Ministry Leader Resources
Churches and like-minded organizations are working together to advance inclusive ministry and awareness alongside people who experience disability, chronic illness, mental health difficulties, aging-related conditions and caregiving.
DOWNLOAD FREE DISABILITY AWARENESS TOOL
These are exciting days in the disability ministry movement!
People with disabilities are reportedly the world’s largest unreached group of people. According to recent studies*, 56% of families have kept their child from religious activities due to a lack of support. Forty-six percent of American families say they have never been asked by a faith leader about how to include their child.
There is a growing leadership community empowering people affected by disabilities with the Gospel, promoting a biblical worldview on disability and multiplying disability-effective churches. Leaders are interacting in interdenominational groups to help people of all abilities encounter Christ and experience belonging in the church. Some groups connect through online discussions (e.g., Facebook Groups), some meet up in person from time to time and some combine online connection with live meetings. In January 2012, Walk Right In Ministries hosted the first meeting of the Minnesota Disability Ministry Connection. That group continues to meet monthly in the Twin Cities, now under the leadership of Joni & Friends.
Not since Joni Eareckson Tada first started Joni & Friends in 1979 has there been such a notable season of growth involving awareness and resources devoted to bringing the Gospel to people affected by disabilities and their families.
Churches and the disability ministry community now look to several organizations for valued leadership in consulting, resources, conferences, caregiver care, and education for individuals and families living with special needs.
Thanks be to God, the inspiring work that Joni started 40 years ago continues growing tremendous momentum!
Recommended Books
Same Lake Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability
(by Stephanie H Hubach)
In contrast to common secular views, there is a better way to think of disability. There is a better way to understand the challenges facing those touched by disability and a better way to understand the role of the church in their lives. Get it here.
Disability and the Church
(by Lamar Hardwick)
This book offers a practical and theological reconsideration of the church’s responsibilities to the disabled community. It offers practical steps and strategies to build stronger, truly inclusive communities of faith. Download it free here.
Mental Health & the Church
(by the founder of Key Ministry)
This is a a ministry handbook for including children and adults with ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and other common mental health conditions. Find it here.
The Finding Glory Collection
The Finding Glory collection is great for personal study or a faith-based conversation opportunity.
The FG Group Discussion Guide is designed to be easily facilitated by someone in your own book club or small group. Make it flexible for your schedule and group type (e.g., special needs moms, dad or couples). With several question options, it’s repeatable when used in a recurring support group format.
The Finding Glory Group curriculum is organized in six (6) core sessions, with an optional seventh session for relaxed fellowship wrap-up and reflection.
The Group Discussion Guide offers several discussion question options for each session so that you can customize conversational themes according to the specific needs and interests of your group.
When someone in your family is experiencing disability or other special needs, it can be difficult to move toward hope and purpose alone. Faith-based peer groups are a way to connect with others who understand. Your group becomes a place to explore the Bible’s answers to your questions and enjoy Christ-pointing fellowship together.
Walk Right In Ministries offers FREE
facilitator coaching and marketing tools.
If you’re interested, we can provide downloadable flyer templates and other promotional materials to help you get the word out. The curriculum was created to make the process of facilitating a small group as simple and easy as possible. Tips and tools are included within the Finding Glory Group Discussion Guide to help you. No previous group leadership experience is necessary though basic coordination and communication skills will help you launch strong and maintain your group’s momentum.
Get started today!
Find a prayer or study partner!
If you approach this as personal Bible study, we encourage you to identify a prayer partner who will pray for you and periodically check in with encouragement along the way.
Free Online Training & Networking
FIND A NETWORK NEAR YOU
Two of the nation’s premier networks for disability ministry leaders are the Disability Ministry Network and the Special Needs & Disability Ministry Leaders Forum, founded and moderated by Key Ministry. This is a private Facebook group that connects over 2,000 leaders from around the world to share support and ideas.
Individual denominations nationwide can often be a helpful connection point for leaders and pastors looking for information, ideas or support. Examples of these networks include the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, The Evangelical Covenant Church and The National Catholic Partnership on Disability. Check with your denominational offices for resources and networking opportunities.
Several other interdenominational networks also exist to strengthen the church for people with disabilities. If you are part of a group you do not see listed here, we would love to help others find you! Please contact us with the name of your group and a link to your website or Facebook page.
- Disability Ministry Network
- Faith Inclusion Network (VA)
- Minnesota Disability Ministry Connection
- Special Needs Ministry Network of Des Moines (IA)
- Northeast Ohio Special Needs Ministry Leaders Consortium
- Southern California Disability Ministry Network
- Kansas City Special Needs Ministry Network
- Nebraska Special Needs Ministry Network
- North Texas Disability Ministry Network
- NW Church Disability Network (Seattle)
- Special Needs Ministry Network of North Texas
- Wisconsin Christian Disability Network for Churches
Don’t wait for more reasons to get connected.
Start today!
- Encourage one another and spur each other on.
- Learn about resources.
- Share and test ideas.
- Get answers to questions.
- Identify best practices.
- Collaborate with other ministries to optimize resources.
- Be alert to future career opportunities and make opportunities known to others.
- Promote awareness in your community.
- Pray for each other and with each other.
- Explore together ways of making Christ known to all.
Read more about reasons for networking with peers in disability ministry.
*Whitehead, AL. Religion and Disability. 2018.
**Ault, MJ Congregational Participation and Supports for Children and Adults with Disabilities. 2013.