Sidewalk counseling ministry can be incredibly effective in saving the lives of the unborn, but you must be prepared. In this training section, we’ll equip you with helpful resources, protocol, safety recommendations for children, and other helpful training for you day at the abortion center.

First Time at the Abortion Center

If this is your first time at an abortion center, it may be wise for you to simply observe. It is often best just to observe sidewalk counselors (if there is already a mission presence at the abortion center). Once you are more comfortable, pray for God to lead you to an area to minister.

Confrontation Guidelines

Dear brother/sister in Christ, it is much more “glamorous” to post about going to an abortion center than it is to actually go. You will likely be cursed and yelled at, and you will likely experience some form of discouragement even from within the body of Christ. It is SO important to pray for God’s help with this Gospel outreach. It is such a tangible evil that you will encounter, as you literally see people participate in murder with nothing more than a wall between you. Expect that the enemy of your soul does not want you to go to plead for babies’ lives with the gospel of Christ, so you likely will encounter resistance in one form or another.

• Do Not Argue (especially on a microphone or bullhorn)
• Encourage them to come and talk to you
• Never respond or resort to petty name-calling or cursing
• Learn to recognize a distraction from a true question or concern

Protocol and Reminders

• Remember: This is a modern-day Auschwitz
• Keep any unnecessary conversation to a minimum
• Consider spreading out to pray and not standing in groups, as this may discourage women from coming to talk to a group
• Take a break when necessary

Child Safety and Recommendations

• Children should never be in the street or cross a street or driveway unaccompanied.
• Set guidelines for your children on rules at the abortion center.
• Children on the sidewalks should be behaved and respectful.
• Take a disruptive child to your vehicle. This lessens the distractions.
• Your child will need to take a break! Let them!
• Bring snacks and drinks!
• Consider having your child make a sign on poster board. Cut one piece in half so that it’s easier for them to hold. Don’t worry about how it looks! It’s better when we adults let them create those signs on their own!

Research Resources in Your Area

• • Research the abortion center where you will minister (How far along do they do abortions? What type of abortions? Do they offer other services?)
  • Research local pregnancy resources (pregnancy centers, shelters, maternity homes, substance abuse programs, adoption agencies, etc.)
  • Research abortion in general (techniques, post-abortion stress syndrome, www.abortionpillreversal.com, etc.)
  • Low-cost childcare in the community, housing and training programs already in place, churches willing to partner as mentors and resource, low cost or free Christian counseling centers (churches)
  • Have a handy resource guide in your purse or whatever you use to carry your materials (fanny pack) so you can quickly access and point moms to help.
  • Don’t be afraid to start small and build resources and interactional skills as you become familiar with the setting. (Do not despise the day of small things.) 

Helpful Checklist for Preparation:

Make Local Pro-Life Connections

Getting connections and “inside information” on the abortion center is definitely a plus! This website has some great info and will help you locate your local abortion center. Search their website for information as to the types of abortions they do and up to what gestational age. See what the women you will minister to will see. The next step is to go out to the abortion center on a Saturday morning, which is usually the busiest day for abortions.

While out there, ask questions of those who minister there regularly. It is your best way to get the information you need for ministry!