People-Based Ministry
Late one afternoon I found myself sitting alone in my car in a grocery store parking lot. I usually prep my meals and have my grocery shopping done ahead of time. However, this particular week had been extra stressful. I was experiencing health problems, and my son was struggling at school. It was one of those weeks where everything that could go wrong somehow did. With an IEP meeting the next day, I was too exhausted to plan dinner. Having already gone through the easy meals of rotisserie chicken, frozen pizza, and spaghetti with sauce, I told myself, “Just get through today and tomorrow, then you can rest after the IEP meeting.”
I made a quick grocery list on my phone, wiped my tears, and walked into the store. The store was packed with all the other last-minute dinner preppers. I waited my turn to go down each aisle, hoping to remember what was on my list. The last thing I needed was to have to come back to the store because I missed something. I faked a smile, trying not to be impatient as people searched for their favorite puddings and chips. But as I pretended to smile, I noticed the most joy-filled woman approaching me. She shined with delight, and we made eye contact. My disingenuous smile faded away as she approached, and I found her overflowing joy begin to fill me up.
This woman appeared to have Down syndrome, but what was far more evident was her ability to love people as human beings. She threw her arms around me and gave me the best hug I may have ever received. As I said hello and introduced myself, she hugged me tighter and kissed my cheek. With her mom nearby, I told her it was nice to meet her. She took a step back while still hugging me and said, “Katie, I love you.” I think my heart stopped for a second. I felt like God was hugging me and reminding me that I am loved through this beautiful gift from a random woman in the grocery store.
Her mom nodded to me, ensuring that I was okay, and we continued to chat as she hugged me. I could not help but think of how great an example this was of ministering to people with disabilities. But in this case, I was the one being ministered to! The busy shoppers were smiling in the distance and unbothered that we had just blocked the aisle and caused a traffic jam of shopping carts. I wish this was the reaction we might have as the church when people, both with and without disabilities, cause us to do something outside our norms.
We parted ways, and I finished up my grocery shopping. While my challenging circumstances hadn’t changed, my outlook and mood were far from what they were when I entered the store. I felt seen and loved. Not only by my new friend but by God. I could stop the story here, but if you have ever seen God at work, you know there’s always more to the story. Several months later, my daughter was given an opportunity to ride and volunteer at a local horse-riding program. Through a series of what we will call God connections, we met with the program leaders, and I fell in love.
While touring the barn, we met a rider with disabilities. I was shocked! I had no idea it was a program supporting riders with disabilities. As you can imagine, I was instantly sold. My heart was full as I thought about how my daughter's passion for riding would be interwoven with my passion for disability advocacy. But as those cheesy infomercial guys say, “But wait, there’s more!” I introduced myself to one of the riders. “I know you from somewhere,” I think to myself. It’s my friend from the grocery store! She hugs me tight and says she loves me. I smile and start to tear up. I love you too, Emily.
When we choose to see ministry as people-based rather than only program-based, we encounter the gift of overflowing joy. Much like this young woman allowed me to experience, those with disabilities have a gift that the church would be blessed to get to be a part of.
At The Banquet Network, we offer free coaching, consultation, and training on disability inclusion. If your church is ready to learn more about people-based, disability ministry The Banquet Network is here to help you. We encourage you to reach out to us. We would love to help equip your church go to thebanquetnetwork.com/interestform to request coaching! We would love to work with you!
Katie Matthews is the Executive Director for The Banquet Network. 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.