Christians live under a blessed mandate to bring the Kingdom of God to the earth. Given that we live in a broken world, a plethora of ministries beckon for our attention, time and finances.
There’s no shortage of good causes in which we can become involved—so why is life-affirming ministry especially critical?
To answer that question, here are ten things pregnancy centers accomplish every day of the week:
1. We honor God’s law above human law
God’s law prohibits the destruction of innocent human life (Exodus 20:13). He specifically forbids child sacrifice (Jeremiah 7:31; Ezekiel 16:21).
When our earthly courts of law fail to reflect heaven’s justice, we do as God commands. As the apostles Peter and John were released from prison and commanded by the Sanhedrin not to preach in Jesus’ name, they responded, “…Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!” (Acts 4:19).
Therefore, although the law of man allows abortion, we follow the higher law of God in obedience to Him.
2. We’re on the front line for protecting all of humanity
Our culture has increasing difficulty with acknowledging that humans are created in God’s image, separate from the animals, the crown of His creation (Psalm 8:3-5).
If we do not protect the preborn, other categories of image-bearers become endangered as well—the infirm, the elderly, the disabled and so on.
The battle to protect the wellbeing and dignity of every person begins with protecting our unborn neighbors.
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3. We are a voice for the voiceless
Christians are called to speak up for those who cannot advocate for themselves. This theme of justice and mercy in action is woven throughout Scripture.
Jesus said, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matt. 25:40).
Who is more vulnerable than a tiny, preborn child?
4. We empower women—for real
By coming alongside a woman in an unplanned pregnancy and offering her emotional support and accurate information about her options (without financially benefiting at her expense), we give her a positive message:
You are not alone. We believe in you. You can do this.
Abortion advocates would have us believe the choice of terminating a pregnancy is what empowers a woman. Yet story after true store demonstrates women who choose abortion do so because they feel they have NO choice.
A woman may face pressure from an abusive boyfriend, or fears about finances, or worry about her parents’ reaction.
Abortion presents itself as a control+alt+delete solution to an unplanned pregnancy—but any pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned, short-term or full-term, is forever part of a woman’s personal history.
Pregnancy centers empower women to be able to make a choice that doesn’t come loaded with regret.
5. We uphold healthy sexual ethics
The further our culture throws off sexual restraint, the more chaos and pain we live with.
Disobedience to God and ignorance of His rules in this area has drastic consequences for the human body and soul (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Pregnancy centers understand God knows best when it comes to human sexual relationships.
We do not condemn those who are suffering the consequences of ignoring God’s rules; we come alongside them to help them navigate those consequences.
6. We transform communities
At our local center, we noticed a pattern—many of the names in our client files were the same names known by all the nurses and police in town.
We made a conscious effort to break the habit of saying, “Oh, yeah, she’s a Smith.” Instead, we would speak blessing over that client, pray for her, and believe the generational curses in her family line would be broken.
Because they help folks who have negative patterns in their lives, pregnancy centers are in a position to create a culture of life—not only saving the lives of the unborn, but speaking life over whole families, thus transforming our communities.
Love saves lives through pregnancy centers, and it also changes lives.
7. We come alongside the Church in her mission
The people who need help in an unplanned pregnancy won’t necessarily walk through a church’s doors.
Pregnancy centers share the gospel while extending hope, help and compassion to women and couples in practical ways.
In this way, we partner with the Church to fulfill the great commission (Matt.28:19-20).
8. We offer healing to those devastated by abortion
Post-abortion stress haunts countless women and men. Pregnancy centers do not minimize or deny the effects of abortion. Instead, we offer real healing for a real problem.
9. We bring the body of Christ together under one banner
Catholic and Protestant, Baptist and Charismatic, young and old, male and female…we work shoulder to shoulder to save lives together. It’s beautiful (Psalm 133).
10. We demonstrate the nature of God
God is both merciful and just. Jesus is full of grace and truth. Pregnancy centers carry out their mission, mindful of this both/and tension.
We hold to God’s principles without condemning those who break His law. We offer compassion to the broken and point them toward a better path.
If you are doing this work already, thank you. Your labor of love makes a huge difference in your community.
If you’re wondering where to offer your time, energy, and resources, consider your local pregnancy center.
In these ways and more, this is a powerful ministry to get behind.
