A Safety Net in Charlotte
An Interview with Andrew Holbrook of Mission Charlotte
by Kelly Dockery
“I never thought I’d be serving God this way, but he had other plans” seems to be a common sentiment of many working in nonprofit organizations. With a willing spirit and open heart, ministry leaders and founders boldly forge ahead into unknown territory to be placed for a purpose, bringing about dynamic change in communities, all for Christ and his Kingdom work.
Such has been the path for Andrew Holbrook, executive director of Mission Charlotte, a three month old powerhouse ministry that coaches and provides leadership training to nonprofits, some being ones that StoneBridge supports, such as Heal Charlotte and Charlotte Rescue Mission. Andrew began his early ministry days as a Campus Outreach director for UNCC and Davidson, then an assistant pastor at Christ Covenant Church. Originally from Connecticut, a relatively atheistic state, he then sensed God’s call for him to return there with his family and plant a church. After six years of serving tirelessly despite many roadblocks, the Holbrooks returned to Charlotte in search of a new pastoral role.
After some interviews and much prayer but no clear answers, Andrew settled into a morning leadership development meeting with a mentor friend from Raleigh who works for Mission Triangle, the parent organization for Mission Charlotte. Andrew expressed to him his heart for non-profits, commenting on how he could potentially see himself involved in something like Mission Triangle. His friend said, “Andrew, you know that we are wanting to start a similar organization in Charlotte.” Andrew would now express that initial sentiment, as he was named executive director of Mission Charlotte. God had a new, unexpected, and exciting call on his life.
So, what does this ministry have to do with StoneBridge? This can be best explained by using one of our ministry partners. Greg Jackson with Heal Charlotte has experienced all the growing pains of an exploding ministry to the under-served in Charlotte, whether they be financial, staffing, or organizational roadblocks. Greg went through Mission Charlotte’s training and was taught how to work better with his board of directors, how to measure success, how to communicate better, and was empowered with expert coaching to lead in a healthier way. This training paves the way for our financial support to be used in more dynamic ways through this ministry.
In three months, Mission Charlotte has equipped 175 nonprofits with training for 300 leaders at no cost. The training includes workshops and coaching by qualified volunteers with experience in human resources, management, and finances.
Andrew also emphasizes the importance of networking between the nonprofits and how much potential exists for them to support each other. He uses the analogy of each nonprofit being a rope and how they need to be inter-connected, wrapping around Charlotte and providing a Kingdom safety net. What a beautiful analogy of God’s work in our community!
A recent statistic shows that 30-50% of nonprofits close their doors after 10 years, due to lack of funding, organization, and resources. For Charlotte, this translates into the fact that of the 1,550 Christian nonprofits in Charlotte, 750 will not exist in 10 years. Through Mission Charlotte and their work, Andrew prays that they can turn the tide of this heartbreaking trend through the raising up of equipped leaders who can network and support each other.
Mission Charlotte needs volunteers! If you have HR, management, or business experience, please consider giving your time to such a critical ministry. These nonprofit leaders are in need of coaching, mentoring, and your wisdom from experience in the field could be exactly what is needed.
In addition, they need prayers for wisdom and discernment. Andrew asks for patience and skills in thoughtful listening, as he and his staff spend hours with ministry leaders and desire to give them all the attention they deserve. Please also pray for God to work in the matchmaking process, as they seek out ministries to offer their services for the many requests they receive. Above all, Mission Charlotte desires that the Gospel would be furthered and that the Holy Spirit would be present in all they do.
StoneBridge, let’s join in support of Mission Charlotte through prayer and volunteering, as well as sharing this rich resource with other nonprofits in need of training. Is God calling you into a place you never dreamed you’d be serving? Step out in faith and trust in his Kingdom work and plan. Your prayers and time can reinforce the Kingdom net that has been cast, purposefully placing you in God’s exciting work in Charlotte.
