This is the second in a November series produced by BNG on what it means to be “blessed,” a word so flippantly used that it often loses meaning. #Blessed. It’s as common these days as saying the perfunctory “God bless…
How the male-centered image of God marginalizes women and disabled persons
Many Christians believe all people are made in the image of God. However, this belief is not so simple when you dive into church life and begin to look at how different people are treated based upon their unique physical…
So you think you want to start a special needs ministry?
Huge strides have been made in the past few decades for people with disabilities, especially in the areas of building accessibility and access to education, jobs and health care. One area of opportunity remains involvement and inclusion in church. Consider:…
At this church, ‘special needs’ are nothing out of the ordinary
For many families, the most challenging aspect of going to church on Sunday morning is getting out the door: making sure everyone is dressed, fed and in the car on time and in one piece. For families who have children…
As Americans with Disabilities Act turns 30, barriers remain
When you think about marginalized communities, who do you envision? Most Americans do not think to include a key group — people with disabilities. This week marks a major milestone for this marginalized community, with the 30th anniversary of the…
Educated and eager to work, but there’s just one barrier
For as long as she can remember, Jennifer Evans of Las Cruces, N.M., has dreamed of running political campaigns. Within minutes of meeting her, you can see that she is well-suited for such a role, with an engaging personality, an…
Inclusion can get messy: gospel implications of a ‘Wider Welcome’ for United Methodists and the rest of us
Christian history is replete with the expulsion of persons from the church; times when sin, sex, orthodoxy and “special needs” all run together and somebody or some bodies had to go. Perhaps we should add an asterisk to “Everybody is Welcome” on our church signs.
Pastor counsels churches to greet disabled with compassion, not exclusion or fear
Individuals with disabilities, and their families, are accustomed to poor treatment wherever they go – including church.
Bi-vocational, black female pastor overcame doubters to thrive in pulpit
Like any pastor, LaTonya McIver Penny is busy. But this minister’s calendar goes above and beyond busy. In addition to leading New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Roxboro, N.C., and all that entails, Penny is a mother of two and runs a non-profit advocating for the respectful and compassionate treatment of children with disabilities in churches. And like other women pastors, Penny confronted her share of opposition from those who say females should not be pastors.