Author Description

Is the gospel really accessible? As a special-needs mother and a pastor I would say not. As special needs families we often don’t feel welcome at church. Churches are unprepared for physical, developmental and emotional differences of those with disabilities. What we do in ignorance is often that which disables the church. I know that sounds like a bold statement but 1 Corinthians 12 is clear, we are the body of Christ and no part is less valuable than the others. Studies show that 1:4 people will be disabled at some point in their lives and that’s a huge mission’s field. We are called to bring hope to the hopeless, and clearly, we have not been doing that—just do a quick google search on what percent of disabled people attend church. As the church we need our brothers and sisters with disabilities. I believe this is why God called me into ministry 6 years ago. Because the gospel should be accessible to everyone.Becoming Enabled is the churches first step towards becoming that which God called us as the church to be—welcoming, inclusive, and united. Your church can be accessible. I know, over the last 6 years our church has been on this very journey, and I have been blessed to be used by God to help make our church accessible. We are a small church, with a modest budget, and I can tell you no matter your size, it can be done. In this book I include much of the knowledge I have gained through 6 years of trial, error, and success. I will share stories, tricks, tips and answer some of the questions I know that burn inside of our minds as ministry leaders:What does the Bible say about this?Why aren’t they coming to church now?How can we do this?What should we expect? The church is often, and unintentionally, not disability friendly. We speak of healing but miss the good works God does in the waiting. We forget that God’s grace is sufficient. And because of this, we as THE Church are disabling ourselves. As a Pastor I would say it is by far time for us to change that.Aft