Basic Ministry Guidelines
The calling to minister to those who have been wounded emotionally, physically,
or spiritually is a special one and it requires a special touch from the
Savior. We (Christians) are here to be the hands and feet and heart of
Christ - Christ with skin on, as some would say. As such we must strive
to follow His example. Of course we strongly recommend training through
a qualified biblical counseling institution whenever possible. In the
meantime, following are some basics for laying the groundwork.
ALWAYS...
- Always ask God to prepare your heart before ministering to someone.
- Always treat everyone with compassion and love... (1 Corinthians 13)
- Always accept everyone--even though their sin may be totally
offensive.... (Love and accept the person, whether you do the behavior
or not.)
- Always speak the truth in love from a heart of compassion and
empathy
- Always behave in accordance with the fruits of the Spirit: love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
- Always listen carefully, observing more than what they are communicating
through their words. Make notes to remember important information.
NEVER...
- Never use harsh language.
- Never condemn a person for having had an abortion or for considering
an abortion or for choosing an abortion - or whatever the sin issue
may be. God tells us not to sin, but He leaves the decision up to us.
We should give people that same freedom to decide--even when it pains
us so much to do so.
- Never communicate in a judging manner. (We ALL have sinned. And it
was for all sin that Jesus died on the cross. So we are in no position
to "throw stones"... The more we communicate this, the more
others will be open to listening to what we have to say.)
- Never try to force anyone out of denial prior to their entering the healing process. (Pray that God will bring that to pass in His perfect timing.) Note: Many women will, for a period of time, deny that anything wrong of hurtful occurred in relation to their abortion. Denial in the early stages can be a God-given protection until such time as they are able to enter the healing process. Once the initial denial is broken, however, other forms of denial may arise. Those other forms of denial must be dealt with before complete healing can take place.
- Never let others see anger or hatred in you. (It is common and normal
for us to have a hatred of sin, but we must be careful not to communicate
in anger or hatred. That only pushes away the people we want to help.)
- Never let them see that they have shocked you in any way. However
you're feeling on the inside, never let them see you "sweat"
on the outside!
What We Believe