Church Leaders
Dr. Marc Newman is the president of Speaker for Life, a training firm that helps Christians more clearly articulate the apologetics of life. Prior to venturing into pro-life apologetics, Newman was the director of speech and debate at the University of California at Irvine. He is also the author of Contenders: A Church-Wide Strategy to Unmask Abortion, Defeat It’s Advocates, Empower Christians, and Change the World. The community is invited to hear Dr. Newman speak at the Sav-A-Life Shelby’s banquet on September 21, and area pastors are extended a special invitation to meet Dr. Newman for lunch on September 22.
Q. Dr. Newman, why is the life issue important?
A. “Life is important because the church (and all believers) are locked in a struggle with an ethic that teaches human beings do not possess an inalienable right to life. This line of thinking contracts the truth that humans bear the image of God and are created with intrinsic, objective, absolute value in comparison with other things. Instead, the new ethic insists that human beings, at best have only relative value.”
Q. What can Christians and pastors do practically to support life?
A. “First, speak up. If the church is willing to close its doors out of compassion to keep the vulnerable from COVID infection, why shouldn’t the church be willing to open its mouth out of compassion for the most vulnerable from death? Second, pray. Throughout scripture God’s people are commanded to pray for leaders, to pray for repentance, and to pray for guidance. Third, support local pregnancy centers. These agencies provide the Good News of Christ with those who are on the cusp of making decisions that not only affect the unborn but will change their lives forever.”
Q. Why should you make coming to the Sav-A-Life Shelby Banquet a priority?
A. “You will be encouraged to see others doing something to promote life. You will be given an opportunity to assist a great organization in promoting life.”
At the pastor’s event on Wednesday September 22, churches will be equipped and empowered on how they can stand for life and mobilize their congregations to get involved in the cause of life in Birmingham and beyond. The event will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at East 59 Café at Lee Branch. R.S.V.P by calling 205-776-1247. To sign up to attend the Sav-A-Life Banquet on September 21 at the Grand Hall at Old Mill Square in Columbiana, Ala., visit www.shelbybanquet.org.
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham
Writer and Speaker,
