Why I Serve – Amy Holloway

Rev. Amy Holloway joined Associates’ Board in 2010.  Her first exposure to Associates in Christian Counseling came at our annual banquet 4 years ago.  Having just moved here to join the staff at First Presbyterian Church, one of our clinicians, Dr. Greene, invited her to attend so she might become familiar with this ministry.

When asked last fall to serve on the Board, the “yes” came easily and quickly.  Holloway felt it was an opportunity to give back because of what Associates has given to her as a resource in her calling as a pastor.

Amy went on to explain…
“I believe we live in a fallen world with people who are wounded in body, mind and soul. God uses counselors with their tools and training to help redeem our woundedness.  Wounds are real and God is real.  Our emotional lives are an important part of who we are and it is God’s work to redeem them.”  She went on to say that Associates’ clinicians bring a level of excellence and integrity to the glory of Christ which comes from the Kingdom values within them to each of their clients on their journey.

As a pastor, Amy is thankful for the Client Assistance Program at Associates.  “When I suggest counseling to someone, the response may be ‘I can’t afford it.’ It means a lot to be able to tell them that doesn’t have to be a roadblock.  For some it may turn out to be a matter of priorities rather than finance but for others, cost really is an obstacle.  I hope my service on the Board will help to raise awareness of the need for greater community financial support to overcome those obstacles.”

In conclusion, Pastor Holloway would like to assure others that counseling is not an admission of defeat or failure.  Rather she believes it should be seen as an act of discipleship so that we may each do the best we can in all of our relationships.  “Individuals who are in the process of healing impact those around themselves and this ripple effect continues on to our community.  It is a great witness to the belief that Christ came to redeem every part of us.”

Amy Holloway is Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem.

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