Since entering the ministry in 1991, I have consistently preached and taught against abortion, emphasizing both the biblical and medical truths surrounding the sanctity of life. In every sermon, I concluded with the message of God’s love and forgiveness, affirming that anyone who seeks His grace can find it. I believed this approach was my contribution to saving lives and guiding souls.
However, in 2019, I came across a startling 2015 survey conducted by Care-Net. The survey revealed that 43% of women who had abortions were attending a Christian church at least once a month when they had one of their abortions, and 36% were regular churchgoers at the time of their first abortion. What troubled me most was that these women chose to remain silent, not confiding in anyone within the church due to the perceived judgment and lack of forgiveness they felt.
As a pastor, this revelation shook me. I realized that while my sermons were biblically sound, there was a disconnect between the truth I preached and the grace that was being perceived by those who needed it most. While I can't change anyone’s heart—only the Holy Spirit can do that—I understood that I, as a pastor, have a responsibility to set the tone within the church.
Our church must be a place that is not only Pro-Life but also Pro-Love, Pro-Grace, and Pro-Forgiveness. While we are commanded to preach against sin, we are also called to lead with grace, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9. We must speak the truth in love, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13, and always remind people that God’s forgiveness is absolute and eternal for those who confess their sins (Hebrews 8:12; Psalm 86:5; Isaiah 43:25).
This realization reshaped how I approached the topic of abortion from the pulpit. It’s not enough to condemn the sin; we must also open our hearts to those who are hurting, offering them the hope and redemption that can only come through Christ. By creating an environment where grace and truth coexist, we can better serve those in need, guiding them toward healing and restoration.
When I realized that someone in my congregation could have been suffering in silence—attending church while carrying the burden of an abortion—my heart broke. I had become so focused on fulfilling the calling God placed on my life that I neglected to minister fully to the people He placed before me. I was reminded of Hannah, who cried out to God for a child, while Eli misunderstood her pain. I also thought of Tamar, who was violated, and how David and his family failed to address the deep pain and suffering she endured.
As I delved deeper, I began reading stories of women who had experienced abortions and were living with profound shame and pain. The trauma from their abortions often manifested in various ways—anger, depression, substance abuse, and promiscuity. It became clear to me that I needed to do more to minister to these women effectively.
Through mutual friends, I learned about She Found His Grace and its founder, Serena Dyksen. I read her book, which recounts her harrowing experience of sexual assault, pregnancy, and abortion. She vividly described how the pain from her abortion deeply affected her life and marriage. Yet, her story doesn’t end in despair. Because of God’s grace, Serena found healing, and that healing ignited a passion in her to help others heal as well.
In the few short years since its inception, She Found His Grace has ministered to hundreds of women, saved dozens of babies from the Abortion Pill, and continues to make a significant impact not only in society but within churches across the country. When asked by Serena to Join the board, I was both humbled and excited because,
as a pastor, I believe very deeply about this. This ministry has shown me that we are often missing a golden opportunity to offer the healing that only God can provide. Psalm 147:3 says, “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” We must be the hands and feet of Christ, offering His healing to those who are hurting.
This journey has taught me that being Pro-Life isn’t just about saving babies; it’s about caring for the hearts and souls of those who have been wounded. It’s about creating a church environment where grace, love, and forgiveness are tangible and where healing is always within reach.
Paster Bud Dillahunty
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