Dan Vander Plaats

Truth and unity.

Mark - thankful for your service and the opportunity to learn from and alongside you. While I was sad to hear that you are retiring, I am grateful that you have followed the Lord's leading in this decision as in so many others. Blessings on your journey ahead, and may continue to find your peace in Him, the author of life, the source of peace, the giver of all good things.

Great article, Mark. While I appreciate starting with what people can do instead of what they can't (point 1), I bristle at the notion of "seeing people for what they can do." If this is how we should envision our brothers and sisters in Christ we will still see disparities in the capacity that people have to do things, and we will form value judgments about those with lesser "capacity." Your article explains it well, but the heading does your article a bit of a disservice. 

Thank you for sharing your ministry with us, Jenna. Be strong and courageous in the Lord. So grateful that the Holy Spirit has filled you up in a way that equips you to bless and encourage others.

I do not see anything in the plans that highlights the inclusion and belonging of people with disabilities. With 1 in 5 households including someone who lives with a disabling condition, and with the CRc having historically led the way in prioritizing persons with disabilities, this is suprising. I would recommend the following:

- Joint presentations by Mark Stephenson and Terry DeYoung what their office does for CRC churches

- Presentation on the importance of including people with disabilities

- Discussion/panel/presentation on starting a disability team in your church