Welcoming People with Disabilities in Faith Communities

Central Baptist Seminary is pairing up again with the University Center of Missouri-KC for another great disability ministry/theology course on June 9-14.  Designed for pastors, educators, and other human service professionals, this unique one week course explores Christian disability theology, successful disability ministry, and strategic partnerships with other disability organizations. The class is only $360 for the week.

For more information about the class, please download the flier or contact me directly.

I got accepted!

Good Friday, 2014

I got accepted!

I can read the emotion on their faces.

It begins with apprehension, a moment of quiet joy, and then finally a settled confidence.  When new students enter the classroom midyear, a young couple begins a courtship, a stranger walks into the church for the first time, or a man on a cross looks to the Christ next to him --- their question is the same -- will I be accepted or rejected?

On this Good Friday, I rejoice that I have been accepted by the grace of our Savior.  Yet I am also indicted.  How many times have I walked past those that need to be accepted?  How many times have I not allowed God's grace to flow through me towards others?  

As I watched a recent viral video of a young man reading his acceptance into college, I am reminded of the joyous celebration that grace brings.  By our "standards" he should never been allowed into an environment of higher education.  Our world typically does not allow those with intellectual or developmental disabilities to be included in much of anything  Yet one college, informed by their Christian faith tradition, has made it an intentional mission to practice the grace of acceptance.

On this Good Friday, I long for the day when the local church models Christ and offers grace to all those looking for acceptance.

-------------------------------------

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/04/17/wisconsin-college-offers-opportunities-for-students-with-intellectual/

http://www.edgewood.edu/Prospective-Students/Cutting-Edge

Take the Survey - AGK Clergy Edition

Dear fellow AGK leaders:

As a pastor, you have probably encountered persons with disabilities and their families in your congregation.  Those that ever walk in the door are just a fraction of the largest unchurched people group within the United States.

As our Kansas ministry network meets this week, I would like to invite all leaders to participate in a short online survey of what is happening in your congregation. I want to celebrate the wins with you as well as come along side to strategically support you. This survey will help Christian disability ministries develop resources and partnerships to allow you to do the work of the gospel more effectively in our local communities in Kansas.

Every credentialed minister will receive a link to the AGK Edition.  A different ACMR Supplemental survey is being sent to our churches.  If you receive both, please complete both.

TECHNICAL NOTE – If you have not received the survey, please check your spam folder.

For more information about the survey, or to request a paper copy – feel free to contact me at survey@abilityed.com or stop by the Special Touch Disability Ministries Booth.  Thanks again to Pastor Terry Yancey for allowing me to serve the AGK network this way.

Blessings,

Pastor Marvin J Miller

www.abilitychurch.org

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION FROM PASTOR TERRY YANCEY

Dear AGK Leaders,

Our son and his wife have three wonderful boys. The middle boy is severely autistic. Our grandson is almost 11 years old, basically non-verbal, lives with no grasp of social appropriateness, and no comprehension of the difference in a safe or dangerous environment.

I told you about him today in hopes it would make this request feel more personal, closer to home.

Our fellow AGK minister, Marvin Miller, is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry project. His work focuses on how the church interfaces with individuals with special needs and with the families that deal with family members with special needs.

Part of the task entails soliciting information through a survey. I’ve worked through his Beta test surveys and know from experience that it won’t take but a few minutes to complete each survey. So, I’m asking (as a personal favor AND with hopes for an eventual enhancement to our effectiveness as a Network) that you please take a few minutes and help Marvin complete a project that holds real potential to bless multiple families and individuals. His research will help discover and create tools to better reach all local people and families with all of the Gospel.

Many thanks!

Pastor Terry Yancey

AGK Superintendent

“To strengthen and establish effective Pentecostal leaders and churches”