Look with Eyes Open

Last Thursday, I was introduced to someone who goes to a very large church in our area. When he asked about my work, I explained that I help churches learn ways to include people with disabilities in the life of the church. He replied that he wasn’t aware of any people with disabilities at his church. When I saw one of his pastors today, I mentioned that comment. The pastor said, “Well, it seems that he lives in his own little bubble, doesn’t he.” Besides, this pastor’s own child who lives with severe impairments, this pastor mentioned a number of others in their church who live with disabilities. At the very least, churches leaders need to make sure that they are aware of the people in their congregation who live with disabling conditions. It really helps if at least once a year those responsible for caring ministry in the congregation go through the directory name by name to take note of who lives with disabling conditions.