Meet Emma Baltezore | Founder and Executive Director of One Christian Network

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Baltezore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, how does your business help the community?
Our nonprofit, One Christian Network unites the church to transform the community. We mobilize God’s people and resources by creating a hub of communication, connection, and collaboration. We have 4 “Reimagine Wilmington” initiatives centered around united prayer, foster care, affordable housing, and church/school partnerships. For each of these we have a network of leaders working together to solve issues in a way that they couldn’t do alone. We communicate awareness of resources events through social media, email, and our website. We connect people to resources and people to each other. from individuals who need furniture, to nonprofits who need funding. We bring people together around many different topics to foster collaboration for greater impact.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One Christian network was founded in the summer of 2014. I helped a pastor named Michael Thornton and several pastors plan a city wide prayer march for racial reconciliation the year prior and saw first hand what can happen when the body of Christ works together. Due to our city’s deep racially divisive history tracing back to the only successful coup d’état in America in 1898,
Leading up to the event, many leaders were gathering as ONE to build trusting relationships. Over 1000 people came together for prayer, worship and unity. It was amazing! But, I knew it couldn’t end there!

Also, in my previous experience with different outreaches and ministries, I always found it difficult to spread the word of what events or resources were available to a city which also led to duplication. So I combined the need for leaders to build trusting relationships across racial and denominational lines with the need to communicate resources and events to begin One Christian Network.

I am a former teacher of 12 years teaching K-2 in New Hanover County Schools. I believe that teaching helped foster endurance, problem-solving, conflict management, and hardwork ethic which helped set me up for the work I am doing now. I began One Christian Nework while I was teaching because I felt like God was calling me to unite leaders and I couldn’t shake it. As I began taking one step, it lead to another. I doubted so many times if I was on the track or if I was cut out to do it, but through prayer, mentors, and circumstances, I kept showing up. Since I am a woman, not a pastor, and have little formal ministry training, I know many people thought I shouldn’t be in this role. It has been intimidating at times, but when you know you are called to something, you are inwardly driven, and don’t let outside influences stop you. I also couldn’t lead this ministry if it wasn’t for my amazing husband, Allen, daughters (Willow and Selah), my family, and friends.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend visited the area, I would take them to the beach of course which is my happy place! If it was in the summer, I would take them to the board walk to Britt’s Doughnuts and fireworks on Thursday night. I would take them to The Kitchen Sink for lunch downtown, walk on the water and get Gelatro. I would also take them to all of the cute shops downtown and fun new coffee shops, like Hidden Grounds Coffee and The Maroon Monkey Coffee,. I would also take them toThe Roastery because it supports people in poverty and you can meet some amazing people there.. I would also take them to the Loop in Wrightville Beach, the secret mailbox, Mayfaire, free live music and to watch a sunset on the dock at River Rd park. Fish Bites, The Basics, Chow Thai, and Indochine would be restaurants we would try to hit up as well! I love Wilmington and all that it has to offer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Pastor Michael Thornton lead a city wide prayer march for racial reconcilation. in 2013 that opened up my eyes to division in the church, but also the power of unity and collaboration. He was a catalyst for the launch of One Christian Nework.

Website: https://www.onechristiannetwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onecnilm/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onechristiannetwork

Image Credits
Shout Productions