Adoption Counseling Redefined: A New Resource from Lifeline
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design Adoption Counseling Certificate, a free online resource created in partnership with Stand For Life. This course equips counselors, church leaders, and pregnancy center staff to compassionately guide women facing unplanned pregnancies, presenting adoption as a life-affirming option without coercion. Christy discusses the importance of accurate adoption education, addressing misconceptions, and supporting informed decision-making while highlighting the growing role of adoption advocacy within the pro-life movement.
GUEST
GUEST
Christie Mac Segars, LICSW serves as the Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Since joining Lifeline in March 2013, Christie Mac has been dedicated to delivering the gospel to families in need and advancing the ministry of reconciliation and redemption through Lifeline’s diverse domestic programs.
Segars led the creation of the Designed Adoption Counseling Certificate Program in partnership with Stand for Life and is a frequent national speaker on adoption, family preservation, and the church’s role in pro-life advocacy.
Segars resides in Alabama with her husband, Croft, and their daughters.
HOST
Herbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
ADOPTION COUNSELING COURSE
Do you wonder if you’re having the right conversation about adoption with women in unexpected pregnancies? Research shows that women want information on all their options before they make an informed choice for their baby.
Through the Stand For Life and Lifeline Children’s Services Adoption Counseling Certification, you can become equipped on what to say—and what not to say—to a woman deciding between parenting, adoption, and abortion. Learn more and register at LifelineChild.org/AdoptionPartner.
LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples.
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Creators and Guests
Host
Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
Guest
Christie Mac Segars
Christie Mac Segars, LICSW serves as the Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Samford University and a Master’s in Social Work from The University of Alabama. Since joining Lifeline in March 2013, Christie Mac has been dedicated to delivering the gospel to families in need and advancing the ministry of reconciliation and redemption through Lifeline’s diverse domestic programs. Segars led the creation of the Designed Adoption Counseling Certificate Program in partnership with Stand for Life and is a frequent national speaker on adoption, family preservation, and the church’s role in pro-life advocacy. Christie Mac resides in Alabama with her husband, Croft, and their daughters.