The church is meant to be a place of welcome and belonging for all. Here are some practical ways on how the church can take steps towards embracing disability and creating a truly accessible environment that welcomes everybody and honours God’s love and grace.

Don’t shy away from disability when it comes up in Scripture, especially in narrative texts. Too often, I’ve heard Jesus’ healing miracles used primarily as metaphors for the forgiveness of sin. While these stories can be powerful illustrations, be careful not to make assumptions about disability that don’t reflect biblical truth. A good starting point is to ask yourself, “Do my interpretations align with what the Bible says about disability?” Some passages that provide clarity on this are Exodus 4:1-17 (God commissioning Moses) and John 9 (Jesus healing the man born blind).

When pastors talk about disability, they reveal what they believe. But when they teach directly from Scripture, they reveal what God says. The Word of the Lord endures forever—no one else’s words have that kind of weight. What the Bible teaches about disability must be communicated accurately, reflecting the compassion and love through which God views all things.

For me, this is personal. Many of my disabled friends are not Christians, and I don’t want the way disability is discussed in church to be a barrier to them encountering the Gospel. Remember, people with disabilities—and their families—are listening to your sermons. Portraying disability only as an example of God’s discipline is not just incorrect, it’s unbiblical. Leviticus 19:14 reminds us, “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord.”

The story of Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, offers a profound example of how God views disability. After being severely injured as a boy, Mephibosheth was forgotten—until King David adopted him into his household (2 Samuel 4:4). David didn’t require Mephibosheth to be healed before welcoming him. He didn’t ask what caused his disability. This story shows us God’s heart: to welcome people as they are, without conditions.

As you prepare sermons, don’t hesitate to ask disabled members of your congregation for their insights on passages related to disability. For us, these aren’t abstract theological concepts—they are lived realities. Also, take time to read disability theology. You may not agree with every point, but being familiar with the conversation is valuable.

When appropriate, allow disabled people to teach Scripture.

Ensure that worship materials are available in multiple formats. Not everyone with a visual impairment prefers digital copies; some prefer large print. Each person’s needs are unique, even among those with similar diagnoses, so ask them what works best. Many disabled people are used to finding accommodations—let us help you with this.

Think carefully about how things like volume and lighting affect people with different disabilities. Flashing lights, for example, can be problematic for some.

Consider how to create opportunities for participation, particularly for children with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inclusive spaces allow everyone to worship together, while also providing quiet spaces for those who may need a moment of calm.

Regarding sacraments, it’s distressing to see some churches restrict disabled people, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, from being baptized or taking Communion. Jesus saves disabled people as they are. Disability is never a barrier to God’s grace. It’s theologically inconsistent to preach salvation by grace through faith alone, but then suggest that some cannot fully partake because of their disabilities.

In an ideal world, every church would have access to an ASL interpreter.

Though braille materials can be difficult to find, it’s worth knowing where to get them or how to connect with ASL interpreters, even before a need arises.

If you use PowerPoint in worship, ensure you clearly verbalize what’s on the screen. Don’t assume everyone can read it.

Church buildings need to be wheelchair accessible, including ramps and elevators. This isn’t a favour to disabled members—it’s a fundamental act of welcome. God’s house is for everyone, and that truth must be reflected in our physical spaces.

But accessibility is only the first step. Belonging goes beyond access. It means we are cherished, that we would be missed if we weren’t there. If accessibility needs aren’t met, it undermines that deeper sense of welcome.

If your church offers accessibility features like ramps or sign language interpretation, make sure people know. Post this information on your website, in bulletins, and announcements.

Don’t assume everyone can drive. When organizing events, offer assistance with transportation or ride-sharing.

At potlucks, label food clearly, especially for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Also, for medical reasons, not everyone can fast from food—be mindful of this during corporate fasts.

Encourage disabled members to lead and volunteer in church, just like anyone else. Give them the opportunity to discuss any accessibility needs they may have. Disabilities don’t disappear in leadership positions, and we may need assistive devices or technology to do our work. Leading from this place can relieve the stress of constantly seeking help.

Consider having volunteers trained to support disabled members and their families. Self-advocacy is exhausting, and pastors may not always be readily available. A dedicated team can bridge the gap between congregants and church staff.

Learn about Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) laws in Canada and be prepared to support people who may feel vulnerable or pressured by these options. Review Health Canada reports, particularly the reasons people opt for MAID—many are existential struggles the church can help address.

If someone confides that they’re considering MAID, don’t judge them. Instead, listen, show love, and point them toward real solutions to the challenges they face. The church should be a lighthouse, offering hope, not judgment.

Consider having volunteers trained to support disabled members and their families. Self-advocacy is exhausting, and pastors may not always be readily available. A dedicated team can bridge the gap between congregants and church staff.

The church has been slow to fully embrace people with disabilities. This can be a source of hurt. If you’re just beginning this journey, reach out to disabled members for guidance, but understand that not everyone may want to participate.

Forgiveness is key. We all need God’s grace. Disability provides a unique opportunity to live out the Gospel and be reminded of how much we need God.

Remember, God is omniscient; we are not. Disability may bring struggles, but not every negative emotion or reaction from a disabled person is sinful. Sometimes, it’s just difficult. Approach these moments with grace.

Disability can often be experienced like living with grief or loss. It doesn’t go away, but it changes over time. This doesn’t excuse sin, but it does help frame the experience.

We cannot fix everything—we don’t yet live in the new heavens and earth. But God’s love is ever-present, and that is enough.

Praying the Psalms is invaluable for those living with disability. They teach us how to bring our struggles and emotions to God.

Finally, our identity as Christians is in Jesus, not in our disabilities. Disability may shape our experiences, but it is not the whole story. Nothing—not even disability—can separate us from God’s love.

In the wise words of Martin Luther King Jr.:

“On the one hand we are called to play the good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day we must come to see that the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make their journey on life’s highway. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. Real compassion comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”