Sidewalk Basics Top Ten

These are what I consider the top ten basics for Sidewalk Outreach (SWO). However, before we talk about the basics, there are some PRE-SWO basics that should be in place. The volunteer should be in the Word, in church regularly, prayed up, with the full armor of God on each day. None of those things can be neglected in the fierce spiritual battle of the sidewalk of an abortion center. After those prerequisites are present, these are the strategies that we feel are most effective in helping promote a choice for life.

Show up.

The mere presence of a Christian witness increases “no shows” for abortion by 70% according to Abby Johnson from her days as a Planned Parenthood manager. Countless times, women who choose life tell us they were praying for a sign, and when they see us on the sidewalk, they know it is the sign they prayed for. We cannot intercede for the unborn if we are not there.

Be prepared with basic supplies

Have extra clothes in the car in case it is cold, read the weather report and be fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at you. Have the literature you will hand out with your contact info on it. Have any signs you may want to display. Have a blessing bag or small gift if possible for the mom who chooses life. Have a list of nearby pregnancy centers that do ultrasounds in your phone. Have favorite scripture on 3x5 card or on your phone. Have headset or amplified sound with you if it is allowed. Know the laws in your area for interceding in front of abortion centers.

Know and Utilize the Three Talking Points: God, Humanity of baby, Resources

We usually have about 15-30 seconds to initially call out to the moms as they exit their cars and walk into the center. Make those few seconds you have count! Choose the most impactful thing you can say that will echo in their soul and bring conviction. Write it down. Practice it. No matter how long you have, expand upon those three basic content areas. These are the areas we have had moms tell us convinced them to choose life. God. Humanity of the baby. Resources. A typical opening remark from me: Young lady, your baby is made in God’s Holy Image with a heart that is beating as early as 17 days from conception. No matter what you face, we have help. What would God have you do?

Set up Strategic Team Positions no Matter How Many Members

Set up top priority positions. Usually the highest priority is someone at the closest point to where the women can be seen parking and entering the building. It is best if you are visible. A second priority position is the most likely place to entice a car to stop. This place should not be dangerous to driver or you if the car stops and should allow for at least a moment to talk. A third position is where signs could be held or propped to alert traffic to the tragic truth of abortion and the offer of help.

Do not clump or chitchat.

It is easy to turn SWO time into a social event because SWO people are so wonderful. However, keep in mind this is the last moment for these babies to live unless something stops the abortion. If we spend the time chatting with each other, we miss opportunities and tend to lose sight of the seriousness of why we are there. If we clump together, we look like an army to the frightened and overwhelmed women, and we are more likely to chat with each other. Spread out and remain prayerful and focused on our task.

Know What You Can Offer in Terms of Help in Advance

Can you provide suggestions for where to go nearby for ultrasounds? Do you have mentors that will walk alongside the women? Do you have churches willing to disciple the women? Do you have a list of health care centers that provide low cost services but do not kill babies? Do you have a list of maternity centers? Do you have church’s/ministries willing to provide baby showers? Do you have low cost child care resources? The more you know about resources you can offer, the more you can offer help to the women. One of the things that most moms who chose life tell us they heard that made them pause is: “We can help you.”

Share the Word of God and the Gospel

The Gospel is the power of God to save. We usually will not be able to share the Gospel in the few seconds we have, but we always have time to share short convicting verses to point them to God. Have those verses ready to pull out. I have some on 3x5 cards and many memorized. Some of my favorites: Dt.30:19, Psalm 139, Luke 6:46, Heb.10:26, Luke 1:37, Phil. 4:13.  When you have the use of amplified sound and a microphone, you may have an extended time to speak. I practice sharing the Gospel in 5 minutes or less. I try to do that at least once a morning when I am on the sidewalk.

Be Friendly, Kind, Approachable

We want them to engage with us. We want them to trust us. We want them to feel we are there with their best interests at heart. If we come across as angry, sullen, condemning, or self-righteous, they are not likely to speak with us. Be careful that we do not repulse them with our aggressive tactics or words. Smile, wave, invite them to come let you know what they are facing. Let them know you understand they feel alone, scared, overwhelmed. Tell them we want to help!

BE Confident, Bold, Compassionate, Calm, and Truthful

I have been told many times that they have chosen life because I was everything they were not. They were terrified; I was confident. They were confused; I was certain. They were in chaos; I was calm. They were wavering in what was right; I shared Biblical truth. We MUST be firmly convinced in our own mind that we absolutely are the most important person they need to talk to at that moment. We must be completely confident that what we are offering is what is best for them and in obedience to God.

Only One Person at a time Talk or Approach or Counsel

Less is more. A single voice to a mom in crisis is going to be more likely to be listened to than several voices. When we call out, only one person should call out at a time. When a car stops for us, only one of us should approach. When a woman approaches us, other team members should let the one she approached be the one to counsel her. That volunteer can wave team members over if she needs help. This principle applies to our signs and literature. A single pamphlet is more likely to be read than 5 varying tracts given in a pile. A few excellent simple signs are more easily given attention than a line-up of 10 or so signs. A single person at widely spaced out posts trying to stop cars is more effective than several people coming at them from all directions. Keeping the mindset of a mom in crisis and trying to make our presence feel calm and assuring is important.