Mission
Our mission is to mobilize God’s people and resources by creating a hub of connection, communication, and collaboration.
Vision
Our vision is to unite the church to transform the city.
We Exist
To unite the Body of Christ through meaningful connection, shared resources, and a common purpose rooted in faith.
Core values
Unity
Embracing the diversity of the Christian community while fostering a sense of solidarity and cohesion. Striving to build bridges across denominational, backgrounds, and racial lines to achieve common goals, recognizing the strength and beauty in collective oneness.
Prayer
Acknowledging the importance of reliance on God with everything we do. Seeking guidance, wisdom, and strength through prayer in both personal and collective endeavors, recognizing it as the foundation of how change happens.
Love
Embodying the core Christian principle of love, extending compassion, kindness, and empathy towards all individuals. Cultivating an environment where people feel unconditionally cared for in tangible ways.
Service
Demonstrating a commitment to selflessly serving others, following the example set by Jesus. Actively seeking opportunities to meet the needs of the community, through acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Innovation
At our core, we embrace innovation as a means to effectively carry out our mission of unifying the body of Christ. We continuously seek fresh ideas and creative solutions to mobilize God’s people and resources. By fostering a spirit of innovation, we remain adaptable and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community and world.
Everyone Flourishing
We are committed to the flourishing of every individual in our community. This value drives us to seek the peace and welfare of our city by finding practical solutions to our city’s greatest needs. We believe that as each member thrives, the entire community grows stronger.
Our Story
In the summer of 2014, Emma Baltezore founded One Christian Network after a pivotal experience. The year before, Emma helped organize a citywide prayer march for racial reconciliation. This event showcased the transformative power of unity within the body of Christ, especially in a city with a deep history of racial division dating back to the 1898 coup d’état. As leaders gathered to build trusting relationships before the march, over 1000 people joined in prayer, worship, and unity. The impact was profound, but Emma sensed the need for ongoing efforts beyond that moment.
Drawing from her past experiences with various outreaches and ministries, Emma recognized another common challenge- the difficulty of spreading information about events and resources, often leading to duplication. This realization, coupled with the urgency to foster trust across racial and denominational lines, became the catalyst for the inception of One Christian Network. The organization was born from a dual purpose: to strengthen relationships and facilitate effective communication of resources and events within the community. We believe one connection can change a situation, a life, or a community. We foster those connections! Will you join us as we build a hub for the body of Christ to work together for Wilmington?
Leadership – Meet the Team:
Staff
Emma Baltezore
Founder & Executive Director
Emma Baltezore is the Founder and Executive Director of One Christian Network, where she has been connecting Christian leaders and community members with resources since 2014. She was recognized by Governor Cooper for her volunteer work during Hurricane Florence in 2019, and was awarded the 40 Under 40 award by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Star News in 2020 in recognition of her work in the community. Emma was integral in the foundation of New Hanover Disaster Coalition and currently serves on the board as co-chair. She is also involved in the Cape Fear Continuum of Care which supports housing insecure people, Cape Fear Housing Coalition, and New Hanover Resiliency Task Force. Emma holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNCW and taught in New Hanover County Schools for 12 years. Emma lives in Wilmington with her husband Allen and their two children.
Carrissa Henry
Admin & Executive Assistant
Carrissa Henry is the Administrator and Executive Assistant for OCN in addition to being the founder of Journeying Zion. Journeying Zion is a ministry for women who need authentic friendships, want to deepen their understanding of Biblical truth, and have freedom in Christ. God has called her to teach and disciple other women. She is also passionate about helping people receive freedom through Jesus. In addition, she leads adventure trips for Christian women. She moved to Wilmington with her husband in 2022. Carrissa graduated from Southeastern University with a B.S. degree in Psychology with minors in business and religion.
Board Members
Lynn Daniell
Vice President
Lynn Daniell and his wife Sarah moved from Raleigh NC to Wilmington in 2017. Lynn retired from the Raleigh Rescue Mission where was the Executive Director and served the Raleigh homeless community for 25 years. He truly believes the homeless can find their way home. Lynn served on many committees and Boards which included the city, nonprofits, and churches. He is a graduate of NC State University from the School of Textiles and worked in several industries for 20+ years. Lynn and Sarah have 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. They attend Port City Community Church.
Shinita Williams
Treasurer
Shinita Williams is a native of Wilmington NC and the middle child of five. Shinita is an avid volunteer and has served the following nonprofits over the years: Meals on Wheels, Good Shepherd, Philippians 3 Ministries and Auxiliary at New Hanover Hospital. She has produced Christian shows since 2007. She is the founder of So Does Your Church Have Talent?, Faith Ignited, and Give Back, Get Back, in addition to producing shows, Shinita is also a motivational speaker and believes her greatest gift is uniting people through the power of music.
Advisory Board
Biz Zeller
Biz Zeller is a follower of Jesus who brings the wisdom of two unique careers into her work of walking alongside city network leaders, nonprofit directors, and those leading kingdom-minded businesses and organizations. She counts it a privilege to listen, pray, ask thoughtful questions, and create space for leaders to process their journeys with the Lord and those they serve daily.
Married for 42 years, Biz and her husband enjoy life with their three adult children and four beautiful granddaughters. Whether traveling, hosting leaders, boating, or sharing good food, she loves growing in community with those around her.
Alisa Newber
Alisa Newber is CEO of Stand Against Trafficking USA (StATUSA), a faith-based nonprofit combating human trafficking and supporting survivors through advocacy, safe housing, and community training. With over a decade of experience in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership, she is passionate about building partnerships, developing housing initiatives, and creating sustainable solutions that help people heal and thrive. Alisa lives in Wilmington with her husband, John, and their three adult children.
Rev. Jermaine Armour
Rev. Jermaine B. Armour has served in pastoral ministry since 1999 and is currently the Senior Pastor of Saint Luke AME Zion Church in Wilmington, NC. A native of Buffalo, NY, he holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from the Interdenominational Theology Center and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Livingstone College.
Known for his practical and dynamic teaching style, Rev. Armour has spoken at schools, conferences, and media platforms, equipping people to apply biblical truths to everyday life. He is also the founder of Armour Up Consulting, which specializes in leadership development and community engagement.
An advocate for public service, he serves on multiple boards and committees, including WARM, Kids Making It, and Wilmington’s Faith Leaders United. He and his wife, Tanya, have been married since 2000 and are the proud parents of two young adults, Jadah Alana and Jermaine Elijah.
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