Start With Hello: Conversations About Disability

Bart Jones officially joined the Ability Ministry staff in September of this year, which means it is WAY beyond time for an official introduction. We discuss how he first became involved with Ability Ministry, his time as a pastor, what it means to be the Executive Minister of Spiritual Development and Operations, and the legacy he wants to leave.

Ryan and Jason talk beyond just finding volunteers, but ways to engage with your team, keep them healthy, and methods to avoid burnout in ministry.

Ministry with adults seems such a basic concept you might be wondering why the need for an entire episode about it. Ryan and Jason talk through why an adult disability ministry is critical as well as resources and supports to continue these ministries and help them grow.

We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Linda, founder of Miracle 139 International. Her organization helps churches and schools create inclusive environments for children with disabilities, providing training and resources to empower leaders in embracing inclusion. We go in depth about the work that they are doing as well as talking about disability inclusion in general.

We talk through the details about one of our favorite resources, which is a comprehensive resource to take you from cover to cover of the bible, highlighting what it says about disability. Listen to the end to find out why Jason's movie preferences are far superior to Ryan's.

Ryan and Jason discuss all things baptism as it relates to disability ministry. What happens if someone cannot be submerged? How do we know they understand their decision? What happens after baptism? All of this is in addition to the resources available to help you and your ministry.

We pray you will find this discussion with Bronwyn Murphy every bit as insightful as we did as we talk about all things relating to buddy systems and supports.

We ran into a slight audio issue with one of the microphones while recording this one, but those of you in ministry will understand that things don't always go our way, and we have to roll with it.

Ryan and Jason talk through some specific scenarios that have, or may, arise in Disability Minsitry as they relate to sex and sexuality. Visit our website for the official show notes and links to all of the resources mentioned.

Starting a 100% integrated model of disability ministry, where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of church life, requires intentionality and a shift in mindset compared to traditional programming that sometimes creates separation. We talk through details of why this should be the model and how to make it happen at your church.

The Tale of the Shrinking Toilets is not, contrary to what some may believe, an excuse to talk about toilets. It is a powerful story used to help raise awareness for the need of universal sized changing tables. There is more than meets the eye behind how the book came about and how sales are used to help other churches.