Opening the Doors of Our Church

Whoever welcomes you welcomes Me, and whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. (Matthew 10 : 40) New International Version Bible

Are you aware that 5.5 percent of Canadians live with a severe disability? Where are they? Statistically, that means that if there are two hundred people sitting in church on Sunday, there should be at least 11 people diagnosed with a severe disability. Statistics Canada

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God, He created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27) New International Version Bible

Because we believe that everyone is created in God’s image, everyone has an inherent right to be an integral part of a faith community. Friendship Groups Canada, “Dressed for Christ”, Meta Shamrock, 2005.

If we see the disability first and respond to our own discomfort, we forget to look at the person whom God created in His image.

People with disabilities are only disabled in a worldly sense. Everyone is gifted according to the grace of the Holy Spirit regardless of their abilities. We all long to be of service to God and look to the church to help us discover and use our spiritual gifts. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001

Sadly, their needs are often overlooked by the ministries of our churches. Families are often expected to spearhead any efforts that would allow their children to participate in the life of the church and the Christian school community. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001 When an individual is diagnosed with a disability, they and their families grieve. Plus they face extraordinary pressures on top of the normal stresses.

One can not assume that a person will “get nothing” from attending services. Faith is not measured by how fast it develops, nor are we fully aware of the depth and breadth of what any one of us gains from worship. Ginny Thornburgh ed., “That All May Worship”: An Interfaith Welcome to People with Disabilities” (Washington D.C.; National Organization of Disabilities, 1997)

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 24: 40) New International Version Bible

While there may be many who work to make people feel welcome, all it takes is one hurtful comment for someone to get the impression that they are really not welcome. People with disabilities and their families tell countless stories of not feeling accepted in church.

The Bible tells us: Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow“ - when you now have it with you. ( Proverbs 3: 27-28) New International Version Bible

Many people with cognitive disabilities are unable to read. We may be the only Bible they will ever read. They see God through us, in our words and in our deeds. Telling them that they are not welcome in church, or that they can’t go to Sunday School, may be interpreted that God does not care for them; when in fact He does. Friendship Groups Canada, “Dressed for Christ”, Meta Shamrock, 2005.

In a world that judges a person’s worth on physical attributes and accomplishments, individuals with disabilities and their families desperately need: Compassion and acceptance as well as practical assistance from their church A place to belong A place that will love and embrace them just as they are, regardless of physical, cognitive, or behavioural disabilities. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001

God has set each member of the body in the place God wanted it to be. If all the members were alike, where would the body be? There are indeed, many different members, but only one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” any more than the head can say to the feet, “I do not need you.” Even those members of the body which seem less important are in fact indispensable. (1 Corinthians 12: 18-22, paraphrased)

Providing practical support Prayer support Listening ears Shoulders to cry on Affirming words Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001 We also trust in our communities to share and celebrate the joys of our lives. Not one of us will go through life without difficulties (illness, accidents, depression). We trust in our church communities to bear us up during the difficult times:

As we worship the risen Christ, we must also remember the wounded Christ, and never lose sight of the enormous gift of grace given as God took on the disability of human form. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001

Let us follow Jesus’ example and become boundary breakers, toppling down barriers of fear, ignorance, and prejudice as we minister alongside brothers and sisters – children and adult alike – with disabilities. Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001

Imagine what a church could be if those who are “disabled” and those who are “able- bodied” were to understand themselves to be equal partners in the faith community. Brett Webb-Mitchell, “Dancing with Disabilities: Opening the Church to All God’s Children.” Cleveland: United Church Press, 1996.

Who in the church is needed to minister to those with cognitive or physical disabilities? The MinisterThe Minister Elders and DeaconsElders and Deacons Pastoral Care CommitteePastoral Care Committee Evangelism CommitteeEvangelism Committee Sunday School LeadersSunday School Leaders Hospitality CommitteeHospitality Committee Facilities CommitteeFacilities Committee Transportation CommitteeTransportation Committee Worship CommitteeWorship Committee All of UsAll of Us

What can we do to reach out to everyone, especially those with disabilities?  Overcome the fear of interaction.  Make sure that everyone knows that all are welcome in worship, regardless of distracting noises or behaviour that may be part of their disability.  Encourage individuals with disabilities and their families to take part in all areas of the church.  Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king. (1 Peter 2:17)  Let your acceptance and behaviour be a model for all. New International Version Bible

A more important question may be: What can those with disabilities bring to our community of faith? Kathleen Deyer Bolduc, “A Place Called Acceptance”, Bridge Resources, Louisville Kentucky, 2001 Unconditional love Spontaneity Enthusiasm Genuine affection and concern Simplicity of spirit A love for worship and praise These are but a few gifts they will bring

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14: 12-14) New International Version Bible

Special thanks to Meta Shamrock, Executive Director of Friendship Groups Canada, for her contribution to this presentation.