Lessons Learned about Ministering Outside an Abortion Clinic, Part 2

(click here for part 1).

Lesson 2: Our Words Are Important, Even If Not Ultimate.

When we first started, I was a bit too focused on trying to say just the right words. Obviously, we must communicate the gospel correctly. I just mean the words I’d use to call out to people, as they entered the clinic, in my efforts to get them to come to talk to us.

The Lord reminded me that there is no formula that can replace the work of his Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:1, 4). We can’t rely on our eloquence.

That being said, I also realized that our words are important. As ambassadors for Christ, we must seek to use our words to be inviting and to cause people to think. So, I don’t think there are magic formulas, but we came up with a few standard things to say.

We decided to begin calling out with the line, “Hi, my name is Ben, could I give you a care packet and bottle of water.” Using our name is an effort to remind them that we are human beings just like them (not talking heads). It is so easy to dehumanize those we perceive as being against us and to ignore them. We don’t want to be viewed as their enemies. Instead, we want them to see us for who we are - those who are truly for them and their baby.

We also realized that in conversations we wanted to use questions to show compassion. These women aren't there because they are trying to make a pro-choice statement, but because they feel their situation is too difficult for them to handle. So, we found it helpful to ask questions like
“What is the biggest hurdle you are facing in this pregnancy the thing that ‘if only this’ then I would feel I could protect my baby?” It isn't a magic formula. This is merely one way that mercy can knock at the door and offer to come in and help.

We also wanted to use questions to get them thinking about God and to open gospel opportunities. Afterall, their greatest need (and mine) is to see God as the greatest treasure, all-knowing judge, and powerful provider. I've found that asking, "What do you think God thinks about your situation?" seems to be a good way to get to this deeper issue.  It provides an opportunity to consider God and his ways and their own situation which they may or may not have already done. The key, however, is not to simply speak, but to listen to what they think about God and then try to speak the truth that addresses where they are coming from.

None of these are "result producing rhetoric." I've said things well and had people shout profane things back at me. I've really jumbled up my words and had people come to talk to me and receive a care packet. My words can't replace God's power and they can't thwart it either. But our words do matter. Feeble as they are, they do allow us to show mercy and offer God's wisdom. So, I've been learning not to trust the power of our words while also learning how to use words well.