Imagine getting a phone call from a close friend excited about a big party that they are throwing at their new house. This isn’t just any housewarming party either. Primarily because this just isn’t any house that this close friend moved into. They went all out, spared no expense, and bought the very best they […]
Vernon signs how he’s overcome loneliness and the challenges he’s had in communicating with people with the friendship and ability to communicate with the Lord. Video via Southeast Christian Church.
In all my years of working and serving in the special needs community, I think I have seen every type of diagnosis there is. In my opinion, one of the most challenging is meeting the needs of someone with a dual diagnosis, or someone who is diagnosed with both a mental illness and cognitive impairment. […]
Riverwood Christian Community, operated by Ability Ministry, has been in operation for over 30 years serving adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 1986, Ability Ministry has expanded from the initial Riverwood I building, and now operates multiple facilities, including a location in Missouri, serving 28 adults with developmental disabilities. With the latest addition, a new […]
There is a picture that I simply cannot get out of my head. It has haunted me for the past several days. Please excuse the rough sketch below but it is the best I can do. I see a single hand reaching up out of a hole. They have fallen in a hole where they […]
As summer comes to a close and a new school year begins, special needs families can start to feel concern, anxiety, and possibly fears over the year ahead. This year our son Ryan, who has Down syndrome, is a senior, and I can still feel the same concerns and anxiety I felt when we started […]
Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about disability? Thankfully God is not silent on the topic of disability. He has so many amazing things to say about disability. So why do we as individuals and the Church collectively seem to miss what God has to say? There are a lot of reasons why. […]
So Becca turns 44 this month. Was there ever a time when I wasn’t a caregiver? I remember there were times after she was born that my mind would wander to the future, trying to picture what this new life would be like. Will it be consumed with doctor appointments, tests, and treatments? Will she […]
God used the 2×2 strategy over ten years ago to kick start the disability ministry at First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio. The Beginning I will never forget the phone call I received from my friend, Tom, all these years ago. At the time I was the Family Pastor at First Christian a megachurch. In […]
I think there are two very specific reasons by Jesus sent his followers out 2×2. The first reason is influence. Another word that you could use for influence here is power. Two are far more effective than one. A lone ranger can only accomplish so much on his or her own. Two people together can […]
Because Jesus' table is accessible for everyone...
We desire to see the Church make room for all people affected by disability. To fully participate. To fully partner. To fully lead.
We exist to equip and empower the 25% of the population with a disability, their families, and their churches to become who God has created them to be.
