Because every life is made in the image of God, North Carolina Baptists are committed to honoring and protecting human life at every stage. N.C. Baptists’ Life Initiatives equip local churches across the state to demonstrate and declare the love of Jesus, especially to the most vulnerable. One tangible way churches can live out this conviction is by partnering with local pregnancy resource centers.

Across North Carolina, pregnancy resource centers serve on the front lines of compassionate care. They support women and families facing unexpected pregnancies, provide ultrasounds and pregnancy testing, offer parenting education and life skills training, and connect families with critical resources. These centers are places where gospel compassion meets real-life needs and where local churches can make a difference in their own communities.

If your church is looking for a practical place to serve, you can start at pregnancy resource centers. The first step is simple: Reach out, listen and learn what your local center needs. Then consider these eight ways your church can come alongside them in ministry.

1. Start a prayer ministry team

Prayer is the foundation of faithful ministry. Form a prayer team that regularly intercedes for pregnancy resource center staff, volunteers and clients. Gather prayer requests directly from the center and share them with the team, reminding the church that God is intimately involved in every life formed.

2. Serve during business hours

Volunteers are essential to daily operations. Many centers need help greeting clients, organizing materials, making copies, teaching classes or serving as trained lay counselors. Offering time during the week can lighten the load for staff and ensure every client is welcomed with dignity and care.

3. Write notes of encouragement for parents

Handwritten notes can be a powerful ministry tool. Write short notes of encouragement and prayer to include in client packets or baby bags. These simple words remind parents they are seen, supported and deeply valued by God.

4. Share professional skills through parenting classes

Many churches include members with valuable certifications, such as infant CPR, first aid, lactation support or counseling-related training. Encouraging these individuals to teach or assist with parenting classes equips families with practical skills that promote confidence and safety.

5. Help maintain the building and grounds

A clean, well-kept facility communicates value and respect to every person who walks through the door. Church teams can mow lawns, rake leaves, paint, make minor repairs or assist with seasonal maintenance so staff can stay focused on ministry.

6. Gather and organize supplies

Diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothing, bottles and parenting supplies are often needed. Churches can also donate snacks, bottled water and office supplies for staff and volunteers. Donations often arrive in large volumes. You can help sort, label and organize items so staff can quickly access what they need when serving clients.

7. Provide transportation or child care support

Transportation and child care can be barriers for clients. Churches may be able to help through gas cards, volunteer drivers or child care support during classes (as allowed by center policies), making services more accessible to those in need.

8. Give financially to sustain and expand the work

Financial support remains one of the most impactful ways to serve. In addition to supporting your local center directly, churches can give toward supplying pregnancy resource centers with ultrasound machines. N.C. Baptists partner with the Psalm 139 Project to place ultrasound machines in centers across the state. One ultrasound placement costs about $35,000. Data shows that more than 80% of expectant mothers choose life after seeing an ultrasound image. Churches can support this effort at ncbaptist.org/givelife.

Rather than one-time involvement, consider adopting your local pregnancy resource center for a season or a year. Commit to prayer, volunteer service, donations and financial support over time, strengthening trust and partnership.

Serving pregnancy resource centers cultivates a culture of life, compassion and gospel presence in your community. As churches partner with these centers, they reflect the heart of Psalm 139: a God who forms, knows and values every life.