Since 1984 pastors, churches and pro-life organizations across the United States have been using the third Sunday in January to raise awareness to the ongoing battle against abortion. For 2026, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) falls on Jan. 18. This day, along with Rose Day on Feb. 4, places an urgent focus on promoting the sanctity of human life and protecting unborn children with the goal of bringing legalized abortion to an end.
To help churches promote this important day, Oklahoma Baptists partner with Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children (OBHC) to create helpful and impactful resources that can be used to spread awareness and observe SOHLS. These resources include an updated 2026 Pastor’s Preaching Guide and Information Resource, a new bulletin insert and promotional videos that can be shown during worship services.
Included in the front of the guide is a letter from Oklahoma Baptists Executive Director-Treasurer Todd Fisher and OBHC President James Swain asking churches to set aside Jan. 18 as a time to recognize SOHL.
“Every week, you are faithful to proclaim the Gospel as you preach God’s Word,” the letter says. “One particular biblical teaching that is vital is the Sanctity of Human Life—that life is valuable from the womb to the end of life, and that all people are made in God’s image.”
The guide also contains sermons from pastors across the state that emphasizes the value of life and God’s design that is human life. The sermons included are as follows:
— “Fighting for Life” by Ryan Smith, pastor at Broken Arrow, Arrow Heights
— “Back to the Beginning” by James Swain
— “God’s Wonderful Workmanship” by Michael Butler, pastor at Chickasha, First
— “Defining Life and Love” by Kenny Mossman, pastor at Carnegie, First
On the SOHLS web page, there are also three new training videos for students and adults that explain the importance of the sanctity of human life, the truth about abortion and how to become a culture changer in the battle against abortion.
“Sanctity of Human Life”
The “Sanctity of Human Life” video is an introduction to the video series. It begins by explaining the importance of human life, how life starts from conception and why fighting against abortion is important.
“The Truth About Abortion”
In the second video of the series, various types of abortions are explained to help viewers better understand what churches, pastors and prolife organizations are fighting against. It also presents statistics about abortion.
“Becoming a Culture Changer”
The third and final video in the series is a call to action for those watching to be active in combating abortion. It also gives examples of famous individuals who are either abortion survivors or those who had a personal experience with abortion and how that impacted their lives.
Additionally, Falls Creek Program Director Todd Sanders has created a Sunday School or Small Group lesson plan titled “Imago Dei.” This lesson emphasizes that everyone is made in God’s image and how we can live out the image of God.
For more information about SOHLS, to access the resources, visit oklahomabaptists.org/erlc/life/.
