Going Further
Below I have outlined some suggestions of what the following initiatives and programs discussed in Practical Ways to Engage Your Church might look like. I hope that these will serve to give you a framework for starting similar pro-life initiatives in your own church.
FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION INTEREST MEETINGS
Interest meetings/classes 2-4 times a year to educate prospective foster parents, adoptive parents, or anyone interested in learning more about foster care/adoption. Have sign-ups for individuals who are interested in learning more about the process, challenges, and expenses. Bring in speakers, as well as current/past foster and adoptive parents from the community who can share their experiences. Provide a time for Q&A.
ADOPTION FUNDS
A fund set aside specifically to help cover adoption costs for couples within the church looking to adopt. Could be incorporated into general tithe. However, I personally like the idea of taking a separate tithe every three years (or annually at 3-4%) as was practiced by the Israelites (Deut 14:28-29).
When the church is an older/smaller congregation this is a perfect opportunity for the church to build relationships with local Christian adoption agencies/PRCs. They may not have very many members in their own church able to adopt, but they can partner with sister churches or their local adoption agency to provide support for couples within their community looking to adopt. Having an older/smaller congregation is never an excuse for not supporting the global church.
SUPPORT AND DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS
A safe place where women experiencing unplanned pregnancies and single mothers can find community and support with other young mothers. Groups would supply support including childcare, supplies, psychological support, resources on adoption, and financial assistance, as well as regular discipleship classes/Bible study.
Means:
Single mother funds (similar to, or either as part of, adoption funds)
Volunteers who would sign-up to provide childcare, donate baby supplies, lead discipleship courses/Bibles studies, etc
Ministry of the local church, in partnership with other local churches, PRCs, and adoption agencies. Funded through the local church and its partner churches.
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Research similar ministries that other churches have started. Train volunteers on how to care for special needs kids, including kids with emotional and social challenges. Implement a "buddy system" assigning one adult to each child.
FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION INTEREST MEETINGS
Interest meetings/classes 2-4 times a year to educate prospective foster parents, adoptive parents, or anyone interested in learning more about foster care/adoption. Have sign-ups for individuals who are interested in learning more about the process, challenges, and expenses. Bring in speakers, as well as current/past foster and adoptive parents from the community who can share their experiences. Provide a time for Q&A.
ADOPTION FUNDS
A fund set aside specifically to help cover adoption costs for couples within the church looking to adopt. Could be incorporated into general tithe. However, I personally like the idea of taking a separate tithe every three years (or annually at 3-4%) as was practiced by the Israelites (Deut 14:28-29).
When the church is an older/smaller congregation this is a perfect opportunity for the church to build relationships with local Christian adoption agencies/PRCs. They may not have very many members in their own church able to adopt, but they can partner with sister churches or their local adoption agency to provide support for couples within their community looking to adopt. Having an older/smaller congregation is never an excuse for not supporting the global church.
SUPPORT AND DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS
A safe place where women experiencing unplanned pregnancies and single mothers can find community and support with other young mothers. Groups would supply support including childcare, supplies, psychological support, resources on adoption, and financial assistance, as well as regular discipleship classes/Bible study.
Means:
Single mother funds (similar to, or either as part of, adoption funds)
Volunteers who would sign-up to provide childcare, donate baby supplies, lead discipleship courses/Bibles studies, etc
Ministry of the local church, in partnership with other local churches, PRCs, and adoption agencies. Funded through the local church and its partner churches.
SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN'S MINISTRY
Research similar ministries that other churches have started. Train volunteers on how to care for special needs kids, including kids with emotional and social challenges. Implement a "buddy system" assigning one adult to each child.
For questions or comments regarding these or other initiatives please reach out by email at [email protected] or IG @heyitsmattmorr
Other Resources
Orphan Justice - Johnny Carr