Should Alabama Churches Shame Pregnant Women In Church?

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2025 has already stirred up controversy in the social media streets. A viral video of a young lady standing before her church.  Should this happen in Alabama or any church in America? On Sunday, Dec. 5, 2024, Elder Terry Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Va., allegedly made a young pregnant woman stand in front of the entire congregation to apologize for being pregnant out of wedlock. Not only that, but the church also denied her a baby shower. In some traditional church communities, such as old-school Baptist and Holiness congregations, it has been customary for unmarried women who become pregnant to address the church and publicly apologize. This practice, rooted in the traditions of accountability and moral discipline, reflects these denominations’ commitment to holiness and maintaining a strong moral witness. However, it also raises important questions about grace, repentance, and the biblical approach to sin and restoration.

Public confessions in Baptist and Apostolic churches are often seen as a means of upholding accountability within the congregation. These denominations emphasize holiness in daily living, aligning with 1 Peter 1:16, which calls believers to “be holy, for I am holy.” Public apologies, especially in cases of visible sin like premarital pregnancy, are viewed as necessary to protect the spiritual integrity of the church and provide a visible demonstration of repentance.

However, such practices often place the burden of public confession disproportionately on women, especially since pregnancy is a visible consequence of sin. The fathers of the unborn children are not always held to the same standard of public accountability, leading to criticisms of inequality in how repentance is approached.

Baptist and Apostolic & Other Protestant Perspectives on Sin and Forgiveness

1. Baptist Churches: Traditional Baptist theology emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9. While repentance is central to Baptist beliefs, it is both a personal act of contrition before God and a communal acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Public confessions in Baptist churches are often seen as a way to restore trust and fellowship within the congregation, particularly when the sin is public.
2. Apostolic Churches: Rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, Apostolic churches place a strong emphasis on sanctification and living a life free from willful sin. These churches often stress the importance of confession and repentance as steps toward spiritual renewal and maintaining holiness. Public apologies are sometimes framed as acts of humility and obedience, reflecting a sincere desire to realign with God’s will and the church’s standards.

What Does the Bible Say About Sin and Forgiveness?

While Baptist and Apostolic traditions emphasize accountability, the Bible provides a broader framework for addressing sin:

1. Sin and Grace: Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This universal truth underscores that no one is exempt from the need for God’s grace, which is sufficient for all sins (2 Corinthians 12:9).
2. Restoration Over Shame: Galatians 6:1 instructs believers, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.” This encourages a restorative approach that avoids condemnation.
3. Avoiding Hypocrisy: Jesus’ response to the woman caught in adultery (John 8:7) emphasizes grace over judgment: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and humility when addressing sin.

A Balanced Approach

Church leaders in Baptist and Holiness congregations face the challenge of upholding biblical principles while fostering an environment of grace and love. If public acknowledgment is deemed necessary, it should be approached with sensitivity and fairness.

• Shared Accountability: Both parents should be included in the process to ensure fairness and shared responsibility.
• Focus on Restoration: Public apologies should prioritize restoration and spiritual growth over punishment or shame.
• Offer Support: Churches should provide counseling, mentorship, and material assistance to ensure that individuals feel supported and valued as they seek to rebuild their lives.

While public apologies for premarital pregnancy have been a longstanding tradition in many Baptist and Apostolic churches, these practices must align with the heart of the Gospel. Accountability is important, but it should never overshadow the message of grace, forgiveness, and love. The church is called to be a place of healing and restoration, reflecting the example of Christ, who said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11).

By balancing tradition with biblical principles of grace, Baptist and Apostolic churches can continue to be a beacon of hope and redemption in their communities.