Disability Ministry Committee

The LCMS committee that addressed ministry to people with disabilities assembled a variety of resources that can be used to increase awareness in a congregational setting.

Joni and Friends

Our Mission is to communicate the Gospel and equip Christ-honoring Churches worldwide to evangelize and disciple people affected by disabilities.

Church Facility Accessibility Checklist

Irresistible Church Survey

Joni and Friends

We've Got This: Providing Respite for Families Affected by Disability*

*Click the above link to join the Irresistible Church: Please join us for unlimited access to free books and other valuable resources. Membership is free and includes all privileges! We promise to never spam.

AbleLight (formerly Bethesda Lutheran Communities)

To enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through services that share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Walk for Life

Disability Ministry Curriculum Resources

CHURCHES WITH DISABILITY MINISTRIES

Holy Cross, Los Gatos

Specific Ministries: Respite Events, accessible church facilities, enhanced sound system and spaces for wheelchair users in the sanctuary, disabled parking places, integration of children and adults with disabilities into age appropriate programs, partner church with Joni and Friends.

Redeemer, Fresno

Specific Ministries: Outreach to residents at Bethesda Homes

St. John’s Napa

Specific Ministries: Disabled parking spaces; accessible church facilities; transportation assistance; enhanced sound system in sanctuary; Sunday Bible class for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; Individual Religious Plan (IRP) for people with disabilities which includes confirmation and communion; shut-in ministry; devotional materials printed, collated, and shipped to groups and individuals requesting them; mental health presentations; Disability Ministry Committee. revtzb@comcast.net

First, Hanford

Specific Ministries: Parking spaces for people with disabilities; accessible church facilities with ramps leading to any raised doorways; and spaces in the sanctuary for people using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters or crutches. Large family restroom with grab-bars that is accessible for people using wheelchairs and walkers.

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, San Francisco

Specific Ministries: Sunny Paths Special Needs Camp, an annual camp for children with special needs (third and fourth week in July), and quarterly respite events. Physical layout includes disabled parking, accessible restrooms, seating for wheelchair users, and level access to the altar.

https://www.facebook.com/sunnypathssnp

St Andrews, Stockton

Specific Ministries: Good Shepherd Family, connecting adults with disabilities to Christ, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Saturdays for the month – 12 pm – 3 pm. Physical layout includes disabled parking, accessible restrooms, level access to the sanctuary, seating for wheelchair users, and level access to the altar for communion.

Mount Olive, Milpitas

Accessible church facilities, spaces for wheelchair users in the sanctuary, disabled parking places.

Peace, Sacramento

Specific Ministries: Disabled parking spaces, accessible church facilities, and a Disability Ministry Committee, which held a Disability Awareness Workshop in September, 2017. Events have been held for adults with disabilities living in the Sacramento area and several events for children with special needs and their siblings so their parents can have a date night. Contact: Dianne Flynn, stoptheponi@aol.com

Outcome statements

To equip the Church to reach out, include, and encourage full participation of people with disabilities and their families in the life of Christ’s Church.

To achieve this mission, the DMC has adopted the following priorities and outcome statements:

Research. The DMC will analyze data derived from its target audience, identifying needs and opportunities for Gospel-based ministry.
Referral. The DMC will develop a resource database of speakers and media pertaining to disability ministry in order to connect congregations to appropriate resources.
Advocate. The DMC will make presentations to groups in order to develop disability awareness.
Network. The DMC will facilitate the sharing of disability ministry experiences, education and best practices among the churches through its website and blog.