A Changing Church

By Joni and Friends|Published On: November 19, 2019|Categories: 1-Minute Radio Program|

A stormy sky at sunset with patches of dark clouds that slowly fade into the light of the sun.

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. In the 1970s, not many churches were involved in disability ministry. If they were, it was “separate” from regular church life. Later on, “inclusion” and “mainstreaming” became fashionable, and so, churches began to include more special needs families. However, even that has changed. Churches are now realizing that it’s more than just inclusion or mainstreaming. Uh uh. Special needs families want to “belong.” They want to be embraced; they want to feel like they’re part of God’s family. So, today’s ministry to the disabled centers on building friendships. Yep, disability ministry is all about relationships, and not isolating people with special needs in a segregated department. The Bible says to treat the disabled with special honor, as you would with any relationship. So get your church involved in embracing special needs families at joniandfriends.org.