Is Your Church Making the Gospel Accessible to All?
Do you know someone who is disabled?
While researching for this episode I learned some staggering statistics. 1 in 4 adults are affected by a disability. 1 in 5 children have learning or attention issues. That means the chances that you have or will have someone walk into your church with a disability is very very likely.
Jesus DID not say “Let the little children come to me, except those that are crippled” He welcomed all into his arms. Are we as a church providing space for those with special needs?
In today’s conversation with Joanna French, we learn some practical ways we can embrace our disabled friends in ministry. There is something we can all do regardless of our church size.
Joanna French
Pastor Joanna French is the Special Needs Pastor at Flint Hills Church in Junction City, KS. Seven years ago, she founded their special needs ministry, Embrace. Since then, Joanna has spoken nationally on the subject of Disability Ministry nationally, written two books, and shares her wisdom for the national ministry Key Ministry. Joanna seeks to help other churches make the gospel accessible to everyone.
Statistics
1 in 4 adults have some type of disability. – 61 Million People with Disabilities in the United States (abilitymagazine.com)
1 in 5 children have learning and attention issues. – The State of Learning Disabilities Today – Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org)
This means if you are not directly affected, most likely you know someone who is.
- Do you have any of these people attending your church?
- How are you accommodating them?
- Can we do better?
Can you imagine being told you are welcome to come back to church
but please find a sitter for your kids next time?
This happened to Joanna. Listen to find out what she did about it!
What can the Average Church Do to Embrace those with disabilities and mental illness?
Don’t despise small beginnings. ~Zechariah 4:10
- Talk openly and positively about mental illness.
- Be aware of disabilities and mental illness.
- Support Autism Awareness Month (April)
- Promote Down Syndrome Day – March 21
- Make Buddy Bags
- What to include:
- use a cheap backpack
- Noise canceling headphones
- Fidgets
- Communication cards
- Visual schedule
- What to include:
- Create a Sensory Safe Room (could use a closet)
- What to include:
- Bean bag chair
- Noise canceling headphones
- Pillows
- Puzzles
- Fidgets
- What to include:
Advanced Steps:
- Provide sensory safe space when offering community events.
- Host Respite Nights
- Host Siblings Day (event for siblings of disabled)
How can Implementing this Type of Ministry help Prepare us for Revival?
Revival requires empathy.
In the recent movie, “Jesus Revolution”, we see that revival started by meeting people right where they were at, without judging them for their actions. They simply offered them the love of Jesus.
Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another.”
These special friends will sharpen us as we get to know each other.
They will change us.
They will make us more compassionate, more accepting, and more thankful.
They will teach us to worship uninhibited.
They show us what true worship looks like.
It helps us love people in a revolutionary way and that is key in preparing for revival.
How to Start an “Embrace Ministry” for the disabled?
- Talk to the disabled and their family members – they will have necessary input for you to create a good disability ministry. Ask their opinions and what they need.
- Do the three things listed above and don’t despise small beginnings. Even if it is for one person or one child.
- Offer support for anyone. You may have people who are not “diagnosed” with a disability but need additional support. Have the buddy bags and alternate spaces available to anyone.
“If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.”
~Pocahontas
Prayer
If this post has touched your heart or if you or a family member has a disability, I encourage you to listen to Joanna’s beautiful prayer at the end of our time together.
Listen here or subscribe on your favorite podcast app:
Resources:
Keyministry.org – promotes meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with disabilities for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni and Friends:
Enter to win a FREE copy of Joanna’s book:
Becoming Enabled
Enter to win a free copy by emailing embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com and letting Joanna know you heard or read this message with Jacklin Drake.
Other ways to connect with Joanna French:
- Website: https://www.enabledgospel.org
- Email: embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com
- Purchase Book: Becoming Enabled
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