Six Ways to Involve People with Disability in Church Ministry
Many disability ministries are created with the idea of ministering to people with disabilities, but at The Banquet Network, we believe disability ministry means ministering with people with disabilities. In fact, The Banquet Network’s mission is to “empower followers of Christ to welcome and integrate individuals and families impacted by disabilities into the life of local and global church.”
Integrate. This means engaging people with disabilities in the life and ministry of the church. It has been said that until people with disabilities are involved in the church, the church itself is disabled. In order to be a healthy fellowship, people with disabilities must be a vital, visible part of the congregation, serving in every area.
Why is this it important to include people with disabilities in the ministry of the church? In a nutshell, because God made each of us with a purpose. Part of that purpose is serving others. When a person doesn’t have a place to serve, he feels like something is missing, but when a person finds a way to serve others, he finds purpose. He belongs.
Sadly, some church leaders think people with disabilities aren’t able to or don’t want to serve. In my experience, the opposite is true. Instead of defining people by their limitations, we need to give them opportunities to grow in their giftings.
While many churches agree with this philosophy, some have a hard time implementing it. Therefore, today, I offer a few ideas about how positions in the church where people with disabilities can thrive. This is by no means a comprehensive list since people with disabilities can serve anywhere, but in case your church isn’t utilizing people with disabilities in ministry, here are some considerations:
Hospitality- People with disabilities can be very effective greeters and ushers. They are friendly, open, and loving.
Mentors/Buddies- If you have a buddy system for children with disabilities, consider having a teenager with a disability serve as a buddy to a child with a similar type of disability. It provides an incredible mentorship.
Audio/Video- Many people with disabilities are highly competent in technical areas. If you’re looking for servants to help you in technical areas, consider tapping into members of the church who are impacted by disability.
Parking- People with disabilities enjoy helping others in practical ways.
Music- Many people with disabilities are extremely talented musically. Don’t overlook these individuals when looking for people to lead worship.
Service participants- If your church gives members of the congregation the opportunity to lead in prayer or announcements, consider reaching out to a person with disabilities to fill this need.
People with disabilities can and should serve in every area of the church from leadership on down. Let’s not limit people with disabilities by assuming they don’t want to serve. People with disabilities are an indispensable part of the body (1 Corinthians 12:22), and when they are visible in church ministry, God’s light shines through.
Glenda Durano is a Board Member for The Banquet Network and frequently speaks to church and ministry groups about how God has used disability to show Himself in her family’s life. For more stories like this one, go to our blog page, or click to connect, learn or donate to the mission of The Banquet Network.