Controversies

Why We're Supporting the Identity Project

Why We're Supporting the Identity Project

We’re supporting this project because persons with disabilities are disproportionately represented among children and adults who embrace non-traditional gender identities and leaders serving in disability or mental health ministry will greatly benefit from a deep understanding of gender and sexuality from a Biblical perspective.

The Value of Being Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Podcast Episode 064

The Value of Being Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Podcast Episode 064

David reminds us in Psalm 139 that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made and that the works of God in us are truly wonderful. David helps us to understand the value of life because he reminds us that God knew us and formed us and designed us for his glory. In this week’s episode, we reflect on that Biblical truth and how the church is called to celebrate God’s wonderful works in all things, including disability. 

Dogs in Church: Podcast Episode 062

Dogs in Church: Podcast Episode 062

As ministry leaders, we need to know the basic information about service dogs vs. therapy dogs vs. emotional support dogs so that we are providing our churches with accurate information and creating a welcoming and safe environment for all.

Different, Not Harder

Different, Not Harder

"Different, not harder." That was the powerful takeaway from a dear friend who has spoken with Joanna about special needs ministry for years. This leads her to the question: are we fighting for pity or equality?

What if true equality starts with finding common ground?

Courage in Pursuit of Our Callings

Courage in Pursuit of Our Callings

I’d like to say a few things publicly that need to be said by someone in my profession with my background and experience. Somebody needs to go first. My hope is it will be easier for others to speak if they know they’re not alone.

The Reason My Family Is Not Always With Me in Worship

The Reason My Family Is Not Always With Me in Worship

Guest blogger, Shannon Blosser shares his experience as both a pastor and a special needs dad.

While our son loves being in the church and especially enjoys looking at our stained-glass ceiling formation, he cannot always handle the crowds and noise that come with being in worship. We try to meet his needs while living into the realities of being a pastoral family.

The Sin of Partiality and Disability Ministry

The Sin of Partiality and Disability Ministry

Right now, so many churches are seeking a few, permitting some, but not unabashedly speaking and sharing the gospel, ensuring its access to everyone. Is your church committing the sin of partiality?

Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

In this week's episode, Beth Golik addresses a question that many ministry leaders are struggling with: should we use the term "special needs" in our churches?

When You Should Leave a Church

When You Should Leave a Church

Ideally, every person is welcome and embraced by a church as Christ welcomes and embraces all with unconditional love. That, unfortunately, is not always expressed by the church. I believe in those moments when we do feel we need to leave, God’s love will guide the conversation and direct us towards a place that will be more welcoming and open to expressing the love of Christ for all people.

Dispensable Lives? Part Two

Dispensable Lives? Part Two

In part two of his blog post, Tony D’Orazio from Jacob’s Ladder Fitness continues with this important question: what has humanity missed out on without all those people with Down syndrome in the world?