82: How to Respond When Teenagers Get Pregnant (Sara Loy)

How do we respond with love and grace when teenagers in our ministry get pregnant? This is a huge surprise for everyone and often turns entire families upside-down. The gospel shapes the way you support and care for the expectant mom, dad, and their families. 

• What are some of the initial feelings that our teen girls likely experience after finding out they’re pregnant, and what factors into the next decisions they often make? 
• When you meet with these expectant moms, what does ministry to them look like?
• How do you respond to those who are afraid that supporting teen pregnancies will send the wrong message to the group and will only encourage others to deal lightly with sexual sin?
• What can youth leaders/groups do to make youth group a safe and welcoming place for pregnant teens? What are some 'do's and 'don'ts' for making youth group a supportive and gracious environment?
• Obviously, this affects the whole family, not just the student who’s pregnant. How can churches and youth workers support the family through this new challenge that’s completely changing their family? 
• If we find out that one of our youth group students had an abortion, how can youth workers prepare today so they respond well to that news?

Sara Loy is the Director of Springwater Healing, an arm of the Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices. Springwater provides support and counseling after an abortion. 

Recommendations:

• Embrace Grace 
• Lifeway’s Study on the Church and Abortion: Report, Article
• Students for Life 
• The Charlotte Lozier Institute (research group)
• Springwater Healing

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