Ministry: to those in a crisis pregnancy
- We can oppose
abortion and fully realize the intensity of crisis pregnancy.
- We can cherish the life of the baby without sacrificing care
for the mother.
"In the last analysis,
the Christian church is a missionary body....The church can make a difference
in the lives of individuals by believing its own message...God equips his
church to respond to human needs...The church can prepare itself consciously to
be the community into which a woman and child are welcomed and cared for in the
long-term. The church can play a significant role in ending the crisis and can
be the place where mother and child belong long after the crisis has passed. The
church’s objective in a crisis pregnancy is to consider both the means of
preserving the life and well-being of the unborn child, and the long-term
well-being of the pregnancy woman. Preserving the life of the
child means, not only avoiding abortion, but also planning for the future or
the child in a stable family and supportive community. Caring for the
well-being of the pregnant woman means consideration of medical care for her
and her child, as well as her economic, emotional, social, and spiritual
need."
Not
My Own: Abortion & the Marks of the Church, p. 105-110
Involving your church in crisis pregnancy ministry
- Walk Alongside Others in Crisis
The complexities of crisis pregnancy should not deter the church from being involved. However, resist the pull to mirror social services. Through entry-level adult Christian Education classes to support groups meeting various aspects of crisis pregnancy, the church can not only reach out but also draw in.
"The
church should extend aid where help is needed, but the final goal is nurture of
the needy that enables them to become mature Christians, able then to help
others." (Not
My Own; p. 109)
- Become a Resource Center for Alternatives to Abortion
in your Presbytery
In 1986 the General Assembly acknowledged the need for churches to assume an active role in providing alternatives to abortion by suggesting that each presbytery designate at least one church as a Resource Center for Alternatives to Abortion (RCAA). Resource Centers were again encouraged in the 1992 Policy on Problem Pregnancy and Abortion.
- Provide Housing for a Woman in a Crisis Pregnancy
Pregnancy help centers are always in need of families willing and able to provide this ministry, and congregations can help by encouraging members to open their homes to someone in such a situation. Once a placement has been made, whether for just a couple weeks or a few months, before and/or after the birth, others in the congregation can support the host family with meals, transportation, and just helping out. For a young woman in crisis, being part of a Christian family can result in life-changing effects.
Contact
- Support - or Begin - a Pregnancy Help Center
Pregnancy Help Centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" and "pregnancy care centers") provide free services such as pregnancy testing, infant and maternity items, shepherding homes, and adoption referrals. Some are licensed for limited medical services, such as sonograms and first trimester prenatal care. Through a predominantly volunteer staff, their purpose is to reach those in a crisis pregnancy and provide the support that is needed for that individual to choose life.
If
there is a center in your area, get to know the leadership and work together to
reach out with the hand of Christ. If there is not a center near you, check
into starting one.
The
organizations are representative of many providing networking opportunities for
pregnancy help centers. They may be contacted for locations and information on
starting a center in your area:
|
Care Net |
Heartbeat
International |
Booklet ~ Pregnant? We’ll Help
©
Allison
www.ppl.org