In part one of our two-part series on The Church and Abortion, “Dear Pastor: Your Congregation Needs Your Voice on Abortion”, we addressed why organizations like Human Coalition are necessary given that the Church is pro-life and why the Church alone is not sufficient to solve the issue of abortion today.
Today, we’ll dive deeper into how the Church can lead in solving the problem of abortion.
Quick Review: The Church Is Paralyzed
Yes, the Church (capital “C,” the entire body of Christ) should be at the forefront of solving the issue of abortion. The Bible is very clear that every person, both in the womb and outside of it, bears the image of God and has inherent worth, value, and dignity. Some key passages from the Bible include Genesis 1:27, Genesis 9:6, and Psalm 139:13–16.
The Church is called to boldly lead the fight for life by protecting the preborn and their mothers and to courageously speak for those who can’t defend themselves. Yet because the Church is paralyzed when it comes to abortion, it has become ineffective in addressing this issue.
That’s why pro-life advocates and organizations like Human Coalition are so crucial: They bring awareness to the horrors of abortion and help activate churches to lead the fight in their congregations and communities with grace.
5 Ways the Church Can Lead
1: Shine a Light on the Issue from the Pulpit
Pastors have a unique and pivotal role in leading the conversation about the sanctity of life.
By openly sharing what the Bible says about abortion and the value of life, pastors can guide their congregations with grace and wisdom.
This leadership doesn’t require having all the answers, but rather a willingness to explore biblical truth and start the conversation both spiritually and emotionally.
Pastors also have the opportunity to model vulnerability. If they’ve been personally impacted by abortion, sharing that experience can create a safe space for others in the congregation to open up. God often uses personal stories to bring healing and hope in remarkable ways.
For example, Jeff Bradford, president of Human Coalition, and his fiancée (now wife) made the decision to abort their first child. For seventeen years, they kept this painful secret to themselves, feeling that their abortion was an “unforgivable sin.” Eventually, they experienced the liberating forgiveness of Christ and now share their story across the country. Proverbs 28:13 reminds us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
2: Teach Biblical Truth About the Sanctity of Life
Sanctity of life is foundational to the Christian faith. If life is not sacred, then why did God create us in His image and send His Son to save us?
From conception until death, every human life is sacred because every person has been created by God and in His image.
Pastors have the responsibility to teach biblical truth about abortion and the sanctify of life. Here are some key Bible verses that pastors can share:
Human life is created by God.
God formed every human being.
Preborn children are a blessing from the Lord.
There is life and a purpose given to the preborn.
God calls us to advocate and speak up for the preborn.
Abortion destroys the possibility of a promised future.
3: Show Grace to Moms and Families Impacted by Abortion
The Church has a vital role in guiding post-abortive moms and dads, teaching them about redemption, salvation, and total forgiveness for all sins, including abortion. (See Psalm 103:12; Isaiah 1:18).
The Church is called to be an agent of redemption and grace. Rather than adopting an “us vs. them” mindset, we must realize that: We have sinned also, yet look at our Savior who died on the cross for all of us, loving and forgiving every sinner who repents and trusts in Him (see Romans 3:23–24). By leading with grace, the Church can create an environment where healing and restoration are possible for everyone.
4: Embrace Compassion for Pregnant Moms Out of Wedlock
While the Bible teaches that sex outside of marriage is not God’s plan, the Church has the opportunity to show God’s love and compassion to women who are pregnant out of wedlock. Instead of condemnation, we can follow Jesus’ example in how He treated the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11), offering grace and support.
This is an opportunity to come alongside women and men to help them spiritually, emotionally, and tangibly, which then may open the door for them to choose life.
Women considering abortion will not turn to the Church for help if they don’t see us caring for and supporting moms in a crisis pregnancy or providing care after an abortion. This is also an opportunity to love and lead women to Christ.
5: Step Up and Serve Local Communities
Churches have a powerful opportunity to partner with life-affirming pregnancy centers in their communities. By supporting these centers financially or through providing items like diapers, strollers, cribs, and bottles, the church can be a vital source of help. Encourage congregation members to volunteer, provide care for the center’s staff, or simply offer words of encouragement that can make a lasting impact.
The Church is God’s answer to abortion. We rescue because we ourselves have been rescued by Christ. While our primary goal is to rescue the preborn child, we are equally concerned about rescuing the mom as well. By meeting her needs and offering real solutions, churches can help her choose life for her child and show her the transformative love of Jesus.
Sign up as a Human Coalition Volunteer and get equipped to start rescuing children and serving moms in your church community.
