Church ministries Archives - Page 4 of 5

Princeton Disability and Youth Ministry Conference: Reflections

Adolescence is a challenging time for many young people, and with today’s complexities – in part due to rapid technological advancement and 24/7 connectivity – it has only become an increasingly tricky season of life to navigate. Add to this the potential social stigma, barriers, and support needs that come with visible and invisible disabilities and mental health challenges, and it is no wonder that youth pastors and practitioners are hungry for relevant training and resources in this area.

By Keith Dow|2018-02-08T15:20:59-05:00February 8, 2018|Audio, Books, Church ministries, Education, Events, Theology|

“One Body” for Everybody (Video)

I share my story, not because I need to be heard, but because people still haven’t noticed how hard it is for some bodies to be in a church building, or participate in corporate worship services or activities.

By Disability and Faith Forum|2018-01-26T10:08:36-05:00January 26, 2018|Accessibility, Church ministries, Guest posts, Stories, Videos|

Universal Design for Community: A Disability Ministry Training Event

When churches utilize universal design principles in planning—whether for discipleship, worship, community engagement, leadership development, or facilities—they create ministries where everyone can belong and participate.

By Keith Dow|2017-07-20T10:48:25-04:00July 20, 2017|Accessibility, Church ministries, Events|

Welcoming People of All Abilities Step-By-Step

In partnership with Christian Reformed Disability Concerns, the Christian Learning Centers (CLC) network has a helpful list of practical tips and resources to foster accessibility and inclusion which may be critical to a sense of belonging in your church.

By Chantal Huinink|2017-07-12T16:09:52-04:00July 13, 2017|Accessibility, Books, Church ministries, Links, Resources, Services, Sunday school, Videos, Worship|

Inclusion is not a luxury.

As my youth pastor lifted my chair and me onto the bus he quite literally embodied God's strength, breaking down barriers to belonging.

By Chantal Huinink|2017-02-09T15:24:57-05:00February 9, 2017|Church ministries, Stories|

Inviting Your Stories on Disability and the Church

Are you a person living with disabilities (visible or invisible), a caregiver, or an ally? What would you tell the church, over coffee, about your life with a disability? The Theologies of Disability Working Group of the United Church invites you to tell your stories about your faith life with disability

By Keith Dow|2017-01-30T13:42:47-05:00January 13, 2015|Church ministries|

Engaging youth, fostering friendship: Koinonia Ministry

It is my hope and dream that by bringing the two groups together our kids will learn to see autism in a new light and have empathy for these kids struggling with enormous challenges. In this we, as a youth ministry, are living out the gospel of Jesus rather than just speaking about it.

By Keith Dow|2017-01-30T13:43:00-05:00December 1, 2014|Church ministries|

Creating a Culture of Inclusion for Churches (Video)

Creating a Culture of Inclusion for People with Disabilities is a series of 8 vignettes of real life situations in the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, MI that is meant to be a study resource for faith communities.

By Keith Dow|2017-01-30T13:43:23-05:00November 17, 2014|Church ministries, Videos|

Glory Story – Emmanuel (Video)

"Just come, just get here." Sometimes, the best first step is invitation. Who knows how many people don't attend on any given Sunday simply because no one has asked them? The video below, from Harvest Bible Chapel in Oakville, Ontario, is an excellent example of an invitation for families with children with special needs. It also goes [...]

By Keith Dow|2016-12-21T16:42:53-05:00February 4, 2014|Church ministries, Events|

No Room in the Inn (Meaghan Wall)

These parents all have stories of dropping off or picking up their daughter or son from a ministry environment only to be told that the church is not set up to handle their child. These families have all experienced what Mary and Joseph felt when they were trying to find a place for their child to be born.

By Disability and Faith Forum|2016-12-21T16:35:10-05:00December 16, 2013|Church ministries, Guest posts|