Disability Concerns

What keeps many people with a disability from being considered for a leadership position? I've included a video that raises awareness about how pastoral search teams can discriminate against leaders with a disability.

Topics include children and youth with disabilities, mental health issues, ways of showing welcome that go beyond physical accessibility, and more. Here they are in one post for your convenience.

In this video Dori Dykstra reflects on how she feels called to be in relationship with others in the Body of Christ and how that both encourages and prepares her to pick up the phone or send an email.

At a recent RCA Classis Minnesota meeting there was a discussion about no-cost options for welcoming people with disabilities. Here are some of the strategies they wanted to share. 

Our world may not end pre-natal testing, but as people of faith, we can support and be supported by people like Zachary and Christine. God’s world, we, will be richer for it.

Because he couldn’t get in the door, safely use the restroom, or access the pulpit, Kyle Crist “decided to become a disability advocate out of necessity.” Listen to Kyle share more of his experience as a disability advocate.

Beth shares her experience with Friendship Bible Studies that affirms “when you learn you teach and when you teach you learn.” Listen to more of her story below!

Rev. Dr. Joanne Van Sant, Church Advocate in Ridgewood, NJ, shares a story of witnessing God's grace when “everything was just right in that moment.”  

This video is a helpful tool for families, older adults (who may also feel marginalized by age and acquired disability), congregations, study groups and more!  Give it a watch and have a conversation with others. 

I recently participated in a webinar about theologies of disabilities led by Tom Reynolds. Through his experiences with his son who lives with autism, as well as living with his own depression, theologies of disabilities has become an academic passion for him.