For many churches, disability inclusion has come a long way.
People with disabilities are attending worship services. They’re serving on volunteer teams. They’re participating in Bible studies and small groups.
These are important steps.
But there is a question that many churches have never seriously considered:
For some readers, that question may feel uncomfortable. Others may immediately answer “yes” or “no.” But before we rush to an answer, let’s consider a deeper question:
What qualifies someone for spiritual leadership?
When Scripture describes the qualifications for Elders and Deacons, the focus is overwhelmingly on character.
Faithfulness.
Integrity.
Humility.
Self-control.
A good reputation.
A life that reflects spiritual maturity.
What we don’t find is a requirement for a particular IQ score, reading level, educational background, or professional achievement.
Yet many churches unintentionally create leadership pathways that favor intellectual ability over spiritual maturity.
As a result, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are often excluded from leadership conversations before anyone has even considered their gifts, wisdom, or calling.
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly uses people others overlook.
Shepherds.
Fishermen.
Tax collectors.
People who were underestimated, dismissed, or considered unqualified by the culture around them.
The Kingdom of God has always had a way of redefining who gets a seat at the table.
That doesn’t mean every person should serve as an Elder. The same is true for people without disabilities.
But it does mean churches should carefully examine whether disability itself has become an unnecessary barrier to leadership.
Rather than asking:
“Can someone with an intellectual disability be an Elder?”
Consider asking:
Those questions often lead to a much more productive conversation.
When people with disabilities serve in leadership, the entire church benefits.
Leaders with disabilities often notice barriers others miss.
They help churches think differently about belonging, accessibility, communication, and community.
Parents raising children with disabilities are constantly wondering:
“Will my child ever truly belong?”
When they see individuals with disabilities serving in leadership, they receive a powerful answer:
“Yes.”
The Gospel teaches that every believer has gifts to contribute to the body of Christ.
Leadership representation reminds us that value is not determined by productivity, intelligence, or worldly success.
It is rooted in being created in the image of God.
Diverse leadership teams make better decisions.
Different life experiences lead to richer discussions, broader perspectives, and more compassionate ministry.
Inclusion is not charity.
It strengthens the church.
Many churches have worked hard to help people with disabilities participate.
That’s worth celebrating.
But participation is not the finish line.
The next frontier is leadership.
Not because every person with a disability should become an Elder or Deacon.
But because every person should have the opportunity to use the gifts God has given them without artificial barriers standing in the way.
Here’s a challenge:
Does your church currently have a person with an intellectual or developmental disability serving as an Elder, Deacon, Trustee, Board Member, Ministry Team Leader, or in another significant leadership role?
If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Not because we want to put your church on a pedestal.
Because we want to celebrate what God is doing.
Too often, churches hear stories about what people with disabilities can’t do. We want to share stories about what they can do and are already doing.
We would love to recognize these leaders, encourage them, and help other churches see what’s possible.
If your church has someone with IDD serving in leadership, please contact Ability Ministry and tell us their story.
You might inspire another church to take the next step.
And if your church doesn’t currently have someone with a disability serving in leadership, perhaps the question isn’t, “Why don’t we?”
Perhaps the better question is:
