​ Our Christian Resource Center Story
In 2015, a group of visionary leaders came together with a shared mission: to foster collaboration among churches and nonprofits. These leaders were driven by a common goal—to unite their efforts in a way that would effectively serve at-risk families, encouraging them to break free from the cycle of poverty. The formation of the Christian Resource Center (CRC) was the result of their dedication and determination.
The journey began with Hill Country Bible Church, which was already actively collaborating with Mission Possible in East Austin and the Grace Family Resource Center in St. John’s. They envisioned a Resource Center in Cedar Park to extend their reach and impact. Around the same time, Bethany United Methodist Church proposed creating a center called "Circle of Care" in Cedar Park. Recognizing the potential for synergy, Hill Country Bible Church joined Bethany to explore the possibilities.
During these discussions, a pivotal moment occurred at a Baptist Convention in Dallas. Pastor Nathan of Twin Lakes Fellowship met Chris Rowley from Women’s Job Corp. Chris was searching for a location for a nonprofit called Servants of the City. This connection sparked the formation of what would become the Christian Resource Center.
The idea for the CRC was birthed from years of frustration experienced by church and faith-based nonprofit leaders. They had regularly hosted network meetings to brainstorm ways to better serve families in need. While these meetings were beneficial, they often fell short of providing concrete solutions to the challenges they faced. Two major issues were repeatedly identified:
1. Lack of Follow-Through by Service Providers: Many providers struggled with accountability and resource limitations.
2. Challenges Faced by Families Seeking Services: Families often dealt with barriers like transportation issues, time constraints, lack of childcare, and the fear of facing yet another rejection.
From these challenges emerged a powerful idea: to be truly effective, community stakeholders needed to create a comprehensive plan that addressed all the needs of the family. This required close collaboration, heightened accountability, resource sharing, and the establishment of a centralized service center.
The CRC was created to embody this vision. Its mission was to ensure that every man, woman, and child within a 10-mile radius had repeated opportunities to hear, see, and feel the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The CRC encouraged united churches to "own the lostness" of their community, taking collective responsibility for its spiritual and physical well-being.
Since its inception, the Christian Resource Center has witnessed the transformative power of collaboration. The unity among churches and the strength of the prayer movement have been instrumental in its success. By working together, they have experienced renewed joy in serving and have seen a significant impact in the lives of those they help. Families receive substantially more assistance, leading to sustainability and the realization of their dreams.
The Christian Resource Center stands as a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leaders unite with a shared purpose. Their story is one of hope, determination, and unwavering faith in the power of community to bring about lasting change.
OUR MISSION
The Christian Resource Center and its supporting churches spread the love of Jesus by empowering its member ministries through advocacy, relationships, and service.