Disability and the Local Church

Pastors, how are you serving those impacted by disability in your congregations? In what ways are you seeking to reach those in your communities who live with a disability? Some disabilities are more apparent – like vision or hearing loss, or someone who uses a wheelchair to access the world. But there are also disabilities that are “invisible” – like people who are on the autism spectrum or have learning difficulties. We ask this question honestly, because many churches, in their efforts at outreach and discipleship, don’t have in mind this segment of our communities. Research shows that slightly more than 1 in 4 people are impacted by a disability, whether visible or invisible.

The local church should desire to make the gospel accessible to everyone within their reach.

The local church should desire to make the gospel accessible to everyone within their reach. We are compelled by our belief that every person is made in the image of God (Gen 1:26) and is therefore precious to Him. He desires that none of them should perish. Therefore, our witness should have in mind everyone within our community. Not only does that require us to work hard at removing obstacles related to race, culture, and socio-economic differences, it also requires us to think about barriers related to disability and accessibility. As you plan and think through each ministry of your church, it is helpful to consider if it is available to everyone you are seeking to minister to.

This is really a deep commitment to biblical hospitality. A gospel centered, Christ-exalting church, should be committed to creating a gospel culture that is informed by gospel doctrine. This is how we understand Paul’s command to the Roman church when he told them “therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God.” (Rom 15:7 CSB). The real test of our theology is how much our lives are transformed by the biblical truths we believe.

Recently, we listened to a Podcast with Rebecca Wall, Executive Director of With Ministries, titled, “From Welcoming to Withness: The Church Families Need.” Rebecca shared that while most churches are welcoming to those with disabilities, it’s the belonging that is often lacking. They have unique gifts and personalities, and should be given the opportunity to use them to serve the church. Likewise, they should have the same access to biblical community that the rest of us have. That may include small groups, discipleship classes, worship and fellowship. Friends and families impacted by disability don’t just want to be served, they want to belong to the church in the same ways we do. And they have so much to offer us! To be clear, this isn’t about adding one more program to your church. This is about creating a heart posture that seeks to love and serve all people as we welcome them into the family of God.

Friends and families impacted by disability don’t just want to be served, they want to belong to the church in the same ways we do.

There are many good resources for churches on Disability Ministry. We will include a few below. But consider starting with these small steps:

• Pray and ask God to give you a heart to welcome others as He has welcomed you.
• Identify those in your church who are living with disability.
• Ask them to grab coffee or take coffee to them and get to know them.
• Ask them about any barriers that are keeping them from participating in the life of your church.

May the Lord guide our hearts as we seek to include people of all abilities in the life and ministry of our churches.

Helpful Resources:

• joni&friends Church Training Resources
• Sandra Peoples – Equipping Churches and Encouraging Families
• Key Ministry
• Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families by Sandra Peoples
• Jesus and Disability: A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Church by Chris H. Hulshof