Our Mission

The mission of Heart Change Ministries is to serve the less privileged women of Indianapolis with the gospel of grace, equipping them to live as God intended; as women, mothers, and members of their communities.

 

Heart Change Ministries is a response to the call of God to “make disciples.” “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that without heart change, all forms of physical support the community or government might provide will yield only temporary improvements or advancements in the lives of the poor and needy.

We believe that conversion without discipleship puts every believer at risk of never knowing the power of the gospel for this life as described in Matthew :

no roots to endure through trials.

choked out by the cares and deceitfulness of this world

Reading to Children

Our Guiding Principles:

  • This is not a glorified social work. Every class taught, relationship built, meal served, smile offered, is for Christ, in Christ and through Christ. He is the center.
  • Those who serve through Heart Change must abide in Him and move as the Holy Spirit leads. He will make the path clear.
  • We must balance the physical needs of those we serve with the spiritual needs rather than allowing the physical needs tocause us to lose focus on that which is lasting and the true need of every person
  • A sense of community is key to participation and change. This is a relationship, not a project.
  • We serve with humility and, “but for the grace of God, there go I.”
    Sewing Project

    Making Beauty - Sewing Project

Key Insights that drive the character and components of Heart Change Ministries

Women want to be good mothers and to provide for their families. They are doing the best they can with what they know and have seen modeled. Since most were not mothered themselves, this is a difficult goal to achieve.

Most of these women became mothers during their high school years. Pregnancy during the teen years stops cognitive development. These are women raising children while still children themselves.

Women who are jobless or underemployed constantly wrestle with conflicting attitudes toward the children: their children are both blessing and burden. Older female relatives and friends may be judging them rather than supporting them for choosing to have the children rather than aborting them.

Women and children are the fastest growing demographic within the homeless population in the U.S. Nationally 36% of the homeless are women with children and 26% in Marion County.

Painting Project

Making Beauty - Painting Project

Beyond the documented homeless, there are the invisible homeless of Indianapolis: women (and their children)– literally thousands of them who are living roof to roof or “couch surfing,” frequently exchanging sex for shelter and food for themselves and their children. Many are living in dangerous environments: drugs, violence, and illegal activities. Most are current or former victims of domestic violence and abuse. These women are modeling this form of homelessness for their children, perpetuating the behavior, from generation to generation.

Among these women are those who come to Christ or want to pursue Christ, but are living in a state of constant chaos and uncertainty with men who do not view Christ, church or any other “religious” influence as valid or desirable.

Among these women are those who express a desire for change, but see many barriers to successful change in their current circumstances. They consistently express the need and desire for new or different friends and positive relationships, which they don’t feel are available to them.

 

 

 

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