Exercising leadership in the Church’s ministry for life remains critically important. In an effort to encourage and learn from one another, we hear from two district Pastors (one from the east region and one from the west) on their pro-life efforts. They have answered five survey questions to help us grow as life leaders.
Rev. Paul Becker, Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsport, TN (east region)
1. Why is it important for you as the pastor to lead your congregation in confessing and standing for the sanctity of human life?
Martin Luther said something to the effect that if we are not confessing and fighting for the Gospel at that very point on which it is being attacked, then we are NOT confessing the Gospel. Our founding fathers believed that we were given certain inalienable rights by our Creator, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Since every human life, from conception to natural death, is a gift of God that is under attack from legalized abortion and euthanasia, pastors are especially called to teach and defend the sanctity of life.
2. How do you ensure that your congregation is taught and informed on life issues?
The life issue frequently finds its way into my sermons and prayers, not just on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. There are great bulletin bullets from Lutherans for Life that we run weekly. During Bible Class, I will often address contemporary issues and legislation that directly effects life, marriage and family or religious liberty issues.
3. Are there any specific programs or resources that you have created or recommend?
I strongly recommend that every congregation support Lutherans for Life and receive their monthly newsletter which is overflowing with outstanding articles and resources. Population Research Institute (PRI) is another fantastic ministry and resource focused on global issues related to human life and the family. I have helped bring about a new non-profit pro-life organization called Tennesseans 4 Life which is 100% volunteer-based. We run an annual billboard campaign here in the Tri-Cities, host an annual Crisis Pregnancy Center dinner/fundraiser in October, set up a booth at the Appalachian Fair, hold prayer vigils at the local abortion mill, etc.
4. How are your lay men and women engaged in using their voices for life?
The people of Concordia have many opportunities to support and participate in the activities listed in the previous question.
5. What advice would your give a new pastor or a congregation that has not yet been active in speaking up for life?
Be bold and courageous! Don’t be afraid to speak the truth in love. Far too many congregations and pastors are silent on this critical issue of our time. Start a chapter of Tennesseans 4 Life in your area if there isn’t one already, and do something to support your local crisis pregnancy center(s) and Lutherans for Life.
Rev. James Walter, Grace Lutheran Church, Little Rock, AR (west region)
1. Why is it important for you as the pastor to lead your congregation in confessing and standing for the sanctity of human life?
The psalmist writes, “Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us and we are His; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Life is God’s gift and so it is important for me to proclaim that to God’s people that all life is important from the unborn to the aged. As Pastor it is a part of my Calling to celebrate life and especially new life in Christ.
2. How do you ensure that your congregation is taught and informed on life issues?
By speaking the truth in love which happens as a text from Holy Scripture gives that opportunity. By offering prayers on behalf of all people, those in the womb and their mothers, those who are ill, and those who are disabled as well as those on their deathbed. By speaking about forgiveness and life to those whose hearts are broken by their past actions. My task as Pastor is to speak of the love of God in Christ Jesus and that His love is for all.
Most every household of my congregation receives the Lutheran Witness into their homes. This publication of our Synod coupled with articles in our Mid-South District section of the Witness, has excellent articles from time to time about all of life’s issues and certainly has timely articles as it relates to the sanctity of life.
3. Are there any specific programs or resources that you have created or recommend?
We support “Birthright” a pan-Christian organization that promotes the sanctity of life by reaching out to women who are pregnant or who think they are pregnant.
We are involved in what is known in Arkansas as the CALL, “Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime”. This Christian agency works to recruit and provide resources for Foster Care and Adoption. We open our church facility to this organization to use for meetings to explain their programs to those interested in being foster parents or parents for a lifetime. We contribute to this organization helping with the physical needs of these children who are in need of this care.
4. How are your lay men and women engaged in using their voices for life?
Actually, many of the efforts for foster care and adoption through the CALL are done through our Board of Evangelism who keeps this church-wide organization and its work in front of our congregation for their support and prayers. We however, do not have an organized group that advocates on life matters for the unborn.
5. What advice would you give a new pastor or a congregation that has not yet been active in speaking up for life?
With any issue that can be a point of critical disagreement, it is important for people of God to speak the truth in love. That may be through the Prayers of the Church, Bible Class instruction and the proclamation of the Word of God. Those who wish to be pro-active in their support should use their voices and their gifts to support the cause for life from conception. Confrontation is not recommended, nor is accommodation.
Submitted by —
Rev. Philip Young
Mid-South District Life Coordinator
