Preparing the Church Before Sanctity of Life. Through the Eyes of the Hurting

Preparing the Church before Sanctity of Life Sunday

Through the Eyes of the Hurting

How Pastors & Churches Can Prepare Before January 18, 2026

Every January, churches across the country prepare to speak about the sanctity of life. Sermons are prayed over. Scriptures are chosen. Messages are carefully crafted.

But there is something I want to say, because I see it every year clearly:

Many of the people sitting in your pews are already hurting.

They sing the worship songs. They serve in ministry. They attend Bible studies. And quietly, many carry the weight of abortion, loss, regret, trauma, and years of silence. Often, long before a church ever invites us to speak, members from that very congregation have already reached out to share their pain.

So when I hear, “No one in our church has been affected by abortion,” I know that isn’t true. They are there. They’re just unsure if the church is a safe place to come forward.

That’s why preparation matters.

Sanctity of Life doesn’t begin at the pulpit. It begins with a prepared church.

Healing often begins privately.

Not everyone is ready to raise a hand or walk down an aisle. In fact, many aren’t. That’s why it’s so important to offer discreet, pressure-free ways for people to seek help.

We want to provide FREE resources for you.

Here's what's included.

Print-ready cards, bulletin inserts, slides, and one-line announcements allow churches to communicate hope without placing anyone on display. These simple tools send a clear message of hope to those are hurting.

You are not alone. Help is available. You are seen.

This approach removes fear and gives the Holy Spirit room to work beyond the sermon.

Identify a Trusted Resource in Advance

One of the most important steps churches can take is deciding before January where you will refer people.

When someone reaches out after a service, often emotional, vulnerable, and unsure, leaders shouldn’t be scrambling for answers. Preparation allows your staff and volunteers to respond with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

Clear next steps matter. Knowing exactly where to point someone can be the difference between silence and healing.

Pray Intentionally for the Unseen

We encourage churches to pray specifically for the people who feel unseen and unheard.

Pray that shame would be broken. Pray that fear would loosen its grip. Pray that the Holy Spirit would gently draw hearts toward truth, repentance, and healing.

These prayers matter more than we often realize. God is already at work, often long before someone ever asks for help.

A Resource Churches Can Share With Confidence

Confidential, biblically grounded abortion recovery support is available through She Found His Grace.

Helpline: 574-400-5272 Private, compassionate support for women and men. No pressure. No judgment. Just help.

This resource is designed to work alongside churches, not replace them, by providing safe, confidential support when someone is ready to take a step.

A Final Word to Church Leaders

Sanctity of Life is not only about defending life in the womb. It is also about caring for the hearts already wounded.

When a church is prepared, when resources are in place, and next steps are clear, it communicates something powerful:

You are safe here. Healing is possible. Grace is real.

And that is where true life begins.

Serena Dyksen