Servant Spotlight: Amanda Stallard
Amanda Stallard, a native of DeLand, Florida, is currently the Chair of New Life's Connections Committee, a member of Church Council, and the Director for this year's Vacation Bible School (and she's still begging for volunteers)! During the day, Amanda, a self-described clean freak who cries at sappy commercials, is employed by Capital One in Human Resources Recruiting. In her spare time, she serves as an advisor for the Zeta Tau Alpha (her sorority) chapter at Virginia Commonwealth University. Even though she acknowledges that this is a huge time commitment, Amanda finds it incredibly rewarding to help mentor and shape the lives of young women at such a critical time in their lives. In the little free time she has left, she loves to read, watch silly TV shows, play with her dog, and Facetime with her nephews (ages 16, 2, and 16 months), who are always learning and saying ridiculous and hilarious things.
Approximately two years ago, after several years working in professional ministry, to include working as a Director of Christian Education with a specialty in Children's Ministry, Amanda was called to a new career path and suddenly found herself without a church home. Many of her friends attended New Life, and after visiting several times, she was impressed by the vision for outreach and mission, the theology and music in worship, and the opportunities for strong discipleship. She joined New Life a little over a year ago and has not looked back! Her favorite parts of New Life are the church’s commitment to serving the community, willingness to try new things, intentional connectionalism, the people, and Leigh Ann Fauerbach's chocolate chip cookies! Amanda is very grateful to be a part of the New Life family!
Amanda says that being involved at New Life challenges her to remember the importance of community—and specifically Christian community. At this stage in her life, it would be incredibly easy for her to silo herself in her career or commitments and forget to be a working and active member of the Body of Christ. However, Christ called us serve our neighbor, fellowship and study the Word in groups, and participate in communal worship. "New Life constantly reminds me to do 'Life Together' and that has strengthened my faith in leaps and bounds."
Amanda urges newcomers to New Life to get involved, "Whether you paint the walls, volunteer in the nursery, or plant in the garden...whatever spiritual gift you have, share it! It's a great way to meet new people and feel engaged in this community. Also, join a Life Group—you won’t be sorry you did!"
Citing a quote by British songwriter and musician Roger Hodgson, Amanda believes that as a follower of Christ, stewardship is very important, "Give a little bit. Give a little bit of your love to me. I'll give a little bit. I'll give a little bit of my life to you. There's so much that we need to share, so send a smile and show you care." Amanda believes that, "God has given us so much—giving a little bit of our gifts, our talents, our time, our attention, our money...it seems like the (very) least we can do in return, don't you think?"
