The Roots for Churches podcast

S3E34 Seeing Beyond Blindness, with Rev Prebendary John Beauchamp

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In this episode, Revd Prebendary John Beauchamp shares his journey as a blind priest and disability ministry enabler, exploring the intersection of faith, disability, and inclusion within the church. He reflects on his personal experiences with blindness, the theological implications of disability, and the importance of belonging and participation for disabled individuals in church communities. The conversation delves into scriptural references to blindness, the cultural context of disability in Jesus' time, and the significance of healing and redemption in faith. John emphasizes the value of individuals beyond their abilities and the role of humour in addressing societal blind spots regarding disability.

Keywords

disability theology, blindness, faith journey, inclusion, church community, healing, scripture, John Beauchamp, spiritual insights, personal testimony

 

Takeaways

  • John Beauchamp has been in ministry for nearly 30 years.
  • His blindness has profoundly shaped his faith journey.
  • Disability theology offers insights into understanding faith and inclusion.
  • Inclusion in the church is about belonging, not just access.
  • Blindness in scripture often serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness.
  • Healing can be both a physical cure and a spiritual redemption.
  • The church must listen to the experiences of disabled individuals.
  • Humour can reveal societal blind spots regarding disability.
  • The identity of individuals should not be solely defined by their disabilities.
  • Faith involves trusting in the mystery of God's plan.

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    Sound Bites

    'I once was blind, but now I see.'

    'God wants us as we are.'

    'Humour helps us see our blind spots.'

     

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to John Beauchamp and his Journey

    02:31 Exploring Blindness and Faith

    05:05 The Role of Disability in Ministry

    07:44 Inclusion of Disabled Individuals in Church

    10:36 Practical Steps for Accessibility

    13:08 Disability Theology and Scriptural Perspectives

    15:40 Metaphors of Blindness in Scripture

    18:12 The Future of Disability in the New Creation

    23:22 The Promise of Beauty in Pain

    25:15 Experiencing God in Suffering

    26:26 Cultural Context of Disability in Jesus' Time

    33:55 Understanding Healing and Redemption

    40:03 Preaching Insights on John Chapter 9

     

    Show Notes

    John's article on rootsforchurches.com: That the works of God might be revealed: John 9:1-41 by John

    See also:

    Disability-friendly church by Revd Katie Tupling

    Going beyond inclusion by Mark Arnold

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