Key Question: When was the last time the word “abortion” was uttered in your church? Is this a topic that is addressed regularly with grace, hope, and with the goal of healing? Is it talked about only for one sermon when Sanctity of Human Life Day rolls around? Or is it largely avoided altogether?
Have you or someone you love been affected by abortion? Have you, as a leader, pastor, or faithful neighbor, wanted to help people heal and find wholeness after the experience of having an abortion—but you find it difficult to broach this sensitive subject?
Our guest for this conversation is here to offer some much-needed clarity and direction for Christians who want to respond with both truth and grace. Her work with post-abortion healing ministries gives us powerful insights on how to walk with people in a Gospel-centric way in order to see them come to redemption and healing.
Karen Ellison is the Founder and President of Deeper Still, a ministry devoted to helping men and women heal from the emotional wounds of an abortion. Karen has had an abortion herself and knows what the healing journey entails.
In this episode, Karen shares her personal story of hurt and healing, a more complete understanding of atonement within the context of our sin, how to create a culture of healing in our churches, and much more.
NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR IMPLICATIONS:
- “Even if abortion is not your story, it’s likely the story of someone you love.”
- Many Christians are ill-prepared to address or advise on the issue of sexual sin or to help those struggling with the result of it.
- Those who have been affected by an abortion are trapped in a prison of shame and fear. It feels easier to keep silent than to share what happened.
- To make the church a safe place where abortion can be talked about, this topic needs to be addressed by church leaders and spoken about from the pulpit regularly.
- “We live in an abortion wounded world.”
- [BOOK] The Abortion Wounded Church: Developing a Culture of Healing for the Abortion Wounded
- Connect with Karen on her website, Facebook, or Instagram
Meet Our Guest
Karen Ellison is the Founder and President of Deeper Still, a ministry devoted to helping men and women heal from the emotional wounds of an abortion. She has served in a post-abortion healing ministry for many years, and it was through these experiences that Karen developed the Deeper Still Retreat. Karen has had an abortion herself and knows what the healing journey entails. Today, Karen lives with her husband, Arthur, in Knoxville, TN. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.
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