Let’s think about children. As a member of the pastoral staff, ministry staff, or as a volunteer serving children in ministry, we ask that you open your heart to hear what God says about including those who take a little bit more of your attention.
Jesus wants your ministry open to ALL children. He said, “Let the little children come.” And His ministry was all about special needs and disability. But, you may think, “we are ill-equipped to handle children with special needs and disabilities”.
We understand. But, will you come and explore with us what God says about this? Will you be open to some steps you can take to make ministry happen for all children?
You will see in Mark 10:13-16 that Jesus invites all children.
“And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’ And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.”
Jesus’ ministry was all about special needs and disability.
We heard recently that 26 out of 34 of Jesus’ miracles were to people with disabilities. 26 out of 34! Hmmm. That must mean that Jesus cared about people with disability and if Jesus cares, and if we are Christ followers, shouldn’t we care, also?
And here’s a cool thing. There was a man born blind so that “the works of God might be displayed in him.”
Here is the story:
As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 ESV
Jesus also encourages us to invite in those with disabilities. Check this out:
He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, Luke 14:12-13 ESV
Have you ever thought about this – we are all in the same boat. Those with disabilities and those without have all been created in the image of God. We all have a need for salvation from sin and shame. We all need forgiveness of our sins. We are all spiritually blind until Jesus gives us sight.
When you see a child or adult with disabilities, realize they are more like you than they are not.
As a person who is on ministry staff or serving as a volunteer, ask yourself these questions:
- Why do you think Jesus wants you to invite and care for ALL children? Answer: Because He does that. He invites and cares for ALL.
- What do you think keeps churches from embracing those who are living with special needs and disabilities? Answer: There are a ton of reasons why churches are not inviting and finding a place for children and adults who struggle with physical, emotional, and behavioral challenges, but we believe the number one reason is FEAR. Fear that you will not be able to “handle” the disability – whatever form it takes. Fear that, even if you are sincerely wanting to help, you will be inadequate to the task. Fear that you are not a professional. Fear that other parents and children will not accept them.
- Why are we supposed to reach out to children whose behavior may be challenging? Answer: Because we are called to love God and love people. Because they need to hear the good news of the gospel and know the love of Christ through His people.
- When do you think the timing is right to begin to “let the little children come?” Do you think it is when you have the perfect plan? the perfect room? the perfect supplies? the perfect furniture? The perfect schedule? the perfect volunteers? Answer: NOW. The answer is now. Begin now to look around at the families who are already in your church and those who are already coming to your ministry who need to be served by children’s and teen’s ministry now. They are among you. Meet needs one child/teen/adult – one family — at a time.
We also think that there is hesitancy in accommodating the children who need a little more attention because we do not understand this verse.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. … 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 ESV
Children and adults with disability are members of the body and are, therefore, vital to the vibrant life of the people of God. When brothers and sisters in Christ do not include children and adults with disability, we are missing out on a major blessing from God and the body is not functioning at its best.
So, our attitude should not be that inclusion is “extra” and is a “burden.” But, instead, our attitude should be that folks with disabilities are like us more than they are not. People with disabilities aren’t to be “a ministry project” but instead, fellowshipped with. God works His purposes, His glory through every single one of us. Let’s see our brothers and sisters in the light God intends for them. They are just as vital as anyone else who is a part of the body.
When we have this attitude shift, hearts and minds open to make inclusion a thing in our faith community.
Let’s grab hold of the truth of these words: Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
We are not equipped to do ministry of any kind apart from that divine power.
Serving individuals with disability is not optional – it is required. But we can count on help. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
We understand the overwhelm when considering serving individuals with disability, especially if it isn’t something you feel experienced or equipped to handle. We felt it ourselves when our Amy was born and as we began to serve those with disabilities. However, we can tell you this, He has been faithful every step of the way.
God wants us to acknowledge our weakness. He tells us that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
We encourage you to just surrender your fear, your inadequacy, your resistance, your hesitancy and embrace that God wants this to happen at your church.
So – What does inclusion mean, really? It means to reach out to every child, teen, or adult with disabilities and find a place where they can belong in your fellowship.
Now that we have these hearts and minds ready to make it work, get creative.
Seek to serve the ones you have right now attending your church.
See the needs and ask the parents and others for ideas that can help the individual get that sense of belonging to the body.
Won’t you be part of the small percentage of churches who embrace individuals with disability and who treat each person and each family with respect and love?
When we do the will of the Father, He blesses. Obey Him in this and be blessed.
You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to us for ideas and resources. We have lots of resources for you.
With much love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: www.champions4parents.comAnd check out Amy’s book at www.HeartReCHARGE.com
