It was a brisk Saturday morning in early April when about 25 somewhat nervous people gathered for a challenging opportunity to grow as gospel-driven champions of life: mothers and fathers, children and adults, men and women, seminary students, pastors, and laypeople. They gathered for training conducted by Churches for Life and hosted by Concordia Seminary called Stand Once for Life. The purpose of the event was to equip people in how to be a godly, gospel-driven presence on the sidewalk at an abortion clinic.
The morning started with about an hour of interactive classroom instruction on general do’s and don’ts and the
importance of being rooted in the gospel before, during, and after going to the sidewalk. Then, students were shepherded onto the sidewalk for some on-the-job training. The morning concluded with debrief and prayer time back in the classroom.
The majority of the 25 attendees had never done abortion clinic sidewalk ministry before. By the end of the morning, the overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude for the experience and training. Those who were nervous were among the most enthusiastic and supportive of this ministry and eager to get back out on the sidewalk. Many expressed how the morning dispelled fears and myths long-held about abortion clinics and doing ministry there. A post-event e-survey further revealed the wonderful impact of this event on those that attended:
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One purpose of the event was to prepare first-timers for sidewalk ministry. How well was that accomplished? 60% extremely well, 40% well
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A second purpose of the event was to mentor future leaders (seminarians, etc.) to prepare other first-timers for sidewalk ministry. How well was that purpose accomplished? 40% extremely well, 60% well
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How well do you feel that the gospel was presented as the "why and how" we do sidewalk ministry? 80% extremely well, 20% well
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How helpful were the logistics of the morning for helping you have a meaningful and helpful experience? (logistics refer to the flow of the morning: classroom prep > sidewalk > classroom debrief) 100% extremely good
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There are many opportunities to stand again for life. How likely are you to stand AGAIN for life out on the sidewalk? 40% very likely, 20% somewhat likely, 40% not sure
Rev. Douglas W. Merkey (foreground, with sign and striped baseball hat), President of Churches for Life, personally conducted this workshop which also goes by the name of Sidewalk Supporter Boot Camp. Churches for Life is grateful for the trust and partnership of Dr. Jeff and Renee Gibbs at Concordia Seminary for their work in the student body there and in the community at large regarding the sanctity of human life. To find out when the next Churches for Life’ Sidewalk Supporter Boot Camp is being held, please email us at info@getintolife.org.
Many thanks to Paul Berger, friend and owner of Graphic Dimensions, for taking these photos!