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This inspiring handbook models for pregnancy resource centers how to effectively introduce the Good News with clients in crisis.
Numerous advocate/client exchanges are included to stimulate warm, conversational approaches while sharing one’s faith. Written for advocates in training and continuing education for current advocates, ministries find applicability for the client’s greatest need: knowing Christ personally. Compassion moves into action by delicately including an intentional sharing of the Gospel. Mission joy is experienced as centers witness new life in Christ leading to choosing life in the womb and healthy parenting.
Based on her many years as a pregnancy center director, Kay R. Gardner encourages other pregnancy resource centers to an intentional sharing of the Gospel. When the client is an expectant mother, the impact of new life in Christ often leads to choosing life for the preborn! Kay has taught evangelism training workshops locally, statewide, and with Heartbeat International and Care Net national conferences. She has also traveled to Romania, Russia, and China to equip pregnancy centers with Gospel-centered teachings.
This inspiring handbook models for pregnancy resource centers how to effectively introduce the Good News with clients in crisis.
Numerous advocate/client exchanges are included to stimulate warm, conversational approaches while sharing one’s faith. Written for advocates in training and continuing education for current advocates, ministries find applicability for the client’s greatest need: knowing Christ personally. Compassion moves into action by delicately including an intentional sharing of the Gospel. Mission joy is experienced as centers witness new life in Christ leading to choosing life in the womb and healthy parenting.
Based on her many years as a pregnancy center director, Kay R. Gardner encourages other pregnancy resource centers to an intentional sharing of the Gospel. When the client is an expectant mother, the impact of new life in Christ often leads to choosing life for the preborn! Kay has taught evangelism training workshops locally, statewide, and with Heartbeat International and Care Net national conferences. She has also traveled to Romania, Russia, and China to equip pregnancy centers with Gospel-centered teachings.
“A timely and grace-filled call for pregnancy resource centers to boldly and compassionately share the hope of the Gospel. With theological depth and practical wisdom, Kay Gardner equips advocates to recognize sacred moments where eternal lives are changed.”
Niki Mattson, CEO, Mosaic Virginia
“A timely and grace-filled call for pregnancy resource centers to boldly and compassionately share the hope of the Gospel. With theological depth and practical wisdom, Kay Gardner equips advocates to recognize sacred moments where eternal lives are changed.”
Niki Mattson, CEO, Mosaic Virginia
“A timely and grace-filled call for pregnancy resource centers to boldly and compassionately share the hope of the Gospel. With theological depth and practical wisdom, Kay Gardner equips advocates to recognize sacred moments where eternal lives are changed.”
Niki Mattson, CEO, Mosaic Virginia
“A timely and grace-filled call for pregnancy resource centers to boldly and compassionately share the hope of the Gospel. With theological depth and practical wisdom, Kay Gardner equips advocates to recognize sacred moments where eternal lives are changed.”
Niki Mattson, CEO, Mosaic Virginia
“An amazing book that could only be written by someone who has experienced the highs and lows of working for decades in a pregnancy resource center . . . shows that true change comes only from a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
Jim Dempsey, Chief Development Officer, Cru,
Former Board Chair, Sanctity of Life Ministries
“An amazing book that could only be written by someone who has experienced the highs and lows of working for decades in a pregnancy resource center . . . shows that true change comes only from a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
Jim Dempsey, Chief Development Officer, Cru,; Former Board Chair, Sanctity of Life Ministries
“An amazing book that could only be written by someone who has experienced the highs and lows of working for decades in a pregnancy resource center . . . shows that true change comes only from a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.”
Jim Dempsey, Chief Development Officer, Cru,
Former Board Chair, Sanctity of Life Ministries
The seven client examples below typify how negative thoughts impede our sharing the Gospel with our clients. To persevere by faith brings God’s pleasure. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
1. “My client is too sophisticated to be interested in the Gospel.” (Persevere anyway.)
Laura, a tall, slender young woman in her late twenties, came to the center for a pregnancy test. Her long, dark hair was an appealing contrast to her cream-colored suit. It was easy to imagine this stately woman walking through the marbled corridors of the lavish hotel that employed her.
The advocate was tempted to forego a Gospel presentation with this lovely, statuesque client. She’s never going to be interested in talking about God—she’s obviously much too sophisticated and worldly for an interest in spiritual things. But this was not the case.
When the pregnancy test came back positive, the young woman spoke of how unexpected a pregnancy was. She had been in a long-term relationship, yet they had not yet seriously discussed marriage. As the intake proceeded, the discussion deepened. The client mentioned God. The advocate inserted, “Did you know we are a Christian center?”
The client replied, “I didn’t know that! I’m also a Christian!” Then she added, “That’s why I am going to carry this pregnancy to term.”
Although this was positive for the advocate to hear, the woman’s need was clearly the restoration of her relationship with God. She proceeded to speak of feeling far away from God and lamented the past closeness she had enjoyed with Him. The kairos moment had arrived.
It was perfect timing for the advocate to intervene with a testimony. At one time, she also had been seeking God on her terms. “I admit I wanted to be in the driver’s seat.”
The advocate continued, “Ultimately, I found peace with God by surrendering my life to Him.” As the conversation continued, the discussion expanded to talking about biblical sexual integrity—that is, following God’s will in her private, dating life.
It’s often helpful to a client to discuss the meaning of being a cultural Christian versus being a true follower of Christ—the latter brings the contentment of following His guidelines for our lives. The advocate said, “The guidelines He sets help us avoid pitfalls. He cares about our peace. His purpose isn’t to break or bend us to obedience but to touch our hearts with the delight of following Him.
The advocate looked directly at Laura when she said, “Laura, it’s apparent you really are a believer, yet you are off track spiritually.”
“Yes, I know,” Laura responded quietly.
“Are you in agreement with the basics of the Christian faith, such as we are all sinners?”
“Yes,” Laura responded.
“That Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sins?”
“Yes.”
“And that our God of love wants you to draw close to Him again?”
“Yes,” she acknowledged.
“Would you like to pray a rededication prayer as a defining point to reset your walk with the Lord? It often helps to formalize your return to Him—a recommitment helps you get back on track.”
The client readily agreed.
The advocate led a prayer for rededication. Afterward, before leaving, the young woman expressed thankfulness for helping her return to the Lord. As she stood up, she asked, “Can I give you a hug?”
Note: Rededication and dedication is discussed in the Gospel section of this book. The commitment prayer is located near the back of the spiritual tract titled Would You Like to Know God Personally? (See Resource, appendix B.)
The seven client examples below typify how negative thoughts impede our sharing the Gospel with our clients. To persevere by faith brings God’s pleasure. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
1. “My client is too sophisticated to be interested in the Gospel.” (Persevere anyway.)
Laura, a tall, slender young woman in her late twenties, came to the center for a pregnancy test. Her long, dark hair was an appealing contrast to her cream-colored suit. It was easy to imagine this stately woman walking through the marbled corridors of the lavish hotel that employed her.
The advocate was tempted to forego a Gospel presentation with this lovely, statuesque client. She’s never going to be interested in talking about God—she’s obviously much too sophisticated and worldly for an interest in spiritual things. But this was not the case.
When the pregnancy test came back positive, the young woman spoke of how unexpected a pregnancy was. She had been in a long-term relationship, yet they had not yet seriously discussed marriage. As the intake proceeded, the discussion deepened. The client mentioned God. The advocate inserted, “Did you know we are a Christian center?”
The client replied, “I didn’t know that! I’m also a Christian!” Then she added, “That’s why I am going to carry this pregnancy to term.”
Although this was positive for the advocate to hear, the woman’s need was clearly the restoration of her relationship with God. She proceeded to speak of feeling far away from God and lamented the past closeness she had enjoyed with Him. The kairos moment had arrived.
It was perfect timing for the advocate to intervene with a testimony. At one time, she also had been seeking God on her terms. “I admit I wanted to be in the driver’s seat.”
The advocate continued, “Ultimately, I found peace with God by surrendering my life to Him.” As the conversation continued, the discussion expanded to talking about biblical sexual integrity—that is, following God’s will in her private, dating life.
It’s often helpful to a client to discuss the meaning of being a cultural Christian versus being a true follower of Christ—the latter brings the contentment of following His guidelines for our lives. The advocate said, “The guidelines He sets help us avoid pitfalls. He cares about our peace. His purpose isn’t to break or bend us to obedience but to touch our hearts with the delight of following Him.
The advocate looked directly at Laura when she said, “Laura, it’s apparent you really are a believer, yet you are off track spiritually.”
“Yes, I know,” Laura responded quietly.
“Are you in agreement with the basics of the Christian faith, such as we are all sinners?”
“Yes,” Laura responded.
“That Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sins?”
“Yes.”
“And that our God of love wants you to draw close to Him again?”
“Yes,” she acknowledged.
“Would you like to pray a rededication prayer as a defining point to reset your walk with the Lord? It often helps to formalize your return to Him—a recommitment helps you get back on track.”
The client readily agreed.
The advocate led a prayer for rededication. Afterward, before leaving, the young woman expressed thankfulness for helping her return to the Lord. As she stood up, she asked, “Can I give you a hug?”
Note: Rededication and dedication is discussed in the Gospel section of this book. The commitment prayer is located near the back of the spiritual tract titled Would You Like to Know God Personally? (See Resource, appendix B.)
The seven client examples below typify how negative thoughts impede our sharing the Gospel with our clients. To persevere by faith brings God’s pleasure. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV).
1. “My client is too sophisticated to be interested in the Gospel.” (Persevere anyway.)
Laura, a tall, slender young woman in her late twenties, came to the center for a pregnancy test. Her long, dark hair was an appealing contrast to her cream-colored suit. It was easy to imagine this stately woman walking through the marbled corridors of the lavish hotel that employed her.
The advocate was tempted to forego a Gospel presentation with this lovely, statuesque client. She’s never going to be interested in talking about God—she’s obviously much too sophisticated and worldly for an interest in spiritual things. But this was not the case.
When the pregnancy test came back positive, the young woman spoke of how unexpected a pregnancy was. She had been in a long-term relationship, yet they had not yet seriously discussed marriage. As the intake proceeded, the discussion deepened. The client mentioned God. The advocate inserted, “Did you know we are a Christian center?”
The client replied, “I didn’t know that! I’m also a Christian!” Then she added, “That’s why I am going to carry this pregnancy to term.”
Although this was positive for the advocate to hear, the woman’s need was clearly the restoration of her relationship with God. She proceeded to speak of feeling far away from God and lamented the past closeness she had enjoyed with Him. The kairos moment had arrived.
It was perfect timing for the advocate to intervene with a testimony. At one time, she also had been seeking God on her terms. “I admit I wanted to be in the driver’s seat.”
The advocate continued, “Ultimately, I found peace with God by surrendering my life to Him.” As the conversation continued, the discussion expanded to talking about biblical sexual integrity—that is, following God’s will in her private, dating life.
It’s often helpful to a client to discuss the meaning of being a cultural Christian versus being a true follower of Christ—the latter brings the contentment of following His guidelines for our lives. The advocate said, “The guidelines He sets help us avoid pitfalls. He cares about our peace. His purpose isn’t to break or bend us to obedience but to touch our hearts with the delight of following Him.
The advocate looked directly at Laura when she said, “Laura, it’s apparent you really are a believer, yet you are off track spiritually.”
“Yes, I know,” Laura responded quietly.
“Are you in agreement with the basics of the Christian faith, such as we are all sinners?”
“Yes,” Laura responded.
“That Jesus came to pay the penalty for our sins?”
“Yes.”
“And that our God of love wants you to draw close to Him again?”
“Yes,” she acknowledged.
“Would you like to pray a rededication prayer as a defining point to reset your walk with the Lord? It often helps to formalize your return to Him—a recommitment helps you get back on track.”
The client readily agreed.
The advocate led a prayer for rededication. Afterward, before leaving, the young woman expressed thankfulness for helping her return to the Lord. As she stood up, she asked, “Can I give you a hug?”
Note: Rededication and dedication is discussed in the Gospel section of this book. The commitment prayer is located near the back of the spiritual tract titled Would You Like to Know God Personally? (See Resource, appendix B.)
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