“Far too many Christians are having abortions. Four in ten women who have had abortions were attending church at least once per month at the time of their abortions. If there are 1 million abortions per year, 400,000 are among churchgoing women. If the average abortion costs $500, churchgoing people are funding the abortion industry to the tune of $200 million every year. We can ‘defund Planned Parenthood’ by simply ending abortion in the church.” -Care Net
Most Christians would consider themselves “pro-life.” They believe that life is sacred and that humanity is made in the image of God. If that’s the case, then why are almost half of all abortions performed on women who are Christians and attending church?
I would submit a few reasons.
- When Christian women find themselves pregnant and are not married, they feel as if they will be condemned for their actions. Their survival default is to hide their life choices and believe that abortion will be a quick fix. In a moment of panic, they will dismiss their beliefs to try and fix their “problem.”
- Their worldview isn’t entirely grounded in the Bible. Many who attend church have a mixed worldview. They will take a little bit from the Bible, a little bit from culture, and some views based on their experiences and beliefs. When the Bible isn’t their uncompromising moral compass, one can easily be swayed by rhetoric and changing viewpoints. We tend to believe what we want to believe rather than the unchanging values of the Word of God. Therefore, when we are in a crisis, our decisions can be made based on what we feel in the moment versus the unchanging truth.
- Christian women feel pressure to maintain what they would consider a good girl image. They may feel pressure from family and friends to sustain that image … at any cost.
- They don’t trust that God will be with them and that good can come from their situation. They don’t trust that God’s ways are best for them. They feel alone, without help and support.
The Church is uniquely placed to create a culture that affirms the Imago Dei at every stage of life. Intentionally and strategically promoting a life-affirming ministry at your church will build an environment where those struggling with an unplanned pregnancy will choose life due to the support and love of the church, and those who are struggling with the pain of a past abortion decision will find healing and wholeness.
We have many resources to assist in creating and growing a life-affirming ministry ushering in a culture of life to your church. To begin with, read our Life Tribe eBook HERE. Next download our Ministry Manual HERE. And then check out our Resource Guide HERE and feel free to use our Messaging media kit HERE. We are also available to come alongside you to train and empower a team at your church in starting your life-affirming ministry. Please reach out to us HERE to get started and together we can create a culture for life!
