The Christian Institute on Disability
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.
The Christian Institute on Disability
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
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…
November 10, 2025
Sometimes, I hate Sundays. A pastor making this statement requires some explanation: I’m an Army Chaplain, a pastor for 17 years, having served at churches...
October 29, 2025
People seem so unhappy. Do you enjoy life? What is true enjoyment, and how can we find it? Sadly, many people reach the end of life unsure...
October 28, 2025
After graduating from a Christian university in Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, Alfreno Dufrene moved back to Gonaives, Haiti, to pursue an internship...
October 14, 2025
“God, why won’t you heal me?” Have you ever found yourself asking God a question like this? If so, you are not alone. Joni Eareckson Tada, for one...
October 7, 2025
If you have big questions about disability, you’ve come to the right place! Because the Joni and Friends Beyond Suffering course offers a biblical...
September 30, 2025
When I read these verses pointing to God’s glory and power beyond human imagination, I think of the Joni and Friends Beyond Suffering course...




