Creating a Space to Truly Belong
Does It Matter? Creating a Space to Truly Belong
Does it matter when a family is forced to leave their church because there are no resources for their child with a disability?
Does it matter when a child with autism is asked to leave worship because they are too loud or disruptive?
Does it matter that wheelchair users still face physical barriers just trying to enter a sanctuary?
Of course it matters!
In Luke 14:12–24, Jesus explicitly instructs His followers to invite the vulnerable, the broken, and the overlooked to the banquet table. Jesus saw the immense, God-given value in every single person. Jesus does not call people to a life defined by their limitations, but to a destiny shaped by His grace. It mattered to Jesus that they were at the table—and it must matter to us too.
A close friend of mine uses a wheelchair and navigates severe cognitive challenges, following a car accident at age 16. Now in her late twenties, her mother is her primary caregiver and lifeline. Sadly, the strain of my friend’s accident led to the collapse of her parents’ marriage—a painful reality for many families in similar situations.
Her mother shared with me that while they deeply desire to attend church, most congregations simply don’t know how to accommodate them or meet her unique needs. When every Sunday feels like an uphill battle, staying home becomes the easiest choice. Yet, their hearts still long to be with God’s people. They just want a place to belong.
Engaging Disability exists to bridge this gap. We equip congregations to be spaces where people impacted by disability truly belong—by discipling, embracing, and enfolding them into the life and mission of the church. Because yes—it absolutely matters.
Dr. E. Brent Turner
Executive Director
Will you partner with us today to see this ministry expand and touch more churches and people?
Applications Open for 2027
Room on Our Pew (ROOP) is halfway through the first year of our cohort-based program. ROOP guides and supports churches to become more accessible and welcoming to individuals and families impacted by disability. We are encouraged by what God is doing through this year’s cohort—and we are already preparing to welcome more churches in 2027!
The next cohort begins in January 2027 for twelve months of training followed by six months of support as churches put their plans into practice. Throughout the program, participants explore topics such as:
- biblical theology of disability
- caring for the whole family
- understanding challenging behaviors
- thoughtfully evaluating worship and church programming to better disciple and enfold children and families living with disability
Monthly virtual small-group gatherings give participating churches an opportunity to learn from and encourage one another. One participant recently shared:
“I always enjoy this part of the month, and I always learn something new or encouraging!”
Another participant reflected:
“I am learning that disability ministry is not primarily a systems-based ministry, but a case-by-case opportunity to love individuals with disabilities and their families. Each family has its own expectations and experiences, dreams and desires, hurts and hopes. In the church, each person wants to be seen, cared for, and loved in personal and individual ways. Much of this ministry is built on relationships, conversations, and trust in the love of God.”
Applications for the 2027 cohort are being accepted until August 31, as space allows. Click below to learn more and apply today!
Click here to learn more and apply!
Will you partner with us today to see this ministry expand and touch more churches and people?
To become a MONTHLY GIVER, go to the online donation form, choose your amount, and be sure to check the box that says “Make this a recurring donation.” Thank you! Have questions? Email us at donations@engagingdisability.org
