What Pastors are Saying...

"As I consider our culture's tragic indifference to the abortion of more than one million unborn babies every year, I am more convinced than ever that the church – not politics – must lead the way if we hope to overcome this evil. The Church, with its love of the life-giving God and its commitment to God's command that we care for the widow and the orphan – that is the weak and the defenseless – must be God's leading agent to protect the unborn and to love their families. For this reason, I am most pleased to support the founding of Churches for Life [CFL]. Their mission reflects God's heart to defend and esteem human life, born and unborn, in a consistent, holistic, and Biblical manner. Best of all, CFL's methods reflect God's intention that the Gospel captivate hearts, naturally producing a joyful and pervasive life-affirming world view within individuals, churches, and communities. I have seen this very thing happening at Central Presbyterian Church as CFL's founder, Doug Merkey, has coached our new Life Team, our pastors, and others in biblical ways to be "gospel-driven champions for life." I have personally known Doug for over 12 years. I believe that his heart and mind, his research and experience, ideally suit him to lead this new effort."

Dr. Daniel Doriani
Senior Pastor
Central Presbyterian Church
St. Louis/Clayton, Missouri
February 5, 2008

"In my journey of knowing, listening, and sharing with Doug Merkey, I have concluded he "gets it". He gets that life is one of the foundational values of Christianity and he approaches the subject with a biblical balance of grace and truth. I am impressed with both his head and heart for honoring God, equipping the church, and respecting those entities that partner with churches."

Pastor Jim Breeden
Executive Director
St. Louis Metro Baptist Association (SBC)
St. Louis, MO
April 10, 2008

Over many years Doug Merkey has steadfastly defended human life and equipped churches in the St. Louis area to regain a voice on issues pertaining to the sanctity of human life.  Now Doug has formed Churches for Life as an instrument of this vision.  As a church planter and denominational leader in Missouri and Arkansas, I truly appreciate Doug’s desire to serve the church and operate under its authority.  Churches can no longer remain silent and inactive on issues like abortion, post-abortive care, bioethics, euthanasia and end of life issues.  Churches for Life and Doug Merkey are invaluable resources to churches in building effective ministry teams that establish the sanctity of human life as a core value in both discipleship and outreach.

"I’ve known Doug for the past 5 years, and deeply appreciate him as one of few voices bellowing out from the evangelical pulpit in the St. Louis region on behalf of the unborn. I count him a hero, but more importantly, so do countless children whose parents have granted them life as a result of the preaching of the truth. He has sharpened me throughout the battle, and I count him as a dear friend, and co-laborer in the work. He truly is fulfilling the biblical admonition to all leaders to. . .
“do justice to the afflicted and destitute, to rescue the weak and needy, and to deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Ps. 82:3b,4) "

Pastor Dave Greiner
Chatham Bible Church
Hazelwood, MO.
February 5, 2008

Genesis chapters one and two so clearly demonstrate God’s authorship of life, His love and esteem of it, and man’s charge to steward it well. While the Church has grasped various aspects of these truths from time to time, it is our esteeming and caring for all of life, holistically, that reflects God’s heart regarding life to the watching world, and takes seriously the stewardship of that life. Doug Merkey has been particularly helpful in establishing and building a Life Team at Kirk of the Hills that is increasingly keeping our hearts focused on these truths, while helping us navigate the increasingly-complex life issues that are facing God’s people today. I’m excited to see how the Lord will use Doug and Churches for Life to build similar teams in more and more churches, that His glory would be reflected in the world by His people, as they love life.

Rev. Cartee Bales
Minister of Outreach
Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church
Ladue, MO
April 21, 2008

As the Apostle Peter declared in Acts 3, the Lord Jesus is the "Author of life." Christians who believe this with all of their heart naturally want to defend, promote, and affirm life as a precious gift from Christ, yet more often than not they lack the resources, the wisdom, and the sense of direction that is necessary to do these things effectively, truthfully, and graciously. That's where Churches for Life comes in. Doug loves, respects, and honors the bride of Christ, and he is uniquely gifted to nourish, train, and equip local churches who are ready and willing to protect and preserve the value and dignity of human life. Doug's ministry has helped us tremendously.

Rev. Tommy Lee
Senior Pastor
Cornerstone Presbyterian Church
St. Louis, Missouri
January 23, 2008