From time to time I am asked what a Church can do to be more inclusive and inviting to persons with disabilities. It's a very good question.
By our very nature most Churches want to be a place where all persons can worship God and grow in His Grace. Even a casual reading of the Gospels present a clear picture of Jesus welcoming persons with very special needs. The blind, the lame, the lepers, the outcasts, the physically and intellectually challenged are all received by Christ and granted a place at the table. But the fact remains special needs present special challenges. And if we are to be honest, few of us really feel comfortable knowing how to go about addressing those needs.
Disabilities can affect persons of all ages and both genders. Some are intellectually disabled while others may be physically or emotionally disabled. Some are afflicted temporarily; others find it to be a lifelong challenge. With so many possibilities and so few cases (relatively speaking) within our walls how are we to begin?
Part of the solution can be found through education. As a Pastor I have found that it was essential for me to understand the needs and the challenges of a disabled person who attended my congregation. To do so I had to be willing to admit that I really did not know what they were going through. So, I had to seek them out, talk with them and/or their caregiver(s), and find out what makes them tick. In reality this is not unlike the approach we would use with any other person who attends our services. If we want to be real and bring the Gospel to life it behooves us to begin with open and honest communication.
Once we gain a handle on the needs represented within our congregation we can begin to seek ways to address them. I would recommend that church leaders give serious consideration to holding some form of Training Workshops. For example, The Christian Education Team may want to invite all Sunday School Teachers to a Saturday morning session on the topic of "Barriers and Bridges: Creating Inclusive Classrooms" or some such theme. A similar approach could be used with the Worship Committee, the Fellowship Team, and the Deacons. In fact, I highly recommend consideration be given to planning a Church Board Retreat to address the question of how our congregation can be more proactive in addressing the needs of disabled persons. Some congregations find it helpful to offer a joint Adult Sunday School Class to discuss the possibilities within a broader framework.
At the very least I would suggest that Church leaders expand their library to include some of the many wonderful resources currently available to help the Body of Christ reach out to those with special needs. I am hesitant to even provide a bibliography because the list of good, quality books is long. Any that I could offer would only be a small sampling. Nevertheless, in the interest of assisting others in getting started I will present a very short list of some resources I am familiar with and comfortable in recommending.
1. Exceptional Teaching: A Comprehensive Guide for Including Students With Disabilities
By Jim Pierson
A nice look at 77 special needs diagnoses and the characteristics and challenges they represent.
2. The Special Needs Ministry Handbook: A Church's Guide to Reaching Children With Disabilities And Their Families. By Amy Rapada
A practical resource for Church leaders, teachers, and families.
3. Autism And Your Church. By Barbara J. Newman
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is among the most common and misunderstood diagnoses today. This book looks at what to expect and how to address those who are on the spectrum.
4. Special Needs, Special Ministries. A collection of articles by numerous experts in the field. Forward by Joni Earickson Tada.
I know this is not a lot but it is easy to get carried away and be overwhelmed by what's available. I hope this will assist you to begin looking at the possibilities. I have long found the organization Joni and Friends to be particularly helpful in offering a strong, biblical ministry to persons of all ages and a wide range of disabilities. Go to www.joniandfriends.org for more information.
Remember, its OK to feel uncomfortable. Just don't let your comfort zone disable your ministry.
gdg March 16, 2011
Note: If you are still unsure how to begin a Disabilities Ministry
in your congregation and would like to discuss options with me
feel free to email me at gdgehr@ptd.net
No comments:
Post a Comment