{"id":30809,"date":"2022-09-10T15:05:22","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/7-ways-your-church-can-lead-in-a-post-roe-world\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:05:22","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:05:22","slug":"7-ways-your-church-can-lead-in-a-post-roe-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/7-ways-your-church-can-lead-in-a-post-roe-world\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways Your Church Can Lead in a Post-Roe World"},"content":{"rendered":"
Amr Taha™ photo – Unsplash <\/p>\n

How does the church become the safest place for women facing unplanned pregnancies in a post-Roe<\/em> world? What does this look like in practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Mary Holloman<\/em><\/p>\n

Editor’s note: This article was originally published after a Supreme Court draft opinion was leaked earlier this year. On June 24, the Supreme Court voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision with its decision in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women\u2019s Health Organization.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf Roe<\/em> is overturned, are you out of a job?\u201d<\/p>\n

The question didn\u2019t surprise me. Having worked at a pregnancy resource center for nearly a decade, I\u2019ve noticed a common theme among those of us who identify as pro-life.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re obsessed with Roe v. Wade<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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And understandably so. Roe<\/em> represents a pivotal time in our country\u2019s history\u2014the establishment of a woman\u2019s absolute, constitutional right to abortion. Many of us have prayed fervently for an end to Roe<\/em>, while grieving the more than 63 million lives lost to abortion since 1973.<\/p>\n

In the wake of the unprecedented leak of the Supreme Court draft decision to overturn Roe v. Wade<\/em>, we find ourselves facing the very real possibility of a post-Roe<\/em> world\u2014a world where hundreds of thousands of children will now have the chance to live.<\/p>\n

But a post-Roe<\/em> world wouldn\u2019t mean the end of abortion. Rather, decision-making about abortion would return to individual states. As many as 21 states are poised to either ban abortions or severely restrict them.<\/p>\n

A possible post-Roe<\/em> world<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So back to the question so many are asking: Would the end of Roe<\/em> mean the pro-life movement is \u201cout of a job\u201d?<\/p>\n

The end of Roe<\/em> changes everything. But in many ways, it changes nothing.<\/p>\n

The end of Roe changes everything. But in many ways, it changes nothing for the pro-life movement. \u2014 @mtholloman Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

As we rejoice over the thousands of lives that could be saved, we must also prepare for the reality that this decision would be frightening news for many women. For the woman facing an unplanned pregnancy, fear is a powerful force in her decision-making, and abortion may feel like the only way out.<\/p>\n

That fear may be amplified even more if her \u201cway out\u201d becomes harder to obtain.<\/p>\n

Abortions may decrease, but the number of women in need of support during and after pregnancy will only increase. So the church must lead the way by welcoming mothers and families with acts of service and sacrificial love.<\/p>\n

So how does the church become the safest place for a woman facing an unplanned pregnancy? What does this look like in practice?<\/p>\n

Here are 7 suggestions for how your church can lead the way in a potential post-Roe<\/em> world.<\/p>\n

1. Reach out to your local pregnancy resource center<\/strong><\/h3>\n

There are more than 2,500 pregnancy resource centers across the United States. Each of these depends on the involvement and support of local churches to serve women and families. Take the initiative to invite a representative to your church for a meeting to listen and learn how you can come alongside them in a post-Roe<\/em> world.<\/p>\n

2. Give financially<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Evaluate your church budget and consider how to give sacrificially to meet the needs of women in unplanned pregnancies. At The Pregnancy Network (TPN), we challenge churches to give monthly. If it takes about $1,200 (estimated based on costs of a pregnancy test, ultrasound, RN services, classes, advocacy, etc.) to empower one woman to choose life, how many women could your church empower?<\/p>\n

3. Speak from the pulpit<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to a Lifeway Research study, half of men whose partners received an abortion were attending a Christian church at the time. Another study found more than 4 in 10 women were attending church at the time of their abortions, but only 7% of women discussed their decision with anyone at their church.<\/p>\n

When we refuse to discuss abortion, unplanned pregnancy, and the hard choices surrounding each, it fosters a fear of judgment and rejection in the hearts of mothers and fathers. \u2014 @mtholloman Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

Pastors and church leaders must not shy away from addressing these difficult topics. Rather, a gentle and regular cascade of truth wrapped in love and compassionate support must be the anthem of every church. When we refuse to discuss abortion, unplanned pregnancy, and the hard choices surrounding each, it fosters a fear of judgment and rejection in the hearts of mothers and fathers.<\/p>\n

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See also  What if My Calling\u00a0Causes My Kids Pain?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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4. Share stories<\/strong><\/h3>\n

At TPN, we\u2019ve made a concerted effort to share stories through video, podcasts, and blogs and have seen them make a significant impact within the church. When we share stories of the brave women who choose life in the face of immense social and economic pressures, we stir the hearts of church members, build compassion, and normalize conversations around these tough topics. <\/p>\n

Ask your partnering pregnancy center for any videos they have. If they don\u2019t have any, consider offering your available resources to help create content.<\/p>\n

5. Serve as mentors<\/strong><\/h3>\n

At The Pregnancy Network, our Connect Program links women facing unplanned pregnancies with women in the church to create long-term, healthy support networks. We\u2019ve had church members help new mothers unload moving trucks, cook dinners, provide Christmas gifts, donate furniture and cars, attend doctor appointments, and organize playdates. <\/p>\n

By living life together with women in the church, young mothers are learning they\u2019re truly not alone, even long after giving birth. If your local pregnancy center doesn\u2019t have a mentorship program in place, ask what you can do to help get one started.<\/p>\n

6. Initiate relationships with local organizations that help women and families<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Identify five organizations in your area that specialize in supporting women, children, and families. Then reach out to schedule a meeting. From there, you can find out which ones your church is uniquely equipped to serve, and delegate a few church members to serve as liaisons. <\/p>\n

Some ideas to get you started: your local pregnancy center, foster care organizations, maternity homes, or your county\u2019s department of social services.<\/p>\n

7. Pray<\/strong><\/h3>\n

God uses prayer to transform the hearts of His people and move them to action. And a true culture of life within the church must begin with fervent prayer. Start with a small group of leaders within your church or schedule a church-wide prayer meeting.<\/p>\n

Ask God to reveal the ways your church is uniquely equipped to serve women and families within your community. \u2014 @mtholloman Click To Tweet <\/p>\n

Ask God to reveal the ways your church is uniquely equipped to serve women and families within your community. Then pray God would break your hearts over abortion and foster a compassionate love for women facing unplanned pregnancies. <\/p>\n

The heart of the pro-life movement<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the goal of the pro-life movement were to overturn Roe<\/em>, then yes, many of us would be out of a job in a post-Roe<\/em> world. But while legislation is a necessary and integral part of the work to uphold the sanctity of life, it\u2019s not our ultimate aim.<\/p>\n

We are pro-life because we recognize that an assault on human life\u2014on image bearers\u2014is an assault on our Creator.<\/p>\n

In his book Knowing God<\/em>, J. I. Packer makes the argument that those who know God have great energy for God. He says, \u201cWhile their God is being defied or disregarded, they cannot rest; they feel they must do something; the dishonor done to God\u2019s name goads them into action.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, brothers and sisters in Christ\u2014we cannot rest.<\/p>\n

Because we love God, we love the women and men facing unplanned pregnancies and their unborn children.<\/p>\n

Because we love God, we will continue to be innovative in the ways we create a culture of life within our churches.<\/p>\n

Because we love God, we will lead the way in helping families flourish and thrive in our communities.<\/p>\n

Are we out of a job?<\/p>\n

Brothers and sisters in Christ\u2014the work has just begun.<\/p>\n

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Mary Holloman<\/h2>\n

@mtholloman<\/p>\n

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Mary is the communications coordinator for The Pregnancy Network in Greensboro, North Carolina. She has written for numerous organizations, and is a contributing author for two books. Her debut picture book, The Anxious Lily<\/em> (End Game Press) releases in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n