The calling of a sidewalk counselor is unique.
The calling isn’t one of protesting.
Or legislating.
Or even working at a crisis pregnancy center.
Sidewalk counselors have a distinct role that places them on the frontlines in the fight against the culture of death. They’re spiritual first responders, who rescue women and babies from the horror of abortion. They’re servants of God, bringing the gospel to a dark place where a spiritual battle is raging.
It’s a high calling that can’t be taken lightly.
If you’re not involved in this ministry, you may wonder how to become a sidewalk counselor in your own city or town. In this article, we’ll address some questions about joining the ranks of sidewalk counselors.
Let’s start by looking at a very important consideration…
How Do I Know If I’m Qualified to Become a Sidewalk Counselor?
If you’re thinking about becoming a sidewalk counselor, it’s only natural to wonder if you’re equipped for the task. It’s not easy to spend hours pleading for the lives of babies and the souls of moms while encountering intense spiritual opposition.
However, the answer to this question might not be what you expect. To begin ministering on the sidewalk, NONE of the following is a requirement/qualification:
- A graduate or undergraduate degree in counseling or a related field
- The ability to defeat pro-abortion arguments in a debate
- An abortion-free past or, conversely, a past involving abortion
- Volunteer work at a crisis pregnancy center
- Experience working as a pro-life activist
Some of these achievements/experiences may help you minister to an abortion-minded woman in unique ways. However, they neither qualify nor disqualify you to be a sidewalk counselor.
Below are three essential attributes every sidewalk counselor should possess:
1. A Sidewalk Counselor Should Be a Christian.
The calling of a sidewalk counselor is not simply to stop abortions. It is to minister to the greatest need of abortion-minded women:
- If they are unsaved, their need for salvation
- If they are saved, their need for sanctification (e.g., to trust the Lord)
If a sidewalk counselor is an unbeliever, he or she may save the unborn—without addressing the spiritual darkness that is fueling this twenty-first-century holocaust.
2. A Sidewalk Counselor Should Understand God’s Word.
It is impossible to give wise counsel if we do not understand the source of all spiritual wisdom—God’s testimonies (His Word). Psalm 119:24 says this:
Your testimonies also are my delight
And my counselors.
[Emphasis added]
Spiritual problems call for spiritual solutions. While the Bible may not use the word “abortion,” the Scriptures address sins that tempt women to murder their children, such as fearing a person’s disapproval.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that the Scriptures will thoroughly equip the sidewalk counselor for the good work of ministering to abortion-minded women:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
[Emphasis added]
3. A Sidewalk Counselor Should Walk in Obedience to God’s Word.
Being a Christian and understanding what the Bible says is key for pro-life ministry. However, it’s also vital that each sidewalk counselor is actively walking in holiness.
In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says this:
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
From this passage, we learn that it is hypocritical to attempt to correct a brother’s transgression when we ourselves have unrepentant sin. It is also hypocritical for the sidewalk counselor to exhort abortion-minded women to forsake their sins—while dishonoring his or her Lord.
Do I Need Outside Training?
At Sidewalks4Life, we believe that the most important qualification for becoming a sidewalk counselor is simply being a faithful Christian.
However, you might wonder if you need training that’s specific to sidewalk counseling.
Here’s the short answer: No.
Technically speaking, outside education isn’t required to become a sidewalk counselor. It is possible to begin helping women in desperate situations without receiving hands-on instruction.
However, we’d challenge you to also consider these questions…
Is it helpful for someone new to this ministry to learn from other sidewalk counselors?
Can getting training from sidewalk veterans increase a counselor’s effectiveness?
The answer to these questions is yes!
At the abortion mill, you may encounter very challenging and even unique situations—situations where you may lack prior experience to help you understand how to respond. Training from sidewalk counselors can equip you to…
- Effectively engage a mom in conversation when you only have a few seconds to capture her attention.
- Know which talking points are essential during initial interactions.
- Reach support people who may be influencing the young woman to seek an abortion.
- Understand what the Bible says if you’re accused of “judging” others.
- Counsel women in difficult situations, such as being pregnant with a baby who has Down syndrome.
Can God use you without any training? He most certainly can.
But can He also use the experience and wisdom of other counselors to improve your effectiveness? Can you glean from Christians who’ve spent years on the sidewalk? Can you learn from these believers’ mistakes so you don’t make the same ones yourself? The answer is a resounding yes!
How Do I Get Training for Sidewalk Counseling?
If you need training for how to become a sidewalk counselor, you’re in the right place.
Sidewalks4Life is dedicated to training, educating, and equipping Christians for this pro-life ministry.
Not only do we publish helpful articles, but we’ve also dedicated an entire section of our website toward sidewalk counseling training. You’ll find videos, helpful tips, and even answers to common questions.
To get started, head over here: https://sidewalks4life.com/get-equipped/