OUR TEAM
Amberle brown, co-founder
Amberle developed her passion for disability and the church after her own experience of vision loss at the age of 21. She knows life in the church both with and without disability and seeks to use her own experiences to inspire, equip, and resource the whole body of Christ. Amberle longs to see people with disabilities invited into the mission of God's people.
michael crawford, co-founder
God confronted Michael with disability through relationships with several close friends impacted by disabilities and those relationships radically transformed his life and ministry. He has since been working to lead churches into relationship with and love for people with disabilities.
OUR STAFF
REBEKAH GOUCH
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS + OPERATIONS
JUANITA FISHER
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR WRITERS
CHRIS HULSHOF
Dr. Chris Hulshof is an associate professor for Liberty University’s School of Divinity where he teaches Old Testament Survey, Inductive Bible Study, and a Theology of Suffering and Disability. He also earned an Ed.D from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where his research focused on the intersection of disabilities, theology, and church ministry. Chris also serves as a board member for The Banquet Network.
ANGELA WEST
Angela is the Founder and Director of Roll Called Ministries and has a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is passionate about teaching and serving the Church. Due to having Cerebral Palsy, she navigates through life using her wheelchair and believes God has opened many doors using her disability for His glory.
FRANK WILLIAMS
Frank is employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans receive healthcare treatment. Frank also serves as a dedicated volunteer for TBN and enjoys reading and spending time with his family in his spare time.
KATIE MATTHEWS
Katie is a mom of two, the director of a special need's ministry called Bethany Blessings, a special needs teacher, and The Banquet Network’s Executive Director. She is passionate about bringing the gospel to families of individuals with special needs and seeks to train other church members on how to minister to these families. Her desire is for the Church to love individuals who have special needs on this side of eternity so that they too would one day meet Jesus face to face.
AMBERLE BROWN
Amberle, co-founder of TBN, developed her passion for disability and the church after her own experience of vision loss at the age of 21. She knows life in the church both with and without disability and seeks to use her own experiences to inspire, equip, and resource the whole body of Christ. Amberle longs to see people with disabilities invited into the mission of God's people. She also serves as a board member for The Banquet Network.
ALLIE MCCARTY
Allie has a huge heart specifically for adults impacted by disability because of her experience at Arrowhead Bible Camp. In her work, Allie’s desire is to help the Church reach individuals and families affected by disability so that they too may experience the love of Christ.
JIM MCCAFFREY
Jim serves as TBN’s Financial and Business Development Manager. Since being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 36, Jim has used what some would consider an impairment to lead churches and organizations to love and include individuals and families impacted by disability. Jim and his wife also operate Joyride Java, a mobile coffee bar in their local community.
GLENDA DURANO
Glenda became acquainted disability when her daughter Amberle lost her vision in 2012. She is an avid supporter of 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. Glenda serves on the board of TBN and has published four books, contributed to several anthologies, and has written articles and devotions for magazines and websites such as CBN.com and devotions.us.
TOM STOLLE
Tom’s passion for special needs ministry was sparked by his youngest son, Jimmy (19), a young man with autism. Tom, Associate Executive Director / Chief Financial Officer at the BCM/D, passionately serves churches in the area of effective special needs ministries, including leading seminars and conducting trainings through the BCM/D. He also enjoys participating in events that raise awareness for special needs causes, such as walks for autism.
Partnership logos on the back of a volunteer’s t-shirt. Photo from Every Child Belongs Camp 2021.
OUR PARTNERSHIPS
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The BCM/D supported The Banquet Network’s launch in 2017 and continue to partner in conferences, camp, and other events.
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Proyecto Samy helps to translate TBN’s written materials to Spanish and have expanded our work internationally, beginning with churches in the Dominican Republic.
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The Baer School was the first school for children with disabilities that the Good News Club program was brought to through the support of TBN.
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Skycroft Conference Center has hosted our Every Child Belongs Camp since its launch in 2021.
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Arrowhead Bible Camp and TBN partner together in the Southern Pennsylvania (SOPA) Round Table Gathering.
A camp buddy guiding a camper to the waterslide entrance. Photo from Every Child Belongs Camp 2021.
CHURCH CONNECTIONS
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TBN was birthed out of Freedom Church in 2017.
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Bethany Church Columbia currently allows TBN to operate out of their building.
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Cresthill Church and TBN partner to put on our annual Every Child Belongs Camp, as well as other event opportunities.
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The Gathering Place and TBN partner to put on our annual Every Child Belongs Camp, as well as other event opportunities.
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GGWO congregants partnered with TBN team members on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2022.
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The Church at Severn Run hosted TBN’s Every Child Belongs conference in 2021. They also graciously hosted TBN’s first 5k in 2023.