Churches often have a hard time accepting and including disabled people in their communities of Christian Believers. This is a quite common occurrence and sadly it often results in completely unnecessary pain.
With the close of many places that use to house disabled people such as hospitals and nursing homes and the move for these people to be much more involved in the community, people with disabilities are getting out and about more – and this includes going to church. Many churches are having trouble accepting those with disabilities because well – its simply a new thing for many churches. Society used to shut away the disabled in hospitals and nursing homes, for them never to be seen again – but its a huge blessing those times are over!
Some of the common things that go around churches are that “people with disabilities lack faith,” “they don’t want to be healed,” or even they “are just lazy”. I have even heard the thing that people are being oppressed by Satan. I think its important to realize that any disability does not originate from God, but God is so miraculous that often he can use Satan’s work for good, and this is often seen with disabilities.
What can churches do?
Churches can help those with disabilities feel like part of the community – and its actually quite simple. Communicate. Church’s usually try and talk to their new members, and communicating with those that have disabilities is no different. Just like everyone else, those with disabilities have unique needs as well.
Common needs for those with disabilties are:
- Transportation to and from church
- Mentors/Friendship with a small group of people
- Feeling like they are needed by the community and a valued part of the community
- Being invited and included in the fun things that the church community get involved in.
Really the needs of a disabled person are really not that different from those of the non-disabled.
For Those Without Disabilities: What can your church do better to help the disabled?
For Those With Disabilities: What can churches do better to help you?
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Yes! Yes! Yes! This is exactly what we need to hear in the contemporary Christian church! I am now reading a book that outlines many of the underpinnings of Social Justice ministries. It speaks to many of the matters that you write about in this blog: Good News About Injustice (A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World) – Gary A. Haugen. I’m excited to read more of your posts… I’m convinced that God has really blessed you with insight regarding the ways to get the church motivated to act!