Based on her most recent book with the same title, Barbara J. Newman will give practical ideas at this workshop on faith formation with persons with disabilities.
There is a group of us on Facebook who have decided to form a small group. Has anyone else done this? If so, do you have suggestions that might help as we begin our group?
Here are some great tools for pastors and church planters who want to learn to fully include people with disabilities.
I have been a member of Anaheim CRC since 1969, and I did not know we had people in our congregation with intellectual disabilities. However, God put this desire on my heart to be their new leader.
How often do we hear included in our congregational prayers, prayers for those affected by mental illness? How many worship services have we been in where we were blessed by a person in a wheelchair leading us in worship?
I would like to hear from churches who have adults with intellectual disabilities who attend your worship services. How do we make worship meaningful to them? What are some useful tips to help our pastor to preach his sermons in a way which will be understood by everyone? What about the rest of the service?
Is there a policy in the CRC for how salary amounts for church staff should be disclosed to the congregation?
One of the challenges of Disability Ministry is getting people to church on Sundays as well as during the week for ministry events. I'd like to hear some of the ways your churches have solved this challenge.
What are some ways your Small Groups have reached out to serve the hurting in your communities?
I'm curious. Have any of you as elders prayed over someone, anointed them with oil and as a result, they were healed? If so, what was it like?
It is suggested that we give our pastors a sabbatical for a time of refreshment and study. What about the ministry leaders such as Cadet and Gems counselors, youth group leaders, Bible study leaders, Sunday School teachers, etc?
It seems like if the CRC is going to support the Ministry Associate program, it might be a good idea to offer some classes online for those of us who are interested. Do you know if there are any plans for this?