Many churches struggle with knowing what to do with women in their church who find themselves in an unplanned pregnancy and are unmarried. If not handled in love, they will leave a trail of hurting people who estrange themselves away from God and others. Some churches have been known to shun the girl. At times, they make her apologize in front of the church. They want the rest of the church to know the grave mistake she’s made so they don’t follow suit. The result in all of these tactics are shame, guilt and condemnation and often drives her and others away from the grace of God.
It falsely portrays that pregnancy outside of marriage is the ultimate sin and other sins are not as grievous. Instead of the church being an instrument of God, it becomes a tool of the enemy. And yet, there are many churches that navigate this so well and the results are lives restored, healing received and the body of Christ doing what it was made to do best – journey through life with others as we all seek to grow closer to the Lord.
Each baby is intentionally knit together by our Heavenly Father and has intrinsic value. Each has an amazing purpose and a plan. No human being is a mistake. Regardless of how the baby was conceived, it is an image-bearer of the Almighty God and should be valued and cherished.
One such way to bring value to the baby and the mama is to have a baby shower. Have a celebration for the life created by God and message to mama that your church values both her and her baby!
Another idea is to have a baby shower for your local pregnancy center. It can be a time to have the women of your church gather for a brunch, hear from the pregnancy center’s director and offer her the gifts you brought so that she can pass them on to individuals who come through their doors.
Every human life is precious in God’s sight. Let’s celebrate His wonderful gifts!!
