Disability MINISTRIES

Sixty-one million people in the U.S. — 26 percent of the population — have been identified as having disabilities. While someone may have a disability, we prefer not to identify that person as “disabled,” because most are not completely disabled. Yes, they may have special needs due to certain disabilities, but they also still have many special abilities that our churches need! Our churches can be the conduits of a message of hope to people with special needs; a message of inclusion that says we all are gifted, needed, and treasured.

While the number 61 million can seem overwhelming, it is also an overwhelmingly great ministry opportunity. This segment of our population is vastly unchurched, meaning that if we can provide church facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities, and church members who are sensitive to and welcoming of this underserved group and those who tirelessly care for them, we can reach more souls with the Everlasting Gospel — a message of hope and forever healing. This is the focus and goal of the Disability Ministries Department.

We encourage congregations to build or renovate church facilities to be handicap accessible, and to create church programs and services that are user-friendly to those with disabilities and special needs. We also endeavor to provide information and training to help our members more effectively minister to this underserved, underutilized group. In return, we will find that they use their abilities to minister to and with us to reach souls more effectively for Jesus!

Regardless of any of our abilities or needs, Jesus provides strength, through His grace, to carry out his mission to the world … together.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” 2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV.

GARY MOYER

Director