By Christy Goodwin
MONROE, La. (LBM) — It is no secret that our nation is in the middle of a foster care crisis, and Louisiana is no exception among the 50 states.
Today there are approximately 4,300 children and youth in foster care in Louisiana and only 2,100 foster families — more than twice as many children in need as there are homes for them. Moreover, when the numbers are closely examined, the situation is even worse than it seems.
Not all Louisiana foster families are “generally certified,” which means they are able to host any child who enters foster care. Only 1,207 are so qualified. So, the gap between need and availability is staggering, despite the presence of so many Christian homes in our state.
I think most Christ-followers can agree that caring for vulnerable children is close to the heart of God. After all, James 1:27 includes orphan care, and implicitly foster care, as an essential element of “pure and undefiled religion.” In fact, a Lifesong for Orphans survey in 2024 found that 31 percent of practicing Christians in the United States have seriously considered fostering. However, the same survey revealed that only 3 percent of practicing Christians are foster parents.
How do we bridge that gap? Christians need to submit to the ministry of foster care!
Here are three biblical truths that contextualize foster care ministry and might help you surrender to that sacred calling:
- Jesus sought the hurting, broken and vulnerable. Jesus had compassion on those who were mistreated and overlooked by society. He met them where they were, in their messy and broken state, and offered them hope.
Christ-centered foster parents have a similar opportunity to step into dark places to offer healing and restoration to children and families. By displaying Christ’s countercultural love — providing care for children who have experienced abuse and neglect – we can help restore hope and joy to children who will learn to trust Jesus as the ultimate healer and provider.
- Foster care is Gospel ministry. God calls seemingly unimportant people to accomplish great things. We see that in Scripture through the lives of Esther, Gideon and many others. Thankfully, God still invites us today to participate in life-changing Gospel work. Matthew 28:18-20, known as the Great Commission, instructs us to make disciples of all nations, and this invitation is very relevant to us today, especially so in foster care ministry.
Foster parents have the unique opportunity to serve as missionaries in their own homes, inviting children into their lives who often have never heard the Good News. In our Christ-filled homes, children in foster care are introduced to Jesus and the love of a church family, and many experience the life-changing power of salvation through Jesus Christ. Other children begin to lean into the hope and stability that the Church, the body of Christ, can provide.
Foster care also offers other opportunities to share the Gospel — with case workers, biological family members and others involved in the child’s life. Many people have come to know salvation in Christ because of their connection to a Christ-centered foster family.
- God uses foster care to draw us closer to Him. The most common fear that stops Christians from becoming foster parents is the dread of getting too attached and then having to let go of a child. This is a valid concern as almost two-thirds of children in foster care in Louisiana eventually reunify with their birth families. However, in grappling with such uncertainty there is comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and in control. We can trust that God is working all things together for good. As we pour our lives into children in foster care, we experience His peace and provision in ways that we might not have otherwise experienced.
Yes, foster care is hard. But it is also a sacred and sanctifying calling that can grow and stretch us spiritually.
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Are you ready to take the next step?
If you are considering becoming a foster parent in Louisiana, Connect1Child, the off campus foster care and adoption ministry of Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, would love to walk alongside you. Our team of foster care and adoption specialists can provide you with information, resources and support as you begin your journey.
Please email Christy Goodwin at christy@lbch.org, or call 318-343-2244, to learn more.
Christy Goodwin is the Connect1Child director with the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries. She is a licensed clinical social worker, and a board approved clinical supervisor.
