Pastors can agree that preaching the gospel to their congregation is simple. Sharing that God sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to save mankind is the essence of their sermons.

However, speaking on a topic such as abortion is not as clear-cut and can be risky. Many pastors express hesitation about addressing the issue for several recurring reasons, such as:

• It’s too controversial.
• It’s too political.
• It’s a distraction from the gospel.
• It’s not a problem in my congregation.
• It’s too painful to bring up for my post-abortive congregants.

Now that we know why pastors are not speaking on abortion, how can they overcome these obstacles and share from a place of love and grace?

Find Common Ground with Your Congregation

Sharing on the topic of abortion has the potential to offend people. But doesn’t the gospel? Isn’t the gospel the most offensive message on earth?

What if sharing the gospel and sharing a message on abortion weren’t all that different? Speaking on abortion from the pulpit can easily be tied into a Sunday morning sermon.

According to the Washington Stand, 70% of those surveyed indicated that they would like their church to provide additional biblical worldview education related to abortion and the value of human life.

So, let’s start there and find some common ground.

Christians believe that all life has value, purpose, and worth. This is true because all of humanity is made in the image of God.

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27, NIV

What makes a human life valuable?

It’s not size. It’s not location. It’s not dependence. It’s not even self-awareness. All human life is valuable because it bears God’s image — the imago Dei. From conception until death, every life and every breath matters to God because we are His image bearers. And because it matters to Him, it should matter to us.

Present the Simple Gospel

Jesus died for all; we are all sinners in need of God’s grace and saving mercy. Women who are pursuing an abortion need Jesus. Women who have aborted their children need Jesus. So does the person in the congregation who may be struggling with alcohol, pornography, or gambling. Pastor Connor Baxter from Onward Community Church says it this way, “Sin unites us in our need for a Savior.”

As pastors, treating the sin of abortion is no different.

Repent. Commit to accountability. Seek help. Move forward with truth.

There are post-abortive men and women sitting in congregations who are desperate to hear truth. In fact, nearly 4 out of 10 post-abortive women report that they underwent an abortion while they were active in the church. They need to know that forgiveness and healing is available.

The gospel is about relationship with the Lord. We bring Him our past, sin, and shame, and He extends forgiveness and healing. Sharing about abortion does not need to be complicated. It does not need to be political. Just present the gospel and allow the Holy Spirit to minister as you do.

“Do I trust God to protect his ministry through me when I preach inconvenient truth?”

Scott Klusendorf

A Sign of the Times: Is Abortion in the Bible?

Where is abortion mentioned in the Bible, if at all? And should pastors discuss it from the pulpit if it’s not explicitly named?

While the Bible doesn’t use the term “abortion,” it clearly condemns murder and the common ancient practice of the killing of children in child sacrifice.

“They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molek, though I never commanded — nor did it enter my mind — that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin.” Jeremiah 32:35, NIV

Children were sacrificed to pagan gods — something God calls detestable. Proverbs 6 names six things that God hates, listing “hands that shed innocent blood.” Though the cultural context differs, the principle is clear: God values every life and explicitly demands the protection of children.

Abortion today is often about convenience. One top reason women choose abortion, according to Guttmacher, is because “having a baby would dramatically change my life.” Abortion has taken the lives of 73 million people, making it the leading cause of death worldwide in 2025. Unlike deaths from illness or accidents, these are intentional acts that discard not something, but someone.

We’re All Ministers of the Gospel

Another way pastors can address abortion is with the goal of uniting all believers in ministry. To be in ministry means to serve the person in front of you. The local church exists to equip the saints for the work of ministry. We aren’t meant to be bystanders.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22, NIV

Women facing unexpected pregnancies are in need of help and resources; the church is the perfect place to serve these needs. Perhaps your church is interested in hosting a small group or serving in your local pregnancy center. Sermon guides and templates are available to help you address abortion from the pulpit.

Know that your courage will have eternal impact.

Every pastor can speak on the topic of abortion because it drives us to the gospel. It’s not a distraction from the gospel, but another arrow leading to the truth: We all need a Savior. We all need forgiveness from our sins.

Christian pro-life apologist Scott Klusendorf challenges pastors to ask themselves this heart-searching question: “Do I trust God to protect his ministry through me when I preach inconvenient truth?”

Though speaking on abortion may feel inconvenient to some pastors, it’s a matter of life or death to everyone.