Moving Towards a More Inclusive Ministry

By Dr. Monica Greene-Smalls

Abounding Love (Phil 1:9) | Compassionate Care (Luke 6:35) | Transcending Limits (Luke 4:18)

In the Spring 2023 issue of Loving Life Ministry, we included an article highlighting LFCC’s A.C.T. Accessibility Ministry, led by Sister Verangela Christy. The A.C.T. Accessibility Ministry aims to raise awareness and meet the needs of all of our members and visitors.

In 2023, the A.C.T. Ministry sponsored two educational sessions for LFCC Leaders. The first session featured an expert in reviewing buildings for accessibility and focused ways in which we could increase accessibility both inside and outside of our current building. We have been able to make some minor changes and additional suggestions are currently under review. The second session focused on disability awareness and inclusion and was facilitated by Sister Eva Queen, who has an extensive background in working not only with individuals with disabilities, but also with faith-based organizations to help them become more inclusive environments.

Both sessions were part of LFCC's commitment to ensure that all members and visitors feel that they are not only welcomed into the building, but are included in all LFCC services, events, and activities - regardless of ability and especially as LFCC prepares for expansion. The A.C.T. Ministry is planning to educate and inform the LFCC body about several different disabilities throughout 2024, in addition to offering continued training sessions for LFCC Ministry Leaders.

As we kickoff our educational campaign, please read the excerpts below from the article entitled, ”What is an inclusive ministry?” published by The Disability and Faith Forum

What is an inclusive ministry?

An inclusive ministry is one which enables, empowers, and engages all persons within the worshipping community, regardless of ability. This stems from a belief that God has created us as equally valued people in His image. “Let us create man in OUR Image” (Gen 1:26). The image of God is best reflected in community Together we live out the mandate of Luke 4:18-21, proclaiming “the year of the Lord’s favor” to everyone.

An inclusive ministry is not a program. It is not about creating a special class or a separate ministry or even identifying ‘the disabled’ as an object of ministry. It may be summarized in the motto “ministry by and with people with disabilities,” in contrast to ministry for people with disabilities. It is opening the doors of the church to include those with disabilities to fully participate in the life of the Body of Christ. As Paul expresses in 1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT), the “parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” All of us are looking for a place to belong, to be valued, to know and be known.

All of us are looking for a place to belong, to be valued, to know and be known. We all long to be part of a community that brings meaning, purpose, and opportunities to contribute as well as to receive. We are seeking a place that provides for a corporate expression of our faith in Christ that communicates “I am not alone in my journey.”

One of the potential challenges for churches is the wide range of physical and cognitive abilities that exist. A ministry approach that is principally based on inclusion will be much more effective than a program-oriented one. Principles of inclusive ministries are not restricted to a Sunday school class or specialized programs but are formative to all functions and ministries of the church. We do not want to create a ‘program’ that deals with disabilities, but a ministry that is accessible to all people loved and valued by God (p.s. that’s everyone).