Opening ministry intensive at the #DATC2024 conference addressing the theme Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship: Ministry With Every One, presented by Victoria White of “With” Ministries & Dr. Erik Carter, Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, and With Ministries

The team offered ideas for presenting the Gospel message in ways that people of all abilities embrace, and worship practices that invite universal participation. Carter opens addressing the need, noting 70 million Americans, 1 in 5 individuals, experience some form of disability and 1 in 7 children in local schools engaging special education resources, while 50 percent of people over 65 have some profound physical limitations. So 1 in 3 families in any community have some encounter with disabilities. The trip underscores our #NTS Nurturing Care/KC initiative. https://www.nts.edu/nurturing-care/#KC

The Importance of Faith

How important is faith to people with disability? Dr. Eric Carter notes the importance of faith remains pretty similar between people with disability and traditional church participants. Yet the ability to participate (at least once a month in a church) reveals a “gap” for the disabled. In a separate study, youth (as reported by parents) seemed to prioritize their participation in faith. However the parents of the same youth demonstrate just how important faith is in their lives. Yet approximately one third leave churches (usually after a prolonged period of alternating attendance, with one parent often remaining home with the disabled person). One challenge rests with congregations mirroring communities that previously tended more toward exclusion and segregation… rather than inclusion and belonging. Co-presenter Victoria White notes one of the key contributing factor is to include people with disabilities in leadership if a church seeks to change. #DATC2024.

Believing and Belonging

Erik Carter continues the seminar on Believing and Belonging in Disability Ministry at the #DATC2024 Pre-conference. Carter unveils research that unpacks the dimensions of what true belonging reflects when disable feel they belong. The ten elements work collectively to move from inclusion to a full expression of belonging. Carter’s presentation was supported by Victoria White, director of With Ministries who incorporated biblical imagery to undergird all ten perspectives. Participants were invited to assess their congregational contexts to both celebrate what is working but also discover where to begin next.