Joni and Friends Expands Disability Ministry Training Through New Partnership with Ligonier Ministries

“Joni and Friends serves in some of the most remote regions of the world, training pastors where other ministries may not reach,” said Shawn Thornton, President of Joni and Friends. “Many of these leaders lack access to formal theological education. Through Ligonier Ministries, we can now provide deeper biblical resources than ever before.”

The partnership will debut at Beyond Suffering conferences in El Salvador and Peru this year, with plans for continued global expansion. Each conference is expected to serve approximately 200 pastors and church leaders, all of whom will receive Spanish-language Reformation Study Bibles at no cost.

Each Bible includes more than 20,000 study notes by 75 respected biblical scholars, including theologian R.C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries. These resources are designed to provide clear, accessible theological insight for pastors serving diverse and growing congregations worldwide.

Ligonier Ministries has committed to distributing 500,000 Reformation Study Bibles to under-resourced pastors across Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East through strategic global partnerships. Joni and Friends is among the organizations helping fulfill this initiative, known as Study Bibles for the World. This is an expansion of Sproul’s final ministry campaign, Study Bibles for Africa, which has grown to a global scope.

“We’re seeing a growing hunger in pastors not only for ministry tools, but also for sound, biblically faithful theology—especially on topics such as suffering and disability,” said Jason Holden, Chief Operating Officer at Joni and Friends. “This partnership allows us meet that need with trusted resources, equipping church leaders to build inclusive, Christ-centered communities where people living with disabilities are fully welcomed and valued.”

In addition to international distribution, Joni and Friends will provide 50 English-language study Bibles to pastors in the United States, each accompanied by a personal note of encouragement from Shawn Thornton.

“Our prayer is that pastors everywhere will develop a deeply biblical understanding of life, the Gospel, and human dignity,” said Thornton. “When churches are grounded in this truth, families struggling with disability can be fully embraced and supported in ways that reflect the compassion and example of Jesus Christ.”

By combining theological training with practical ministry resources, the partnership seeks to create a lasting impact in churches across the globe, equipping pastors to lead and serve through a deeper understanding of disability.

About Joni and Friends : For more than 45 years, Joni and Friends has provided the hope of the Gospel and practical care to people living with disability across the globe. Ministry programs include Joni’s House, Wheels for the World, Retreats & Getaways, and disability ministry training. Joni and Friends also delivers daily inspirational media through radio programs and podcasts. To find out more, please visit www.joniandfriends.org. 

Media Contact:
Amy Hurtado    
[email protected]   
818.575.1766