The Seven Fundamentals are the backbone of the Equipped to Serve training. Some of you may know my story. For those of you who do not know my story, it is important to know how and why the Seven Fundamentals were developed.
I started as a volunteer in the Pregnancy Center ministry in its infancy. I attended one of the first trainings ever conducted by the Christian Action Council (now Care Net) back in the early 80s. We were filled with passion about saving babies back then and believed that information about abortion and abortion procedures would be enough to change people’s minds about abortion.
Back then we were showing photos of aborted fetuses and the tools and techniques used in abortion procedures. It was so long ago that we used automated slide shows in the counseling room.
Eventually I came on staff of the Pregnancy Center.
As time went on, I realized that it took much, much more than information to truly minister to women and their unborn children. I began to feel increasingly uncomfortable with the training that was available because I could not ignore the responses I was seeing in the women coming to us for help.
I came to a crisis point in my life.
I prayed and asked the Lord to show me a different way. I was looking for a way that would respect both the woman and her unborn child. I was desperate. I feared if the Lord did not answer my prayer that I would have to leave my position and the ministry.
The Lord heard my cries and, through prayer, I was directed to read Jesus’ interaction with women in the Scriptures. I felt a whole new way opening up for me as I read these passages. Jesus showed me the way.
What I saw in the scriptural accounts of Jesus’ encounters with these women were:
- Jesus was never condemning or using sensational methods
- Jesus saw each woman as a unique individual with unique needs
- Jesus protected and defended each woman from others
- Jesus opened himself up to criticism for doing things differently
- Jesus always spoke the truth in love, never sacrificing the relationship
- He never used his status to manipulate the outcome
- He used incredible wisdom and understanding of the times and culture
- He empathized with their pain & unique situations
- He challenged each woman with no strings attached
- He took every opportunity to challenge the pious, zealous, religious people
Finally I had a new ministry vision based on:
- Jesus’ model
- Ministry to women as well as their unborn children
- The skills, insight, and mindset needed to minister through grace and mercy
- A clear calling from God to move forward
This is how the Seven Fundamentals and the Equipped to Serve training came to be.
Check out the stories:
- The Samaritan Woman (John 4:1-30)
- The Woman with the Flow of Blood (Mark 5:21-34)
- The Woman who Cried at Jesus’ Feet (Luke 7:36-50)
- The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)
QUESTION: What is precious to you about these stories of Jesus’ ministry to women in the Scriptures? How have they affected your ministry at the Pregnancy Center?
Please leave your insights in the comments below.