FAQ

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote a letter titled “From a Birmingham Jail” in response to Christian and Jewish critics who suggested King’s demonstrations were “unwise and untimely.” His response was thoughtful and considerate to his critics’ concern, 

“Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured.” 

Using victim image photography isn’t about the people showing it or seeing it but rather about the people shown in it. Such as in King’s day, seeing the injustice rather than knowing of or hearing about it becomes vital to any hope of it being cured. Therefore, it is brought into the open spaces to allow the conscience to do its work as God has designed. 

For any statement such as these to have any weight or consideration, they can’t just be based off personal or popular opinion. As Christians, we are held to a higher standard, namely, the Word of God (and that interpreted rightly). 

Regarding Christian perspectives on judgment and love, proper Biblical interpretation is key. "Judge not" (Matthew 7:1) warns against hypocritical judgment. Jesus clarifies in verse 5 that self-examination must precede correction. Additionally, Ephesians 5:11 instructs believers to expose wrongdoing rather than ignore it. True love includes confronting sin so the Gospel can transform lives 

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11 NKJV

We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, meaning your donations may be tax deductible. Be sure to keep records of your contributions and consult a tax professional to ensure deductibility based on your circumstances. 

We should begin by acknowledging that it has become more challenging to find someone who has not been personally affected or does not know someone impacted by either rape or incest.  Even if such weren’t the case, we need to tread very carefully in discussions where this is raised as you could very likely be talking to a survivor of such. In a discussion of any kind regarding abortion, you’re talking to a person - not trying to win an argument, so don’t make the mistake of not addressing the heart and emotion in the person behind the question. That said, we here will handle this more technically… 

The short answer is no. First, God is the Author of life (Genesis 1:26-28); therefore, only He has the right  to decide when life ends (Psalm 139:1-6; Acts 17:30-31). Second, Scripture makes clear life has value even  in the womb (i.e. John the Baptist addressed as a living person in his mother’s womb - Luke 1:39-45).  Since both statements hold true, then every individual's existence has inherent value, regardless of how they were conceived, leaving no room for exceptions.

Sexual assault is an act of violence, and we do not condemn the victim. One act of violence (the assault) does not justify a second act of violence (abortion).

Abortion is often framed as either political or spiritual, though it is both. Jesus demonstrated this concept in Mark 12:14-17 by rejecting a false dichotomy presented by the Pharisees and offering a third, corrected perspective. Similarly, abortion is first a spiritual issue before a political one, as sin originates in the heart.

“When they had come, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and care about no one; for You do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.” So they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him.” Mark 12:14-17 NKJV 

Sophie’s Rose operates as a parachurch ministry that directly works with Protestants only. Unaffiliated with any specific church or denomination, we require our team to be faithful members in good standing within a theologically conservative local church. They are expected to subject themselves under the biblical authority of their own pastors as Scripture commands. (Acts 2:42, 6:1-15, & 20:28; Romans 12:5; Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 10:25 & 13:17.)

When a mother’s life is at risk, emotions run high, making careful counseling essential. Christian ethics, based on the unchanging Word of God, reject situational morality—if abortion is the intentional killing of an innocent life, it remains wrong.

Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that 8% of pregnancies face complications, often due to lack of treatment. In rare emergencies where interventions fail, doctors strive to save both lives. If the baby cannot survive, saving the mother is an act of emergency medicine, not abortion.

(When most people ask this question, they are referring to either complications that can be treated, OR ectopic pregnancies within the fallopian tube. The procedure to separate the mom and baby in an ectopic pregnancy is not an abortion and will never be outlawed. We attempt to save both, though current medicine is unable to save the ectopic baby as of now.)

Counseling someone after an abortion requires deep compassion, wisdom, and care. Because the topic is sensitive, consulting a trusted pastor or post-abortive counselor is crucial. Three key principles for counseling:

1. Counseling begins with the Word of God (1 Timothy 3:16-17).

2. Offer Jesus, the Hope of Glory, in every discussion (Colossians 1:27).

3. Address each concern fully before moving to the next to ensure lasting healing.

Approach every conversation with grace, understanding, and the reassurance that forgiveness and healing found in the work of Christ Jesus is possible.

Sophie’s Rose is a street outreach ministry. We are not a medical clinic or medical professionals (though at times individuals on our team are medical professionals in their career). Our goal as it relates to pregnancy resource centers is to be the ambassador of Christ that connects the woman in the danger zone to the medical professionals in resource clinics that can help guide her through her crisis. 

Likewise, Sophie’s Rose is not a political pro-life group. Aside from regulations governing 501(c)3’s, we are a ministry. Though members may personally tend to align with similar political views and opinions, they do not represent that of the organization. 

Success is defined by faithfulness in ministry, as Scripture teaches that only God brings the increase. 

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” I Corinthians 3:5-7 NKJV 

We strive to change minds at abortion clinics and campuses, where tactics may differ but the mission remains the same. Many mothers have turned away from abortion, and countless college outreach efforts have led to changed hearts. When we faithfully minister, God works through us to rescue lives. One life rescued is more than just earthly success; all of heaven rejoices.

The heartbeat of Sophie’s Rose Ministry was carried over from its former days as SOHLnet. We find our roots in Micah 6:8. 

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 NKJV

In short, if done biblically, no. It’s altogether possible the methods used or conversations had may be a catalyst that solidifies or makes more clear one’s hatred of Christianity and rebellion towards God.  However, the Bible is very clear that one’s actions are a result of what is already in the heart. Take a look at Jesus addressing this in light of the Pharisee’s behavior: 

“Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34 NKJV 

Methods and conversations do not create rejection in the heart of a sinner. It only reveals what was already there. Of course, it is still our responsibility to be above reproach in how we conduct ourselves as things done with the wrong spirit can be a stumbling block that aggravates the sinner’s rejection further.  So long as the methodology and conversation is grounded out of Scripture [note: not forced on Scripture] and is ministered in a spirit of care for the recipient, the reaction or response is then the sole responsibility of the sinner. If they reject or rebel against it, that is merely the outpouring of their heart that is perhaps more noticeable than usual. 

There is something to the discussion on biblical methodologies in said outreaches, and it is absolutely acceptable for Christians to have varying convictions on these so long as one can maintain a biblical defense that with a sound hermeneutic honors the Word of God. If a sound biblical basis for such methodology/conviction can be reached without biblical compromise, it would actually be unacceptable for another believer to be dogmatic against another believer with a different conviction due to personal preference or varying biblical conviction. (Read 1 Corinthians 8 for instruction in how to handle preferring one another amidst differing biblical convictions. Philippians 2:1-5 also gives more general guidelines for Christian charity to one another that would prove helpful in such discussions.) 

Some pro-life groups will go into great depths in answering this question, and there is a time and place for such discussion. However, as nuanced as the variances can be, the answer is still simple. As pro-life abolitionists we believe in the abolition of abortion in it’s entirety. Some groups have differing views regarding how that ought to be accomplished, but we believe abortion is always wrong and should be done away with. 

Yes, we have many resources for both post-abortive healing and women in crisis. 

Abortionregrets.com is a resource we have put together to minister to women suffering from the aftermath of abortion. In that website are multiple links to vetted ministries we trust to competently counsel women in this situation. 

On the street while sidewalk counseling we have handheld flyers from local pregnancy resource centers that offer alternatives to abortion. We will even call the center in the moment of meeting one of these women to get them immediate help and ethical medical attention. There are various other resources at our disposal for the different circumstances we encounter. 

Would it surprise you to learn secularists and progressives such as political columnist Jim Hightower acknowledge that remaining silent on similar issues is problematic?  

“If you do not speak up when it matters, when would it matter that you speak? The opposite of courage is conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.” 

Even a broken clock is right twice a day, meaning amidst their broken worldview the enemies of God still have a moral component that tells them wrong needs to be made right. The key difference between the world speaking out and Christians is that the Gospel is the only eternal and ultimate solution to the world's problems of sin and the curse. Since only Christians hold the true answer, wouldn't it be reasonable for us to share it? In fact, Jesus had this to say to His disciples about being ashamed of the Gospel, 

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in  His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels.” Luke 9:26 NKJV 

One cannot have public shame from private silence. Jesus’ disciples (including us as disciples today) had to preach the Gospel to those living in opposition to it. Their call to sinners was to repent and turn from their sins and place their trust in the Messiah they had just killed. Inarguably, both then and now, the Gospel is the most important message that could ever be shared, and it’s highly offensive. If we’re to be unashamed in proclaiming the Gospel, the most important message, how vocal should we be with the  other moral issues the Gospel addresses like killing the pre-born? Perhaps the better question then is how can you not speak out or get involved in some manner?

To come full circle to Hightower’s observation, even the world accidentally gets it right that if something is immoral or unjust we have the ethical responsibility to speak out about it. Perhaps the better question then is how can you not get involved in some manner? 

Yes, and this is true even if you have done sidewalk counseling before. Given the nature of how sensitive and urgent this aspect of the ministry is, it is imperative that we properly train and vet willing and/or able  sidewalk counselors. There are three main reasons this is non-negotiable: 

1. We give an account to the Lord for every word spoken and deed done. As stewards of the resources God has given us both individually and organizationally, we are obligated to put forth our best effort. 

   “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matthew 12:36-37 NKJV 

2. New counselors need biblical and practical training, while experienced ones require evaluation. Discernment can be taught, but wisdom comes from well-applied experience. However, pride often hinders “experienced” counselors, risking lives. To ensure sound practices and humble leadership in sidewalk counseling, seasoned counselors must undergo review before taking on new responsibilities.

3. All sidewalk counselors volunteering with Sophie’s Rose represents the ministry. This may seem as if it goes without saying, but it is important to remember that Sophie’s Rose is not just an organization  but a ministry. There is a higher standard both biblically and socially that must be upheld. 

You do not! You can choose to come to the outreaches we do in other locations not local to you, or simply wait to be in your area. Of course, you could very well do both! 

Absolutely! In fact, we often encourage new volunteers to watch how things are done, observe how conversations are handled, and hand out literature before engaging. This allows us to properly train you as well as take off the pressure that you have to jump all in right away! This can be paced at the volunteer’s preference along with the approval from the team leadership. 

Youth participation depends on several factors that must be agreed upon in writing with parents. Those under 15 require direct adult supervision by a parent or authorized guardian. Teens aged 15-17 need parental consent via a signed form and will work under the supervision of team leaders. These situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We have several different trainings for different applications. We have trainings tailored to church involvement, Christian school apologetics, sidewalk counseling outreach, and even entire pro-life ministry launches! Reach out to us for further information and qualification.