020. Steps to Embracing the Disabled in Your Ministry with Joanna French

Do you know someone who has a disability? Through researching for this episode I learned some staggering statistics. 1 in 4 adults are affected by a disability. 1 in 5 children have learning or attention issues. That means the chances that you have or will have someone walk into your church with a disability is very very likely.

Jesus DID not say “Let the little children come to me, except those that are crippled” He welcomed all into his arms. Are we as a church providing space for those with special needs? 

In today’s conversation with Joanna French we learn some practical ways we can embrace our disabled friends in ministry. There is something we can all do regardless of our church size. 

 

Joanna French

Pastor Joanna French is the Special Needs Pastor at Flint Hills Church in Junction City, Ks. Seven years ago she founded their special needs ministry, Embrace. Since then Joanna has spoken nationally on the subject of Disability Ministry nationally, written two books, and shares her wisdom for the national ministry Key Ministry. Joanna seeks to help other churches make the gospel accessible to everyone.

 

Statistics

1 in 4 adults have some type of disability. (61 Million People with Disabilities in the United States (abilitymagazine.com)

1 in 5 children have learning and attention issues. (The State of Learning Disabilities Today – Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org)

This means if you are not directly affected, most likely you know someone who is.

• Do you have any of these people attending your church?

• How are you accommodating them?

• Can we do better?

 

Can you imagine being told you are welcome to come back to church but please find a sitter for your kids next time? 

 

What can the Average Church Do to Embrace those with disabilities and mental illness?

Don’t despise small beginnings.

1. Talk openly and positively about mental illness

   • Be aware of disabilities and mental illness

   • Support Autism Awareness Day

   • Promote Down Syndrome Day

2. Make Buddy Bags. What to include:

   • • use a cheap backpack 

     • Noise canceling headphones

     • Fidgets

     • Communication cards

     • Visual schedule

    

3. Create a Sensory Safe Room (could use a closet) What to include:

   • Bean bag chair

   • Noise canceling headphones

   • Pillows

   • Puzzles

   • Fidgets

    

Advanced Steps:

• Provide sensory safe space when offering community events
• Host Respite Nights
• Host Siblings Day (event for siblings of disabled)

 

How can Implementing this Type of Ministry help Prepare us for Revival?

Revival requires empathy. 

In the recent move, “Jesus Revolution”, we see that revival started by meeting people right where they were at, without judging them for their actions. They simply offered them the love of Jesus.

Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another..” These special friends will sharpen us as we get to know each other. They will change us. They will make us more compassionate, more accepting, and more thankful. They will teach us to worship uninhibited. They show us what true worship looks like.

It helps us love people in a revolutionary way and that is key in preparing for revival.

 

How to start an “Embrace Ministry”?

• Talk to the disabled and their family members - they will have necessary input for you to create a good disability ministry. Ask their opinions and what they need. 

• Do the three things listed above and don’t despise small beginnings. Even if it is for one person or one child. 

• Offer support for anyone. You may have people who are not “diagnosed” with a disability but need additional support. Have the buddy bags and alternate spaces available to anyone.

 

Prayer:

Make sure you listen till the end for Joanna's beautiful prayer at the end of our time together. 

 

Scripture References:

“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

 

FREE BOOK:

To be entered to win a free copy of Joanna's Book, Becoming Enabled, email her at [email protected] and let Joanna know you listened to this episode with Jacklin Drake. She will notify the winner via email and I will post on our social media pages as well.

 

Resources:

Keyministry.org promotes meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with disabilities for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Assembly of God - Kansas

Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni and Friends

 

 

Connect with Joanna:

• Website: https://www.enabledgospel.org/bio

• Becoming Enabled Book: https://amzn.to/3RPEo9i

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jacklin: 

• Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook

• Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram

• Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog

• Schedule a Call

This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode020.