Sharing Her Faith
Terra Townsend has enjoyed the opportunity to serve in different roles at The Christ School, making a difference in each one. Currently, she serves as 6th Grade Bible and 6th & 7th Grade Latin teacher, as well as assisting the Academic Office with a variety of tasks. In January, she will also serve as TCS Chapel Coordinator, a role that is dear to her heart.
“I was the Children’s Pastor at Christ Church of Orlando (CCO) for over 12 ½ years and have been a teacher even longer,” says Terra. “Honestly, though, ministry wasn’t something I ever wanted to do as I come from a long line of pastors and did everything to avoid it. During graduate school in Pennsylvania, I came down to visit family and when God moves, He moves! While visiting, the opportunity presented itself for me to join the CCO staff. It was something I never thought I would ever do but, surprise!” she smiles.
“I left my position at CCO back in 2013 when our family relocated back to Pennsylvania. There, I served as the Director of Admissions and Development at Lehigh Christian Academy. It was a very short stay as we made the decision to return to Orlando after only 10 cold months. That’s when I joined the staff here at TCS. After a year out of ministry, my heart was empty, but was fulfilled again as I began teaching 8th grade Bible last year. That was the nudge that I needed to remind me of what God has called me to do. I knew in my heart that I would only find peace and fullfillment by sharing Jesus with kids! There is no greater feeling than sharing the love of Christ and teaching God’s truth!”
“I love teaching middle school because they are just beginning to become independent thinkers and there isn’t a better time to strengthen their faith,” says Terra. “They ask questions and want to know more. This is really is the time that their faith transitions. It transitions from ‘mom and dad taking them to church’ to their own personal relationship with God – it becomes real for the first time. It really is a privilege to have a front row seat as they grow!”
Terra and her husband, Gerald, have been married for almost 12 years and we have two children at TCS, Jude, who is in 4th grade, and Quinn, who is in 1st grade. Terra serves as a worship leader at her church. “I love to sing!” she says. “I am an avid runner with two marathons under my belt and will be running in my 26th half marathon in January. I also love to shop.”
“I love seeing my own children every day at TCS,” Terra continues.”There are few jobs that allow you to see your kids during the day. Just stopping by the lunchroom and giving a quick hug makes my day complete.”
“I love that The Christ School is preparing students for real life Biblically.” she says. “By teaching not just the basics but the ‘why’ behind what we believe. TCS students are equipped with God’s word and are being taught to view the world through a biblical lens. They know how to filter ‘life’ through God’s word and make decisions that are weighed against scripture. It’s rewarding to know that I’ve contributed to their firm foundation in Christ!”
Terra shares her favorite Bible verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.– Romans 8:28.