3 minute read
Pastor’s Corner
By Paul Hathcoat
What would it take for you to feel comfortable in your local church? What would it take for you to feel confident that you or your loved one who is living with a special need is known, loved, and supported skillfully and with care when they are at church? What would it take for you to recommend the church that you belong to, to other families living with disabilities in your sphere of influence? Or are you already there?
Those are the questions that are being asked in a few communities around you, but not in nearly enough as I have found. Far too many families either do not get a chance to answer those questions or have negative answers when they do honestly respond. Why is that? Where are the developed and inclusive supports for people living with disabilities within the church? If our schools, businesses, government buildings, and even sports leagues are not only accommodating but are genuinely welcoming individuals with disabilities, then why are so many churches not doing the same thing?
Although I love to ask questions, I feel obligated to answer some of them as well. After all, to be a finder of fault is fruitless unless one attempts to be a solution contributor as well. I pray that this letter asks these important questions and in the following months, provides some possible answers as well. My goal would be for all of us to celebrate the churches out there who have seen the value in offering “Special Needs” ministries and encourage and inspire the ones who are not.
First, let us make known what the Bible says. 1 Corinthians 12:18-23a says this “18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you. 22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care” (NLT). So, there is in fact a biblical mandate to recognize and honor those in our communities who are unique and different; those with disabilities included. What the world may call weak and unimportant at times, God would call the “most necessary.” Knowing that fills me with more questions but also gives me ideas.
I believe that many churches, just like people, do not know where to start in interacting with people with disabilities. I believe that there are misconceptions about communication ability, behavior, risk level, intelligence level, and even need. In the churches I know that have thriving special needs ministries in Central Indiana and elsewhere, offering a ministry where people of all abilities are welcomed and supported started with just one passionate person speaking up. That’s it. I believe that one passionate and knowledgeable person in the world of disability can motivate an entire church to start caring spiritually for all people in their community.
That is what happened in my church and that is what has happened at several others I have worked with. As this topic gets unpacked more in the coming months, I would ask those of you reading this letter to take stock. If you are a member of a local church, do they have a developed disability ministry? If yes, how can you help it evolve and who can you invite to be a part of it? If not, who is that one passionate and knowledgeable person that might get it started? Is it you? Next month I will discuss in more depth why so many churches have not yet developed a special needs ministry and how we might be able to help. Blessings!
Author’s Notes: If you want to tell us about your church, or want ideas on how to get a SN ministry started, feel free to contact Paul Hathcoat.
