Staff Spotlight: Christine Pearson
Christine Pearson
ARMS Executive Administrator
Christine joined ARMS in 2023 and supports our team with a variety of administrative functions. She’s worked closely with Her Journey leaders, volunteers, events and more to strengthen community ties. If you’ve ever called the ARMS office, chances are you’ve talked to her!
What inspires you most about the mission of ARMS?
I appreciate that ARMS tackles the problem of domestic abuse from all angles, so matter where you find yourself in relation to this harmful experience, whether you’re struggling to get through it yourself, wanting to support someone you love who’s caught in the cycle of abuse, or seeking education for your professional role, there’s resources at ARMS for you.
What has been your favorite memory at ARMS so far?
The first year I was part of the annual Banquet. You could feel the solidarity and inspiration from all the guests as they came in, their excitement at being a part of the healing journey for so many people. The atmosphere was a special blend of seriousness and hope as we all heard the stories shared by our speakers, and there were lots of conversations afterwards of people sharing their own stories and encouragement. That’s the power of people coming together to help one another.
What do you hope people experience through ARMS?
God’s presence. There are so many voices talking about who God is or isn’t, and in the complexity of unhealthy relationships, even a small misinterpretation can create a heavy burden because you’re just trying to get through one more day. It can be hard to open up to experiencing God if you’ve been hurt or hurt others. I hope that the message in every ARMS group is simply let’s sit with this and invite God to be with us.
What part of your role brings you the most joy?
Witnessing the positive changes in people’s lives in real time when they find support at ARMS. If I compare the interactions I have with men and women when they first connect with ARMS, to our interactions farther down the road, the difference is astounding. I get to witness people becoming who God created them to be, full of confidence and compassion, a renewed way to live as themselves and part of their communities and families.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about ARMS?
How easy it is to become a part of this ministry! There’s a way for anyone to help us grow and reach more people. It can be as simple as putting up a flyer, inviting a friend to an ARMS group, or hosting a mini fundraiser with your community or church. Everyone can impact people around the world when they support ARMS.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Completing a successful event or writing project. It’s rewarding to see a plan come together, people working in sync as a team, and everyone involved enjoying the experience. And personally rewarding to complete a great new resource or training course!
What keeps you motivated each day?
There’s two parts to this. One is that I know God has called me to ministry, specifically women’s ministry. And the second is because I know firsthand what a difference it could have made if my family and friends had an ARMS program to help them break free from the cycle of abuse. Like many people, my family suffered from the generational cycle of abuse, and I know that without programs like ARMS and many others, that will go on and on for many people. Every day that I show up as part of this team means one step closer to healing and freedom.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I enjoy anything involving storytelling—listening to audiobooks or music, watching really good TV series and movies, playing live roleplaying games with friends—something where I can be creative or enjoy someone else’s creativity.
Share one fun fact about yourself.
I once had the opportunity to dance at a weekend dance ministry convention in Times Square! It was an amazing weekend of worship and sharing the good news through art.