AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT

WHAT’S BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY

Even if you’ve always believed that life is precious and that babies deserve the chance to live, experiencing an unplanned pregnancy yourself can be overwhelming.

You find that it’s more complex than just a yes or no decision. All the things that are at stake, added to the hormones that are likely affecting your emotions, can leave you feeling confused and afraid.

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What should you consider as you try
to decide the best options for
both you and this new life?

CONSIDERATION #1
THE GIFT OF LIFE

Every human life has value regardless of the circumstances. That goes for you and your baby.

You were both created in the image of God and were fearfully and wonderfully made. All of your days were written in God’s book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16). Even though you don’t know your future or the future of this baby’s life, your decisions affect both.

Pray that God will help you make choices that preserve His best for both of you – to allow you both to experience the full life He offers. As Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

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CONSIDERATION #2
THE RESPONSIBILITIES AHEAD

Choosing to give birth to your baby is a heroic step. But that’s just the beginning. Now you must decide who will raise this child. There is great responsibility involved in caring for a child in both the short- and long-term.

Being a parent means learning to lay down your life as a servant for your child (Philippians 2:3-7). Many mothers choose to take on this responsibility alone. Single mothers usually find, however, that the responsibilities are greater than they ever imagined and there will be a need for additional support.

If you hope to raise this child yourself, you should pray about where the child’s father fits in. A father can make all the difference in a child’s life – for better or worse. Often, an unplanned pregnancy can uncover a man’s true character and make it clear whether or not he has the courage and discipline to be a good husband or father.

There are times, however, when the father of your child can still become the man you and your child need. With dependency on the Lord, a lot of work and Biblical counsel, it’s possible to make an unplanned family work.

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CONSIDERATION #3
THE HOPE OF REDEMPTION

God is in the business of turning situations that feel like a mess into “happily ever after” stories.

Having your child’s father commit to the long-term responsibilities of marriage and parenting can provide a hopeful story of redemption. When that’s not the case, however, the best hope for your child may be adoption by parents who are prepared for the responsibilities ahead.

There can be great heartache in holding your new baby and then handing it over to someone else, but it’s often the best choice you can make for your child’s future. It also can be an answer to prayer for the couple who hopes to adopt children.

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NORTHWOODS COMMUNITY CHURCH CARES

WE CAN HELP

GOING FURTHER

RESOURCES

  • Bravelove

    BraveLove is a pro-adoption movement dedicated to changing the perception of adoption by acknowledging birth moms for their brave decision. Visit bravelove.org for videos and resources.

Northwoods Kids

Northwoods Community Church offers a variety of programs that come alongside parents in their effort to instill faith in children including age-graded weekend classes, Awana, camps, and much more. For more information, visit northwoods.church/ministries/#children

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Pastoral Care

Northwoods provides onsite, Christ-centered Pastoral Care. Both male and female counselors are available. Counseling is offered for adults, adolescents and children. Fees are significantly lower than comparable services in our community. All counseling is confidential. For more information, visit northwoods.church/pastoral-care

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Northwoods Singles Ministry

Northwoods Community Church offers a variety of Life Groups and other opportunities targeting non-married adults. Consult the Life Group Locator Guide available at campus information booths to find a Life Group Class that fits your schedule and family life stage. For details regarding the Singles Ministry, go to northwoods.church/20s30s/

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OUR LOCATIONS

Northwoods has four physical campuses, each unique and serving a different area of our community. We also have an online campus. We hope you join us at one of our campuses this weekend.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

We know you may have a lot of questions when trying a new church. We want you to feel welcome and comfortable and at ease when you join us at Northwoods. Learn more about what you can expect by clicking below.

WHAT TO EXPECT

OUR CHURCH

Northwoods is a church made up of a diverse and vibrant community of people, with campuses throughout Illinois. Find out more about what we believe, our leadership team, and ministries for the whole family.

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