Post-abortion trauma is a complex issue requiring a lengthy healing process in most cases. Because it is a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) it is not something that can be mended with a "take two scriptures and call me in the morning" approach. The wounds from this kind of trauma, while deeply emotional and life altering are not outside our God's ability to heal them however, and we, as His hands and feet do not have to fear crossing into that territory.
As with any ministry effort, however, we do need to be equipped for the task at hand. Going into this type of ministry without sufficient planning and training can be risky - even dangerous, but with proper preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for you and for those you are committed to helping.
Because of the distinctively unique and deeply emotional wounds caused by abortion and the severity of some of the symptoms of post-abortion stress (PAS) specific training in post-abortion recovery is necessary. Obtaining adequate and appropriate training for this ministry is essential, but for those who have some experience counseling others, a little education goes a long way. The foundational training can be obtained in a one- to two-day seminar, a service provided on-site at your convenience by In Our Midst's experienced staff. We also offer ongoing consultations (free of charge) for general or specific questions you may have as you begin your ministry. We are here to equip you and to help you along the way as you grow your ministry to the abortion-affected.
When setting up post-abortion bible study support groups, our recommendation is that no fewer than two facilitators (a leader and a co-leader) lead each group. These facilitators should be adequately trained not only in post-abortion recovery, but they should also have some experience leading small groups. Additionally, we recommend that the facilitators have some personal experience with abortion (either having had an abortion themselves or having been closely affected by someone else's abortion) and that each of them go through the bible study prior to leading the group. It is important to note that non-post-abortive people can effectively facilitate a recovery group, but they must have a compassionate, non-judgmental heart for those who have experienced an abortion.
...Within Your Church...
Promotion for your abortion recovery ministry should begin in your own congregation, most effectively with your pastor or senior pastor. The pastor that has a compassionate heart for the post-abortive, that understands what brings a woman to the point of obtaining an abortion, and realizes God's desire to heal and restore them can make the most effective inroads in your church for enabling those who have been wounded by abortion to reach out for help. A simple sermon (or sermon series) based on the grace and compassion of God toward the post-abortive can create a safe environment as well as communicate that it is indeed safe. If the safety factor is not there, if women (and men) do not sense that your church is a safe place in which to seek help, they will continue suffering in silence.
Another powerfully effective tool in creating and communicating the safety factor within your congregation is to provide the testimony of someone who has had an abortion, telling how that abortion affected their life and how they found healing through Jesus Christ. Nothing speaks louder than hearing someone say; I've been there... I know what you're going through... This is what helped me find healing and peace. And for your pastor to support this ministry by sharing his pulpit time to allow a healed and restored post-abortive woman to share her testimony speaks volumes.
Once the pastor has laid the groundwork and a testimony has been given, create a flyer describing your abortion recovery ministry, what its goal is, when the groups will begin, etc. to be distributed in your Sunday bulletin for several weeks. Make sure you communicate that the groups will be meeting at an undisclosed time and location and that all participants can depend on complete confidentiality. This assurance is essential! (In Our Midst has a very effective flyer that can be personalized for your specific ministry, available upon request.)
If your church uses overhead PowerPoint slides, this is another effective way of reminding your congregation that this ministry is available to them. Run it regularly along with other reminders of church activities.
Another simple way of promoting your abortion recovery ministry is to put up posters around your facility publicizing the new groups. (We can also make suggestions regarding inexpensive resources for these.)
...Within Your Community...
Networking with your local pregnancy care centers (PCC) can be an effective way of reaching out to those within your community who have been hurt by abortion. Many of the women who seek help from a PCC either have no church home or their church does not provide abortion recovery aid. Some PCC's do provide abortion recovery groups, so they may also be helpful to you as you begin your ministry.
Christian bookstores, small businesses, and some restaurants in your community may also permit you to display your abortion recovery posters or flyers. Yourlocal newspaper may be a good place to advertise your ministry as well. Newspapers are usually on the lookout for opportunities to promote such activities that benefit the community. Local radio stations are another resource for publicity. They will often announce such programs by way of public service announcements free of charge.
An added incentive to publicizing your abortion recovery ministry within your community is that it lets those in your area know your church cares about the deepest hurts people experience. This simple declaration will speak volumes to those wounded by other issues as well and they will be more likely to entrust their wounds to you.
Because post-abortion trauma is a powerful tool the enemy uses to deceive, defeat, and destroy the effectiveness of God's children, starting an abortion recovery ministry will be a declaration of war - spiritual war. Expect attacks from the enemy on multiple levels. Expect the attacks to be relentless. Realize and remember the enemy hates God and His children and he hates to lose his hold over them.
Remember also, however, that even though the enemy will be relentless in his pursuit of this ministry and those involved, our God is bigger, our God is stronger, and in effect, He has already won the war! The enemy has no power over us and can do nothing to us without first obtaining permission from our God. Each participant in this ministry must put on the full armor of God and pray daily. Group facilitators should pray together regularly, especially before and after each group session.In addition, it is our strongest recommendation that you enlist the support of prayer warriors within your congregation to commit to praying for every aspect of your ministry including protection for your family members.
Our number one weapon of warfare is prayer, and according to the Word of God, we are to pray without ceasing. Do not be surprised either by the attacks that come or by the victory God delivers. The bottom line is that your abortion recovery ministry is His ministry, and it is His battle to fight. Your job is to remain close to Him every day in every way.
Abortion recovery ministry is a difficult road, but it is every bit as rewarding, if not more so! God is doing a mighty thing and if He has called you to join Him in this ministry, He will not abandon nor forsake you. In fact, He will bless you beyond all you could ask or imagine through your faithfulness to serve Him and His wounded children in this way.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 [NASB]