Introduction

God's church is a community of people who share the Gospel with everybody. Christ healed the boy with deaf and mute spirits (Mark 9). His healing of the man that was paralyzed (Luke 5:18-26) is clear evidence of a new, intentional ministry to those with disabilities. It suggests that in every congregation there should be a band of compassionate workers responsible for sensitizing and reminding the entire church of its mission to people with disabilities.

People with disabilities within the community and local church are often spiritually neglected. The signs on the front of our churches say "WELCOME," but many of these same churches present insurmountable barriers to individuals with disabilities. The steep stairs, narrow doorways and hallways, and restrooms located on another floor or in distant locations are generally unreachable by people with physical disabilities. Inaccessible pews prevent people in wheelchairs sitting with family members. Strict adherence to worship schedules prevent the participation of people with certain disabilities because of the extra time needed in moving from seat to duty and back. In too many places these barriers discourage those with disabilities from attending and joining - even when they are looking for a church home.

Governments within North America have taken steps to abolish the barriers that deny equal opportunity of employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunication services to individuals with disabilities. Church members, too, are expected to encourage equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in their communities and congregations by eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers, too. They should see the removal of restricting obstacles for the individuals with disabilities not only as a present challenge, but a high priority if their church is seeking to fulfill the Christ's mission of reaching, nurturing, and enabling all people.

Church leaders are to demonstrate the acceptance of all members as equal in work and worship environments. Unless leadership clearly appreciates the diversity of those whom God loves, disabilities ministries will be in vain. Realizing this, the position of disabilities awareness coordinator has been established at the union conference, local conference, and local church levels to give special attention to members and others with disabilities.

Duties of the Disabilities Ministries Coordinator

Specifically, the job description of the disabilities ministries coordinator is to

1. Monitor physical access to the church facilities and functions, and make recommendations that will help to make the church fully accessible to people with disabilities.

2. Provide education for the church members concerning mental, emotional, and physical disabilities and the people they effect.

3. Assist in the process of assimilating people with disabilities into the active life of the church.

4. Conduct surveys to identify the needs of people with disabilities in the church and community.

5. Develop, coordinate, and maintain vital programs to meet the spiritual needs of members with disabilities.

6. Serve as a liaison with Christian Record Services (the church's ministry to the blind, www.christianrecord.org) and local organizations that provide services to people with disabilities.

Responsibilities in the Local Church, by the Church Resources Consortium, North American Division of Seventh-day Adventist Church. Copyright 1997, Revised 2002.