I Didn’t Know What I Didn’t Know

As a pastor, I was always grateful for families who were impacted by disabilities who came to our church. I knew that it was quite an ordeal for them to come out, and it impressed me that they made the effort. I also have a soft spot in my heart for the families, especially for their children who are disabled. Of course, I knew that Jesus would be pleased with our church for making such families feel welcome and included, but…

Since working with Joni and Friends, I realize that there was so much more I/we could have done to provide a place and space for families impacted by disability. If I’d only known what I know now!

What is Joni and Friends?

Joni and Friends, named after the founder of the organization, Joni Eareckson Tada, is a Christian non-profit dedicated to providing service and support to families impacted by disabilities. Our programs include retreats and getaways that provide respite and camping fun for families. We also train and equip churches to provide disability services for their congregation.

You are likely familiar with the story of our founder Joni. If not, you can catch the story below.

God continues to work powerfully through the ministry He started with Joni over 40 years ago. The mission at Joni and Friends is to mobilize the church to evangelize, disciple and serve people living with disability.

But Does It Really Make a Difference?

Did you know that there are over 3 million people in the Northwest who fall into this largest minority group on the planet? In fact, globally, 1 in 7 people are affected by disability. And most of them do not have a relationship with Christ. As a Christian, it should ignite a fire in our soul to learn that 25% of the population in the Northwest is impacted by disability in some way or another (either being disabled themselves or parents, siblings, grandparents, or relatives of a person with a disability). And disabilities come in all shapes and sizes and can start at birth or come throughout life either by disease, accident or aging. When you look around and see people through a sensitivity towards disability, you will realize that the above-mentioned statistic of 25% is accurate.

Here is the point: If there are so many people who live with the challenges of being disabled, and if this segment of the population is indeed the largest “unchurched” group in our society, then it stands to reason that churches ought to go out of their way to make sure these individuals are included in the body life. In fact, as you recall from the Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14, we are “mandated” or “commissioned” to “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame… to Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (14:21, 23)

What Can I Do?

Wouldn’t it be great if our churches were full of people from all walks of life, including those who are disabled? Many churches are already passively and historically open and welcoming towards people impacted by disability, but can you imagine the culture change, for the good, that can happen if churches were dedicated to closing the gap and ensuring a safe and welcoming space for such families?

Joni and Friends is dedicated to helping pastors and ministry leaders discover how to become a church where inclusive ministry is active in their church. Many times, we find there are invisible barriers in the church that prevent people with disability from receiving the Gospel or actively using their gifts alongside their typical peers. Joni and Friends is simply here as a partner to bring awareness and provide resources and training to live out a more inclusive culture so that people of all abilities can fully participate in the life of the church. Our vision at Joni and Friends is a world where every person living with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. The following video is one beautiful example of how the Lord continues to bring that vision to pass through His church.

Lessons Learned

When I look back on my pastoral and church planting experience, I am disheartened about the missed opportunities for ministry to this most neglected segment of our society. My ministry would have been different if I had been equipped with the knowledge that I now have. 

Please don’t be like me…remember the “least of these” as you create and execute your ministry plans for your church. Whether you are planting a church and at the ground floor of implementing your vision or you pastor a well-established church steeped in tradition, it is never too late to fulfill the great “Lost Commission” of Luke 14:21, 23: ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’- ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (14:21,23)

If you have questions about how to implement intentional ministry to and with our disabled population, please feel free to reach out to me. I or one of my team members would be delighted to share resources and provide training.