I recently read a wonderful book called Building an Effective Women’s Ministry, by Sharon Jaynes. In one chapter, Amanda Bailey, who started Hannah’s Heart ministry for women experiencing infertility and miscarriage, shares how she began her program.

She started with some nonnegotiables – values the leadership team wanted to establish that keep your ministry on track with what God is calling you to do.

Hannah’s Heart ministry motto is: We are a network of women experiencing infertility but seeking a fertile life.

Here are their nonnegotiables:

Children are a gift from God, and God alone is the source of life. We deny that the conceiving and bearing of children are indications of greater character, spiritual maturity, or merited divine favor.

Seeking of God’s will through prayer is a valid and powerful means of understanding the heart of God concerning infertility, miscarriage, and adoption.

God does not want us to struggle alone and has designed the community of the body of Christ to help bear our burdens and encourage us to remain steadfast in our love of God.

God wants us to share the grace He offers to us with all women so that they may come to know Him in this journey and for their whole lives.

Being first adopted into God’s family and chosen by Him, we affirm that every member of our earthly families (whether through biology, adoption, or blending) is an integral part of God’s plan in the lives of His children.