One of the most important questions in the upcoming First Orlando documentary doesn’t come with dramatic music or a bold declaration. It comes quietly, almost in passing:
“Do you realize how connected the whole idea of discipleship is to a crisis pregnancy center?”
That single question reframes the entire conversation. That question is at the heart of an upcoming Care Net documentary releasing on January 18, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. The film tells the story of First Orlando and its Care Net–affiliated First Embrace Pregnancy Center, offering a clear and compelling picture of how the local church can move from conviction to compassionate action.
In today’s world, abortion is often discussed almost exclusively in political terms—through legislation, court rulings, and public debate. But when the issue is framed only that way, it’s easy to miss what is most essential. At its core, pregnancy ministry is not about politics or policy—it’s about people. And more specifically, it is about discipleship.
For many, pregnancy centers may sound like social outreach, medical care, or benevolence work—and they certainly include those elements. But Scripture shows us that true compassion rooted in Christ always leads toward disciple-making, because Christ-centered love naturally draws people to Christ.
That is what we see modeled so clearly at First Baptist Orlando and its Care Net–affiliated pregnancy center. Hanging prominently in the space is a simple statement:
“Follow Jesus and lead others to do the same.”
This is not a slogan.
It is not branding.
It is identity.
It reflects a conviction that caring for women and families in crisis is inseparable from walking with them toward spiritual growth, healing, and community within the church.
The Bible Makes It Clear
Etched into the hallway of the pregnancy center is Psalm 19:14:
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
This verse beautifully captures what discipleship looks like in everyday ministry.
“The words of my mouth…”
The conversations with clients.
The counsel in moments of fear.
The encouragement when the future feels uncertain.
“…and the meditation of my heart…”
Our posture toward people.
Our compassion.
Our patience.
Our willingness to walk alongside someone, not just offer a solution and move on.
Disciple Made Visible
When pregnancy ministry is integrated into the life of the local church, discipleship becomes visible and relational. Women and families are not treated as projects, but as people made in the image of God—worthy of dignity, belonging, and long-term care.
This is the heart of Pro Abundant Life ministry. It seeks not only to help someone choose life in a moment of crisis, but to invite them into a life of flourishing through Jesus and His church.
That is exactly what First Orlando models.
You don’t start with arguments. You don’t start with policies. You start with people—with discipleship.
First Orlando discovered that when a church leads with compassion, discipleship naturally follows. The work wasn’t political. It was pastoral. It was relational. It was deeply biblical.
See this discipleship-based approach come to life. Watch the TRAILER: Making and Multiplying Disciples for Life— The Story of First Orlando
After watching the trailer, consider praying this prayer with us.
Jesus, make me a disciple who helps others follow You. Shape my words and my heart to reflect Your compassion. Open my eyes to the people You are placing in my path. Show me how to lead others into the abundant life You offer. Amen.