“For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.” Psalm 139:13-14
Psalm 139 reminds us that every human life is formed by God, fully known by Him and deeply valued. From its beginning, life is purposefully designed, sacred and worthy of protection. On Sunday, Jan. 18, N.C. Baptists are invited to observe Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, joining churches across the state in affirming the God-given value of every person.
Preparing for and observing Sanctity of Life Sunday doesn’t require an extensive program. Faithfulness often begins with simple, intentional steps. Here are several “baby steps” your church can take to thoughtfully and prayerfully participate.
Begin with God’s Word and a shared vision
Anchor your church in Scripture. Psalm 139:13-14 offers a theological foundation for why the church cares about life. God is the author of life — the one who forms, knows and loves every person, even before birth. Framing Sanctity of Life Sunday around this passage helps move the conversation beyond culture wars and roots it firmly in worship and discipleship.
From there, consider simple ways to engage your congregation.
1. Start with a united vision.
Begin your service by showing the Sanctity of Human Life video (embedded below). This video helps set the tone, introduce the theme and invite reflection.
2. Make advocacy visible.
Use N.C. Baptist slides and graphics to promote Sanctity of Life Sunday in worship, on screens or through your church’s communication channels. Visual cues can spark important conversations.
3. Pray intentionally.
Include a focused prayer during your service for unborn children, vulnerable families, women and men facing unplanned pregnancies, and those serving in pregnancy resource centers (PRC). Prayer is our primary strategy in all ministry efforts.
4. Share a local story.
Invite a staff member or volunteer from a local pregnancy resource center to offer a brief testimony. Hearing firsthand stories of compassion and life-changing ministry helps connect theology with real-world impact.
5. Proclaim biblical truth.
Preach on the sanctity of human life. Psalm 139, the image of God and Christ’s care for the vulnerable inspires teaching that is both faithful and hope-filled.
6. Build ongoing connection.
Identify one church member to serve as a liaison with a local PRC. This role can open the door to long-term partnership, prayer and support beyond one Sunday.
7. Help us serve churches better.
Encourage a leader to complete the Sanctity of Human Life Survey. This helps N.C. Baptists understand how churches are engaging and where additional support or resources are needed.
Turn conviction into action
N.C. Baptists’ Life Initiatives exist to help churches demonstrate and declare the love of Jesus by honoring the sanctity of life. One key effort is a partnership with the Psalm 139 Project, which supports pregnancy resource centers by placing ultrasound machines across North Carolina.
These centers are often on the front lines, offering care and counsel to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Ultrasound technology provides what many call a “window into the womb.” According to data cited by the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, more than 80% of abortion-minded mothers choose life after viewing an ultrasound image of their unborn child.
One ultrasound machine costs about $35,000, but its impact can last for years, saving lives and opening doors for compassionate gospel witness. If your church is looking for a tangible way to respond, consider giving to help place ultrasounds across our state.
