Disability in the Local Church

90% of families impacted by disability are unchurched. It’s actually considered one of the largest unreached people group in the world. 

Right here in America we have a severely unreached people group. 

My heart breaks for the disservice that is being done to these hurting families. My heart also breaks for the church community that is missing out on such incredible people simply because their spaces aren’t inviting or conducive to disability needs. There must be a middle ground between providing nothing and spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on new construction. The church must begin to meet families with disabilities and special needs exactly where they are needed. 

A well meaning “I’ll be praying for you “isn’t what these families are looking for. Prayer is absolutely powerful but when you’re not sleeping for days, fighting for your child’s life, and lacking the most simple of resources, there’s just too much to be done physically to simply overlook.

I believe a good place to begin when considering ministry to the disabled community is to consult with families that are impacted. If there’s already someone within your church body that is impacted by disability or special needs, ask!

It’s important to give the voice of changes or the birth of a ministry to the people who will be on the receiving end. Let’s not assume that and able-bodied person knows what a disabled person would need.

Parents often shudder at leaving their child with someone new— maybe even a stranger right?

Amplify that feeling beyond what you can imagine and that’s the feeling the parent of a disabled/special needs child feels. 

So much uncertainty. 

So much risk. 

But…. So much value?

Family focused events and children’s classes at church have been settings I know I’ve avoided with Kaylee because of inadequate accessibility. 

It’s difficult to force the environment to meet the needs of disability when it isn’t considered in the planning. 

I want to see churches envelope families impacted by disability in such a supportive way that they feel confident having their special needs child participate. 

You won’t be able to create a program and just label it “Special Needs”— children are too diverse in their needs. 

A true inclusion ministry requires a partnership with disability parents. 

Practically speaking, I think that looks like an interview of the family, getting to truly know them and asking what you can do to help from a place of SERVICE not DUTY. 

Then comes the action; having a liaison, so to speak, that works to accommodate a family following the interview. 

(I’m using the word interview but please don’t assume that means a formal questionnaire— these are people looking for hope and acceptance in a difficult life and need the love Christ from a sincere person.)

An inclusive ministry looks like supporting parents as they educate their church family on what it means to love and engage with them while understanding that most of these families are hurting deeply.

GRACE. 

These families aren’t just arriving at church to meet a social obligation. 

When a family with a disabled child attends your church, you should recognize that it is an extreme sacrifice for them to be there. They see it as worth the immense efforts and discomfort that comes with bringing their child into a public environment. The importance of local church community outweighs the detailed preparation and vulnerable position they place themselves in. 

That deserves respect and admiration!

That deserves our support!

That deserves intentional and sincere service.

So meet these families where they are amidst the heartache and suffering. 

You won’t understand their struggles so don’t say that you do. 

You can’t fix it for them but you can live with them in it. 

You can’t say you’ll pray it away and let that be your contribution. 

These families need the hands and feet of Jesus. 

This is only the beginning of a broad conversation. We do have to start somewhere though.