In Our Midst Ministries Offers Ten Tips for Churches to Reach Out to the Post-Abortive
Over 20 million women have had abortions in the United States since it was legalized in 1973. Of those that have experienced abortion, approximately 70% report a Christian affiliation, and one study concluded that a minimum of 19% suffers from diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally there are a number of others who are emotionally wounded as a result of abortion including the father of the baby, the grandparents, siblings, friends, and abortion clinic/hospital personnel. There are a sizeable number of people in our churches who have been hurt by abortion and are in need of healing. In order to equip churches to better meet the needs of those wounded by abortion, In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. (http://www.inourmidst.com) has compiled a list of ways to minister to the post-abortive.
Edmond, OK (PRWEB) June 8, 2005 -- Over 20 million women have had abortions
in the United States since it was legalized in 1973. Of those that have
experienced abortion, approximately 70% report a Christian affiliation, and one
study concluded that a minimum of 19% suffers from diagnosable post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally there are a number of others who are
emotionally wounded as a result of abortion including the father of the baby,
the grandparents, siblings, friends, and abortion clinic/hospital personnel.
There are a sizeable number of people in our churches who have been hurt by
abortion and are in need of healing.
In order to equip churches to
better meet the needs of those wounded by abortion, In Our Midst Ministries,
Inc. (http://www.inourmidst.com) has compiled a list of ways to
minister to the post-abortive:
Church Leaders and Those Seeking to
Minister to the Post-Abortive Should:
1. Know what leads an individual or
a couple to choose abortion. There are many factors that lead a woman to choose
abortion, and often, in reality, she feels she has no choice. Understanding what
brings her to that point is vital to eliminating condemnation and being able to
come alongside her with the heart and compassion of Christ.
2. Understand
the societal and relational pressures to abort. Because abortion has been legal
in the U.S. for over 30 years, many young women and the young men with whom they
are involved have been raised in a society in which abortion is normal and
acceptable. For many of these young people, the rhetoric of pro-abortion
advocates has instilled an acceptance of abortion as the simplest solution to an
unplanned or ill-timed pregnancy. Coupled with the absence of adequate and
accurate media coverage regarding the detrimental emotional and physical side
effects of abortion, not only do these young people believe (erroneously) that
it is their “right,” but that it is also without consequences.
3. Be
aware of what post-abortion syndrome is and its affects. Abortion often brings
severe and long-term affects. Learn about Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS), a
post-traumatic stress disorder, and the many ways people are hurt by abortion.
Learning about abortion’s affects is vital to understanding and appropriately
caring for the person hurt by abortion.
4. Be willing to exercise
Christ-like compassion and acceptance toward the post-abortive. Christ met
sinners where they were with love, acceptance, and compassion followed by truth
and hope. His is the model we should be following in dealing with those hurt by
any sin. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But having
been given grace instead of condemnation, we should go and do likewise. As a
result healing will take place and the cause of Christ will be furthered.
5. Set the stage in your church for loving and accepting the
post-abortive. As the leadership of the church brings to light the deep wounds
of those hurt by abortion, drawing a parallel to how Christ ministered to those
similarly wounded in bible times (e.g. the woman at the well and the one caught
in adultery), they can be freed to entrust their pain to you. As they do so,
they will begin to experience a deeper level of spiritual intimacy, growth, and
faith in the God who graciously heals even the post-abortive heart.
6.
Receive specialized training in counseling and encouraging the post-abortive
person in order to facilitate their healing in Christ. Post Abortion Syndrome
presents specific symptoms unique to this trauma. As such, specialized training
is necessary in order to best meet the needs of the post-abortive without
multiplying their pain. In Our Midst Ministries provides on-sight training
seminars for those interested in learning to be effective ministers to those
hurt by abortion.
7. Volunteer as an intern with a qualified online
post-abortion ministry. Following training, the safest way to practice what
you’ve learned is by volunteering as an intern at a hands-on Christ-centered
peer support web site. SafeHaven Ministries, Inc. (http://www.postabortionpain.com) has been ministering to the
needs of those experiencing unplanned pregnancies and the post-abortive on the
Internet since 1996. Their intern program is an excellent way to gain confidence
in ministering to the post-abortive in your church and community.
8.
Develop a plan to help them through the healing process. Realize that
post-abortion healing can be a lengthy process that is best served by developing
a specific ministry program. Contact In Our Midst Ministries, Inc. to train
those interested in post-abortion ministry; organize your volunteers; discuss
methods of promoting your new ministry as an outreach to those in your church
and community; enlist the support of intercessors to pray for this new ministry;
and pray diligently for God to bring the post-abortive to you.
9. Acquire
specific post-abortion bible studies around which to build a post-abortion
support group. There are several reputable and highly effective bible studies
written specifically to facilitate healing in the post-abortive. Visit In Our
Midst Ministries, Inc. at http://www.inourmidst.com for a list of proven
resources.
10. Offer an open-door policy for anyone, Christian and
non-Christian alike, who needs healing from post-abortion trauma. While the
church’s main objective is to be “light in the darkness” Christians have not
always done so without condemnation and judgmental attitudes. Likewise, the high
profile media coverage of Christians who have been politically active in
fighting for the life of the child while ignoring the needs of the mother, as
well as protesting abortion clinics, etc., has characterized Christians as being
less-than sympathetic toward their plight. Instead of building bridges we have
created chasms, alienating the very ones we are commanded to love with the love
of Christ. Caring for those who have had abortions without condemning them can
create an atmosphere of trust conducive to sharing the gospel of Christ with the
lost.
In Our Midst Ministries is dedicated to bringing awareness to the
church regarding those within the church that have been hurt by abortion and
other sexual sin, and to providing information to churches and parachurch
organizations to minister to their specific needs. For more information visit In
Our Midst Ministries, Inc. at http://www.inourmidst.com or contact Mary Comm, President and
Founder via email at e-mail protected from spam bots or by phone at (405)
330-0366.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/6/prweb248731.htm