Shepherding God's Purpose Through Disabilities pt.2
Editors Note: This is part two. Before reading we would encourage you to read part one here.
What Can We Do About It?
By Garett Wall
So what should churches be doing? Pastors and church leaders must first understand the need for intentional ministry for individuals and families impacted by disability so that we can share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. If we don’t believe there’s a need, then we won’t see a reason to take action.
1. Strengthen the Church by Taking Action
Paul describes an ideal harmony within the church in Romans 12 when he explains “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” Our friends in the disability community need the church and our churches absolutely need our friends in the disability community.
A question for pastors and church leaders: How many individuals and families directly impacted by disabilities and special needs are consistently attending your church today? How many have left your congregation through the years? If we believe our churches are truly inviting to the disability community, then why aren’t we troubled by the reality that individuals and families impacted by disabilities are missing from our congregations? And if we are troubled by that, then what actions are we taking?
2. Follow the Luke 5 Approach to Ministry
Our churches should be following the standard set in Luke 5 when a group of men did not allow fear and uncertainty to prevent them from taking their friend, who was paralyzed, to Jesus. These men knew Jesus had the power to heal and save their friend, so they found a way to get him there. And even as they carried him on a mat and found no easy path to Jesus because of the crowds, they adapted to the situation and their faithfulness allowed their friend to receive salvation and healing from the Savior. It was personal for those men because they wanted their friend to meet Jesus. And it should be personal for us as pastors, church leaders and followers of Jesus.
3. Use Programming to Open Doors to Pastoring
When there is a need, we are called to take action. For churches, that begins with intentional steps towards connection with Jesus and Christ-centered community through programming for all ages -- Sunday school classes, Bible studies, small groups and one-on-one buddies where discipleship is the objective. In the same ways our churches tailor and structure ministries for kids, students, men, women, senior adults, and so many others, we should be willing to do that for our friends with disabilities.
In churches where disabilities ministry is most effective, the intentional programming for kids, teens and adults leads directly to opportunities for pastoring the entire family. This can begin with something as simple as creating a quiet space, perhaps in a seldom used or open room, where kids with sensory needs who may already be in your congregation can go for a moment of calm and comfort. Another option would be creating a worship class for adults who prefer smaller groups and a sensory-friendly setting. Whatever steps are taken, inviting churches have a plan to meet kids, teens and adults with disabilities and their families where they are so they can then meet Jesus and build community.
4. Utilize Resources to Simplify the Ministry Journey
Rather than being fearful of the challenges that accompany any type of ministry, churches should be faithful in taking the Gospel to all people, including our friends and families impacted by disabilities. There are numerous resources available to support and guide churches who want to make reaching the disability community with the Gospel a priority. Ministry organizations like Ability Ministry, Key Ministry, Joni & Friends, Tim Tebow Foundation, SOAR Special Needs, 99 Balloons and many others provide excellent resources on how to best engage the disability community within the church. There are also many churches, big and small, who are finding ways to connect individuals and families impacted by disabilities to Jesus and are willing to share ideas and practical ways for effective ministry with your church.
When churches strive to reach individuals with disabilities and their families with the Gospel, it celebrates God’s purpose for all people and creates Christ-centered community for everyone. I invite you to prayerfully consider how your church can become a more inviting and engaging congregation for the disability community. God has a purpose and plan for each of us and the church should be at the center of shepherding that purpose for our friends and families impacted by disabilities.
Garett Wall is a minister with Shine Disabilities Ministry at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY where he faithfully shepherds kids, teens and adults with disabilities and their families. A native of Dover, TN, Garett is married to Becky and has two children, Lily and Isaac.