Ensuring No One is Left Behind on the Path of Faith
Creating a church that genuinely reflects the inclusive heart of Jesus Christ requires an intentional approach toward embracing all believers, regardless of their abilities. The intricacies of disability ministry and how to foster an environment conducive to spiritual growth for everyone sounds overwhelming, but it’s rooted in love.
The mission of the church is to fulfill the Great Commission—making disciples of all nations.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew 28:16-20
This divine mandate is inclusive, with no exceptions, as Christ's love knows no bounds. This commission is a perspective that sees no barriers to discipleship. Why? Because there is no barrier or boundary that God can’t get through, over experience victory. The church must become a sanctuary where every individual has the opportunity to forge a transformative relationship with Christ, no matter their intellectual or physical capacities.
Hebrews 5:12-14 pushes that we have to spend time teaching and mentoring believers so that they will grow and mature in their faith.
12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Intellectual understanding or physical capability is not a prerequisite for spiritual connection. Through the biblical story of the woman who sought healing from Jesus, we see that faith can manifest in ways that transcend cognitive abilities. The woman's encounter with Jesus showcases that an open heart is the vessel through which God's work is done. The woman with the issue of blood can be found in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. She has been afflicted with this issue for years and years. Jesus healed her but he was not content to leave the woman with that. He desired to meet with her, and He looked for her. She then became transformed by the conversation that followed. The woman’s understanding may have been simple. The reach didn’t require great intellectual capacity. Yet, Jesus didn’t leave her there, he engaged with her and helped her to grow!
Like other ministries within the church, those for individuals with disabilities must be tailored to meet unique needs. Sensory experiences and alternative scripture engagement can provide avenues for individuals with different learning styles to connect with God's word. This includes creating environments that cater to the senses and offer diverse methods of engaging with scripture, allowing every believer to grow in their faith. Make the Bible interactive. Play videos to show the scriptures. Engage in stations and activities that repeat the scriptures. Use iPads and tablets as alternatives for Bible reading. Use puzzles and games to make biblical connections. The options are endless!
Inclusive ministry is not merely about accessibility; it's about active participation and nurturing the unique spiritual gifts within the community of faith. Churches are called to equip all members to know Christ, grow in Him, and contribute their gifts to the body of Christ. It’s time for a cultural shift within church communities to not just welcome diversity but to celebrate it. Not for our glory, but for the glory of God.
Look beyond the conventional frameworks of ministry and embrace a more inclusive approach that acknowledges and values the diversity of God's creation. It's a heartfelt invitation for churches to step up and become all-embracing communities that reflect the unconditional love of Christ for every person.
