Department
Psychology
Location
Bethel University
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
2-26-2025
End Date
2-26-2025
Abstract
Theologians, disability researchers and churches are beginning to realize the untapped spiritual gifts or charismata of those with disabilities within the church (Carter, 2023; Tamminga, Shaeffer & Swinton, 2020). In an effort to discern what gifts we may be missing in church communities, I conducted a regional survey through collaboration with Joni & Friends' and Keys Ministry's network of families with children, teens and adults with disabilities (n=155) and pastors (n=11) and conducted two face to face and Zoom focus groups with families with youth with disabilities (n=12) in Spring 2023. Nearly 74% of children and teens with disabilities were serving, most commonly in ushering, greeting, and helping with Sunday School; yet those with Autism or behavioral disabilities were not as likely to be serving. Parents thought their child/teen could be sharing their gift of smiling and joy, encouragement or friendship, or serving on mission trips and as mentors/prayer partners. Parents also discussed programmatic, attitudinal and physical barriers to accessibility like staff making assumptions about how the student may serve and being required to serve with their child instead of opening a door for a new friendship for their child. Parents reported that their child most commonly reported feeling like they "somewhat belong." Parents shared that stronger inclusive churches provided all staff training with clear leadership from the lead pastor.
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Ruth J., "Are Gifts of Individuals with Disabilities Being Used and Celebrated in the Church?" (2025). Day of Scholarship. 16.
https://spark.bethel.edu/dayofscholarship/spring2025/feb26/16
Terms of Use and License Information
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Included in
Are Gifts of Individuals with Disabilities Being Used and Celebrated in the Church?
Bethel University
Theologians, disability researchers and churches are beginning to realize the untapped spiritual gifts or charismata of those with disabilities within the church (Carter, 2023; Tamminga, Shaeffer & Swinton, 2020). In an effort to discern what gifts we may be missing in church communities, I conducted a regional survey through collaboration with Joni & Friends' and Keys Ministry's network of families with children, teens and adults with disabilities (n=155) and pastors (n=11) and conducted two face to face and Zoom focus groups with families with youth with disabilities (n=12) in Spring 2023. Nearly 74% of children and teens with disabilities were serving, most commonly in ushering, greeting, and helping with Sunday School; yet those with Autism or behavioral disabilities were not as likely to be serving. Parents thought their child/teen could be sharing their gift of smiling and joy, encouragement or friendship, or serving on mission trips and as mentors/prayer partners. Parents also discussed programmatic, attitudinal and physical barriers to accessibility like staff making assumptions about how the student may serve and being required to serve with their child instead of opening a door for a new friendship for their child. Parents reported that their child most commonly reported feeling like they "somewhat belong." Parents shared that stronger inclusive churches provided all staff training with clear leadership from the lead pastor.
