The Joni Eareckson Tada Disability Research Center
Working to impact the Church, Christian and public institutions, and societies with a biblical worldview and life-giving truth on issues pertaining to life, dignity, justice, and equality that impact people with disabilities.
Core Focus
The Joni Eareckson Tada Disability Research Center
Working to impact the Church, Christian and public institutions, and societies with a biblical worldview and life-giving truth on issues pertaining to life, dignity, justice, and equality that impact people with disabilities.
Life
All life comes from God the Creator and Sustainer of all things and is therefore sacred.
Genesis 2:7
Equality
Every individual is equal in the eyes of God and should be treated as such.
Romans 10:12
1 Corinthians 12:12
Dignity
Every individual is created in the image of God and has inherent dignity, value, and worth as a person regardless of physical capability or intellectual function.
Genesis 1:27
Diversity & Belonging
The Lord created all human beings in His image as male and female. In doing so, He affirms the place of all nations and people of all abilities in the God’s new Family, the Body of Christ, gifting the Spirit to all God’s children at Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-11
Justice
The Prophet, Amos, exhorted the Israelites to let justice roll down like water, and righteousness like a continually flowing stream (Amos 5:24). For Amos, justice means there should be dignity and compassion for all people and righteousness indicates the conditions that make justice possible: attitudes of mercy and generosity that imitate the character of God.
Amos 5:24
Evangelism
Our Lord Jesus Christ has commissioned the church to bring people affected by disability from all nations to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through declaration and demonstration of the Gospel and to encourage their discipleship, maturity, and service in the local church.
Matthew 28:18-20
Education, Training, and Equipping
Beyond Suffering
Preparing church leaders and students to evangelize and disciple people living with disability. Online certificate programs and coursework offered at universities and seminaries around the world are designed to equip a new generation of leaders for effective disability ministry.
Internship Program
Through local and international internship opportunities, students and young professionals are equipped to become leaders in disability ministry to transform lives through the Gospel, impact their churches and communities for Christ, and advocate for justice, freedom, and equality for people impacted by disability.
Online Courses
We create high-quality, engaging courses that are fully accessible to hone the gifts of all of God’s people within the church. This coursework provides the foundation for people of all abilities to minister to and alongside people with and affected by disability.
Bethany Global University
Joni and Friends has partnered with Bethany Global University to create the fully online M.A. in Intercultural Disability Ministry. This program trains students to serve in disability ministry in a cross-cultural context.
Resources
The Gospel in Hard Times
A collection of Joni and Friends resources that will deepen your understanding of God’s plan, by providing gospel answers to questions such as, “Why am I going through this?” and “Where is God when I need him?” From the pulpit to small groups and even in the children’s ministry, every area of the church will find help and hope in this collection of resources.
The Journal
The Journal of the Christian Institute on Disability (JCID) exists to create a vibrant conversation on the issues surrounding Christian faith and disability. Exploring topics such as philosophy and law, disability studies and education, human services and friendship, as well as theology and ministry, the JCID seeks diversity in voice and perspective and encourages respectful, engaged discussion.
Articles, Research, and More…
January 30, 2025
My daughter, Sarah, did not open her eyes for the first six weeks of her life. While in utero, Sarah was diagnosed with Down syndrome, a heart defect...
January 19, 2025
The book of Genesis says that when God created mankind on the sixth day, he breathed into the dust and formed male and female in his own image and likeness...
November 25, 2024
The first time we met Esther was under the golden arches… It was the summer of 2000. Our family had recently doubled in size with the adoption of two boys...
November 18, 2024
Writing has always been one thing I loved. Creativity always flowed wildly in my mind, like a river in the fiercest storm. However, as someone with very...
October 31, 2024
I love October. Crisp mornings and hot cider help me welcome autumn. Change is in the air—you can feel it. One of my very favorite things about October...
October 25, 2024
They’re not growing. Why aren’t more people with disabilities who live in residential care being discipled?[1] For a variety of reasons, no one nurture...
