and as a church. And seeing God do something that didn’t make sense brought great joy.

What has been your greatest “reward” from going deeper into the cause of LIFE?

Pastor Martin: Watching people work together for a unified cause–it drew attention to God and caused people to glorify God. God used this cause to bring unity and glory to HIM.

Erika: Having the hands-on opportunity to get outside of my bubble and comfort zone helped me grow. I’ve also been able to connect with a client in Louisburg and build a relationship with her and witness to her.

What would you say to other pastors who might read this?

Pastor Martin: There is a really huge blessing in having your church focused on someone or something other than yourselves. Being a small church it could be easy for us to fear raising money for an outside organization but immediately after 4000Steps, the church raised another $3000 for the youth…another $1000 for another project, and brought in more than we planned for the church budget for the year. God provides for all our needs!

Erika, What made you sign up to be a 4000Steps coordinator in your church?

Erika: Somebody had to do it! [laughing] I was totally scared and nervous. I’m naturally a follower so leading was outside of my comfort zone. God had grown my passion for LIFE and I felt like He was calling me to do more than just donate. I asked my mom to help so she did some of the stuff behind the scenes so I could pull it off.

The coordinator training made it easy to carry out the role. Knowing how much Cheryl (the Human Coalition Church Coordinator) was there for me was a huge blessing.

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Calvary’s Cross has not allowed their small size to deter them from making a real difference in the lives of at-risk women and their preborn children. Through the guidance of their Church Coordinator, they’ve linked arms with Human Coalition to make a difference within their community.

Learn how you and your church can get involved with Human Coalition – Raleigh and our 4000Steps.