The First Orlando documentary concludes with a powerful reminder from Roland Warren:
“Life decisions need life support—and that support must come from the body of Christ.”
Today, many women facing unplanned pregnancies are navigating life-altering decisions in isolation. The rise of abortion pills, digital access, and fewer physical touchpoints has pushed these moments further into private spaces, where fear, pressure, and uncertainty often go unseen. Decisions are made quietly, quickly, and alone.
Yet while the landscape has shifted, the need has not. Women still need compassion. Families still need discipleship. And lives are still shaped most powerfully within community. The question before the church is not whether the need exists—but whether we will be present when it matters most.
The Church Still Matters
Roland Warren describes what he calls “pregnancy center deserts”—places where women face life-altering decisions with little visible support and few trusted relationships. In many of those same neighborhoods, churches stand within walking distance. Their lights are on. Their doors are open. And yet the gap remains.
This is not a failure of intention. It is a reminder of calling.
God hasn’t revised His design. The local church remains His primary instrument of care, discipleship, and hope. Not as a replacement for pregnancy centers, but as the community that sustains life beyond the moment of crisis. When churches are connected to centers—present, prepared, and relational—the gap narrows. Isolation can become belonging. Help grows into discipleship.
Psalm 19:14 calls us back to alignment. Hearts surrendered to God shape words that speak truth and actions that reflect Christ. When belief and obedience meet, the church becomes visible where it matters most.
From Uncertainty to Calling
This series began with a familiar question: Where do I even start?
It ends with a clearer calling: Be part of the support God already designed.
Not everyone is called to do everything. But every church is called to be present. When the church embraces its role—not as a distant advocate, but as a spiritual family—God uses ordinary faithfulness to bring lasting transformation.
Watch Making and Multiplying Disciples.
See how First Orlando lives this out year-round and visit care-net.org/church to learn how your church can do the same.
A Call to Discipleship
Ask God this week to widen your vision and clarify your role:
How can I help provide life support through compassion, discipleship, and faithful presence?
We know from the story of First Orlando, discipleship rarely begins with certainty. It begins with availability. When we offer our time, relationships, and obedience, God uses ordinary faithfulness to bring hope, healing, and life—often in ways we never anticipated.
After watching the short film, consider praying this with us.
Jesus, strengthen Your Church to stand in the gap with courage, compassion, and faithfulness. Open our eyes to the needs around us, soften our hearts toward those walking in fear or isolation, and lead us to be present when it matters most. Use our churches to bring hope, protect life, and make disciples through love that reflects You. Amen.