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Over the past 50 years, under the shadow of Roe v. Wade, abortion has taken the lives of more than 63 million unborn American children. The US Supreme Court recently voted by majority vote to overturn Roe v Wade. While this decision does not abolish abortion in the United States, it seemingly appears that a majority of the court is about to rule that individual states can determine their own abortion policies. In the states (Oregon and Washington) where we have campuses and members, we don’t anticipate any change in abortion access. However, because of this decision’s significance in society and impending conflict, Portland Bible College and Mannahouse Eldership teams developed two primary documents.
Our prayer is they help shape your biblical position on this issue as well as equip you and our leaders to posture themselves in a Christ-like manner to care for those both in our church and our communities. We are grateful the Word of God gives us all the wisdom and direction needed for times like these. We are confident that God will continue to position us as light to a dark world.
In the Scriptures, we find that man is created in the image of God, that each person was “knit together in the womb” and that God “saw our unformed body” and numbered every day in his book. Therefore, all human life is divine in origin and begins at conception. Because life is sacred, it should always be protected and not unjustly harmed. (For further clarity on this subject, please see our Biblical position paper on Sanctity of Life)
As followers of Christ, we encourage staff, leaders, and members to ask God to give them a heart of compassion for all human life – children, both born and unborn, their mothers, their families – believer, and unbeliever alike. This care can be expressed by withstanding policy or action that takes life, grieving with others when life ends, meeting practical and tangible needs, demonstrating God’s love and mercy, showing compassion and care, providing counseling and encouragement, standing alongside the vulnerable, and speaking on behalf of the voiceless.
We ground our position in the authority of the Word of God on the sacredness of all human life. We resist the hardness of heart or the drift of conviction that comes by being part of a culture that does not hold the same Biblical worldview about the sanctity of life (Eph. 4:18). Instead, motivated by Christ’s love and mercy shown toward us, we desire to influence people in each sphere of society we are called to engage (e.g., church, business, arts, government, education) toward creating a culture that values and protects life. In practice this influence may look different for each believer: some will write policy, some will fund organizations, some will foster children, some will counsel, some will serve pro-life ministries, some will teach in classrooms, some will write books, and some will start businesses all with representing the Biblical value of preserving human life.
Please note that this document will be expanded further in the days to come to include other Sanctity of Life issues. Due to the urgency of this season, we felt compelled to release this document focused primarily on the issue of elective abortion.
This “Pastoral Response” document was designed to help equip leaders to lovingly share the truth and coach others how to care for all those within their sphere of influence.
*For additional biblical position papers on different topics from Portland Bible College and Mannahouse Eldership team please search ‘white papers’ at www.mannahouseresource.com
We acknowledge that the topic of abortion can create a sense of curiosity, confusion, discomfort, pain and grief. Whatever your journey might be, we want to walk alongside you. If you are looking for conversation, resources, prayer or support, please reach out- we want to connect with you. You are not alone!
For additional information and resources that will help those who want to know more about Sanctity of Life and ways to engage in the conversation, here are some additional resources and ministries that we believe can be helpful.
Nicely illustrations through the nine months of developing life.
Uplifting conversation about life with diverse women and medical professionals. Focus on the Family
An uplifting Christian response to Roe v Wade.
Stories from girls who have faced unplanned pregnancies and other information.
An inspiring video about a mother given a negative fetal diagnosis.
An impacting video about faith through the discovery of that your developing child has disability.
IF there’s a heartbeat, there’s hope.
Impact on legacy
Link to a short video discussing the impact of abortion on the African American community.
Brief video depictions of the impact of abortion on African Americans.
One of the founders of National Right to Life was a black woman.
Two excellent illustrated children’s books on developing life:
ABC – Life in the Womb (Valerie Silva)
Pro-life kids! (Bethany Bomberger)
Inspirational videos about life and adoption
One in 7 billion
Are you Ready to Adopt?
Interview with a family of 14 adopted kids
Two books helpful for those seeking recovery and forgiveness for a past abortion:
Forgiven and Set Free: A Post-Abortion Bible Study for Women (Linda Cochrane)
Surrendering the Secret – Bible Study Book: Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion (Pat Layton)
Two books helpful for seeking to be better informed on articulating the prolife position:
The Case for Life: Equipping Christians to Engage the Culture (Scott Klusendorf)
Pro-Life Answers to Pro-Choice Arguments Expanded & Updated (Randy Alcorn)
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