Disabling the Church from the Center for Disability and Ministry

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This episode listens to disabled voices in church leadership. We speak with the authors of Disabling Leadership: A Practical Theology for a Broken Boyd of Christ. Andrew T. Draper, Jody Michele, and Andrea Mae, join our host Carlos Thompson to discuss their work, writing, and worship life in a church community that values disabled leaders serving the body of Christ.

http://ivpress.com/disabling-leadership

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In this episode Dr. Sarah J. Barton (ThD, MS, OTR/Ll, BCP) joins us to share her research and insights around the practice of baptism and its implications for the church. Dr. Barton' ethnographic work centers intellectual disability and  baptismal witness to better plumb the breadth and depth of the body of Christ. Dr. Barton is the author of Becoming the Baptized Body: Disability and the Practice of Christian Community.

https://www.baylorpress.com/9781481316873/becoming-the-baptized-body/

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This episode delves into the profound impact of friendship among individuals with disabilities, highlighting how authentic relationships shape self-understanding and community dynamics. Through a heartfelt dialogue, we explore the necessity of embracing our identities and navigating life’s complexities together, revealing the essence of interdependence and the role of the church in fostering meaningful connections. 

• Friendship as a necessity for individuals with disabilities
• Shared experiences fostering understanding
• The balance between independence and interdependence
• Redefining what is considered “normal”
• Theological considerations of disability and worth
• Navigating vocational awareness and expectations
• The significance of friendships in embodying one’s faith
• Encouragement for the church to foster inclusive communities

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This episode probes into health, healing, and disability from a fresh biblical perspective, emphasizing an integrated understanding of personhood. It features narratives from scripture that redefine health as relational wholeness rather than mere physical restoration, inviting listeners to reconsider their views on healing.

• Exploring the biblical notion of the person as a cohesive whole 
• Unpacking the trilectic understanding of body, spirit, and community 
• Analyzing the significance of physiognomy in biblical narratives 
• The story of the woman with the issue of blood as a lesson in holistic healing 
• Understanding dual miracles in the story of the man lowered down through the roof 
• Insights into Celedonius, the man born blind, and the challenges to societal beliefs around health 
• The role of community and relational dynamics in achieving true healing 
• Setting the stage for future discussions on shalom and disability

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The episode explores the connections between disability, health, and the biblical concept of shalom, urging a reevaluation of how these ideas intersect with personal and communal relationships. Through a healing narrative from Mark and a focus on holistic wellness, the discussion emphasizes the importance of relational healing and community.

• Shalom is a holistic concept encompassing peace and right relationships 
• Disability and sin should not be conflated, as neither equates to divine punishment 
• Jesus' healing narratives showcase relational restoration beyond physical healing 
• The language used in scripture reveals deeper meanings surrounding health and healing 
• Interdependence is a vital aspect of community and God's creation 
• Misinterpretations can lead to stigma, reinforcing harmful narratives around disability 
• Engaging with scripture can transform personal and communal views on health

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The episode delves into how the church can better embrace and empower individuals with disabilities within its mission and evangelism strategies. Dr. Rochelle Sheuermann shares her insights on rethinking the definitions of evangelism and engaging the diverse gifts of all people, including those with disabilities.

• Rochelle Scheuermann, Ph.D. discusses her journey toward understanding evangelism and disability 
• She emphasizes the need for churches to look beyond limitations and recognize gifts 
• The importance of childlike faith in experiencing God’s presence is highlighted 
• Exploration of the reduced definition of evangelism and its implications 
• The conversation encourages a holistic understanding of God’s mission that integrates disability

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Through the conversation with Megan Kadoulis, we explore how viewing disability as a difference can enhance our understanding of identity and community. With insights into her life with Williams syndrome, Megan inspires us to appreciate diversity and fosters connections that truly care for one another. 
• Rethinking disability as a divine gift 
• The impact of living with Williams syndrome 
• Emphasizing identity beyond medical labels 
• Defining community and belonging 
• Building connections through empathy and understanding 
• Navigating conflicts and tensions gracefully

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Friendship House represents a powerful model of intentional community where individuals with disabilities and seminary students live, learn, and grow together. This episode dives into the unique origins, shared experiences, and spiritual formation within Friendship House, showcasing how mutual support fosters growth and challenges preconceived notions about disability in ministry.

• Introduction to the Friendship House's unique community 
• Origins rooted in shared needs for affordable housing and independence 
• Positive growth outcomes documented among residents with disabilities 
• Emergence of the Fellows Program for vocational and spiritual formation 
• Daily life blending worship, study, and mutual learning 
• Emphasis on the importance of diversity in community living 
• Future episodes to delve deeper into community stories and experiences

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In this episode, Dr. LS Carlos Thompson explores the foundations of disability theology, tracing its connections to the disability rights movement and broader theological discussions. He unpacks key models of disability—the medical, social, and hybrid models—and considers how they shape our understanding of inclusion, belonging, and the body of Christ. Listeners are invited to rethink assumptions about disability, normalcy, and human limitation, as well as how the church can move beyond inclusion to embrace a deeper sense of belonging. This episode lays the groundwork for future conversations that challenge and enrich our faith communities.

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In this inaugural episode, host Dr. LS Carlos Thompson is joined by Dr. Ben Conner to unpack the meaning behind Disabling the Church. They discuss how ableism shapes church spaces, theology, and ministry, and explore how the concept of “disabling” can help remove barriers to belonging. This conversation sets the foundation for the series, inviting listeners to rethink accessibility, inclusion, and the vital role of disabled people in the life of the church.