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Keith Dow shares the story of Greg’s baptism, highlighting his unique identity and faith. The post explores themes of belonging and the acceptance found in faith communities. It shows how God’s presence embraces every person’s story, including those with disabilities.
Not long ago, popular Atlanta pastor and author Andy Stanley tweeted the following:
Greg has red hair and an extra chromosome. He’s got something else as well…https://t.co/u180smnhOg
— AndyStanley (@AndyStanley) September 23, 2016
Challenges of baptism and disability
Baptism and intellectual disability can be a source of questions and concerns for churches and pastors who aren’t sure whether people with intellectual and developmental disabilities fully understand the commitment they’re making. We have covered this topic before in the post “Should we baptize people with intellectual disabilities?” We encourage you to check out the following video for an example of one church that fully embraced Greg’s decision to follow Christ:
Greg introduces himself
“Hello. My name is Greg Cloud. I’m 29 years old. I have red hair, blue eyes and I am right-handed. I also have an extra chromosome. I was born with all of these. Like you I was beautifully made by my God.”
About the Author:
Keith Dow:
Keith Dow lives near Ottawa, serving as Manager of Organizational and Spiritual Life with Karis Disability Services. He holds his PhD in caregiving ethics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He is the author of Formed Together: Mystery, Narrative, and Virtue in Christian Caregiving (Baylor, 2021). Keith Dow is a credentialed Pastor with BIC Canada for his role with Karis Disability Services, where he supports the spiritual health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and equips churches to be more accessible and hospitable.
Recent Posts:
Keith Dow shares the story of Greg’s baptism, highlighting his unique identity and faith. The post explores themes of belonging and the acceptance found in faith communities. It shows how God’s presence embraces every person’s story, including those with disabilities.
Not long ago, popular Atlanta pastor and author Andy Stanley tweeted the following:
Greg has red hair and an extra chromosome. He’s got something else as well…https://t.co/u180smnhOg
— AndyStanley (@AndyStanley) September 23, 2016
Challenges of baptism and disability
Baptism and intellectual disability can be a source of questions and concerns for churches and pastors who aren’t sure whether people with intellectual and developmental disabilities fully understand the commitment they’re making. We have covered this topic before in the post “Should we baptize people with intellectual disabilities?” We encourage you to check out the following video for an example of one church that fully embraced Greg’s decision to follow Christ:
Greg introduces himself
“Hello. My name is Greg Cloud. I’m 29 years old. I have red hair, blue eyes and I am right-handed. I also have an extra chromosome. I was born with all of these. Like you I was beautifully made by my God.”