Disability and Pentecostal Ministry

 

From the July/August 2022 issue of Influence Magazazine - Assemblies of God national pastors magazine.

Articles by George P. Wood, Gary Hoyt, Joe Butler, Nilda Rivera, Joanna French, and Marvin Miller

https://influencemagazine.com/en/Practice/Disability-and-Pentecostal-Ministry

Book Review: Disability and the Church by Dr. Lamar Hardwick

 BOOK REVIEW

The last decade has seen an abundance of serious academic scholarship focused on disability theology, coupled with an increase amount of first-person literature on disability experience within the church. Lamar Hardwick brings forth fresh nuanced perspective in this latter category in a very accessible read entitled Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion.    

In a genre replete with disability theologians and parent advocates, his voice as a pastor with a disability (diagnosed with Autism in 2014 at age 36), places him within the vanguard of a new wave of insight.  His latest work  is a direct message to reimagining what church can be, particularly in light of the dueling challenges of a global pandemic and racial inequality.  Make no mistake – this is not just a challenge to open up sacred space to those who experience disability – it is a prophetic cry, coupled with a pragmatic framework,  to allow those without power to become a voice from the pulpit.

SUMMARY

This work is divided into a tripart  structure: birth, barriers ,and the building the body.  Hardwick makes it abundantly clear that he writes from pastor’s perspective who believes firmly in the role of the local church in building true Christian community revealed in Revelation 7. He weaves stories, anecdotes, contemporary memes, and scriptural refences as a masterful narrator – the crescendoing wave powerfully landing his points.  To the experienced disability theologian, there is not much new exegetical insight, but the notes have been re-arranged, re-mastered, and re-sung in a stronger  key.  The first 3 chapters utilizes disability presentations on television, interpreted through his own personal experiences and artistically segues  into the birth narrative of the church (Acts 2) and its predictive precursor – the Lukan banquet where persons with disabilities are given preference.

In perhaps the most striking and pivotal chapter, Hardwick emphasizes a theme that is interwoven throughout the chapters.  Most disability literature unintentionally imagines the disabled body as white.  The chapter on Barriers to Inclusion bridges both disability and diversity and critiques this ideal in  stark vividity.  The reader is reminded that the body of people with disabilities and those of African Americans both bear the marks of a society and too often a church that rejects them in pursuit of a perfect body – instead of the body of Christ.

Having presented the problem, Hardwick draws upon the Parable of the Sower to paint the broad strokes of creating an inclusive church.  Drawing upon leadership literature, he recognizes the change can only be permanent of the culture itself is rebuilt.  He devotes three chapters to practical steps in creating an inclusive church, moving from programs to people, to developing leaders from the ranks of disabled self-advocates.

Hardwick concludes the book with a series of affirmations – primarily for people with disabilities who question their call to leadership within the church.  Strategies are presented to help existing churches mentor leaders into their roles.  Only when all are utilizing their gifts, will the church be complete.

COMMENTS & CRITIQUE

Disability and the Church is an excellent primer for the local church pastor who desires to be purposefully building a diverse and inclusive community.  It contains many practical and engaging ways for special needs lay leaders and others to change culture.  And most importantly, it illustrates a path forward for people who are identified with disabilities to serve in leadership roles in their local church.  It is rare for a book to cover as many aspects of pastoral care ministry as this one does; it should become a standard text not just in disability contexts, but in general pastoral leadership.

 

Disability and the Church: A vision for Diversity and Inclusion (Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 2021). 208 pp. Paperback, $18.00   ISBN: 978-0-8308-4160-8

PROQUEST Dissertation Available

https://search.proquest.com/openview/ad06367c6f44823cee07a504dcae071d

For pastors and researchers exploring disability theology, church culture, and Christian special education, I hope that my research can assist you.

The full dissertation is available free of charge through PROQUEST.  The link is provided here.

https://search.proquest.com/openview/ad06367c6f44823cee07a504dcae071d

APA CITATION

Miller, M. J. (2016). Serving people with intellectual disabilities: A comparative investigation of the perception of family caregivers and Kansas Ministry Network credential holders (Doctoral dissertation, Evangel Assemblies of God Theological Seminary). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 10100500)

-- Dr. Marvin J. Miller

SERVING PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES: A COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE PERCEPTION OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS AND KANSAS CLERGY

As many of you know, I have been working on my doctorate from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University (AGTS@EU)  After many years, my project dissertation on comparative perceptions between clergy members and family caregivers of persons with disability is finally completed.

Some of the components of the study have been shared on this blog over the last few years, but now the full copy is available.

I believe that my research will help other disability organizations, churches, parents, and pastors collaborate even better in the future.

The full dissertation and its appendixes are 289 pages long and is available free of any charge for any researcher.  It has been uploaded to PRO-QUEST.

 https://search.proquest.com/openview/ad06367c6f44823cee07a504dcae071d


The seminary is also graciously hosting it at their site.  The link for that is here.

If you haven't been able to obtain a copy and would like one, simply contact me (mjmiller@abilityed.com) and I will be glad to forward you a copy.

Thank you for serving Jesus Christ, the church, and people with vital abilities.

Dr. Marvin J. Miller
founder, AbilityChurch
pastor, Wellington First Assembly (Kansas)

Neurodiversity and the Church

If you haven't been paying attention to NPR NEWS, the LA TIMES or TED TALKS, you may have missed the strong discussion occuring today among some leading figures in the Autism community who are paving different path into the future.

Steve Silberman burst onto the scene recently with NeuroTribes and  Dr. Thomas Armstrong released Neurodiversity.  The overarching theme is that people have brain differences, yet their gifts can and must positively impact our society-- if only we take a moment to listen.

 Ron Sandison, a pastor identified with Asberger's Syndrome desires that people within the church hear these voices.  His upcoming book A Parents Guide to Autism: Practical Advice, Biblical Wisdom (CharismaHouse) attempts to do just that.

I look forward to reading these books and seeing how the church will listen!

Reflections on Day 3 (Thursday) #SITD15

Erik Carter introducing Mark Crenshaw

The third day of #SITD actually started a half an hour earlier than the last few days… unfortunately, most of us were dragging a little bit!  But the speakers were well worth it.  Bishop David Talley of the Atlanta Archdiocese, Barb Newman of the CLC Network (and a frequent Friendship Ministries collaborator) and Mark Crenshaw, our host at Georgia State University and Director for the Center for Leadership in Disability.

Bishop Talley addressed Humility and Service as part of his own spiritual journey.  A former Baptist and seminarian dropout who finally studied canon law in Rome, he was challenged to action by a mother years ago.  Since then, he has made serving people with disabilities a non-negotiable as a local parish pastor and now in his present responsibilities as bishop.

A dynamic speaker, several of his comments stuck with me… 

• As a member of the clergy, if I am to serve you, I must know how you learn and process.
•  A life of humility is both a gift and a learned art  -- only then can we move from arrogance and isolation to joy and connection.

There is no question that Bishop Talley is prophetically speaking to congregations unwilling to move towards full worshiping participation.  He juxtaposes the isolation that is often experienced by people with disabilities, with the isolation that will occur when those in the church find they are not living out God’s path.

Barb Newman walked through several chapters of her new book Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship and concentrated on Vertical Habits – encouraging us to take the skeleton of the liturgy and dress it with musculature that is universally accessible (Talley’s description).  Her approach from a special education consultant gave practical ideas (fidgets, rubber bands, visual schedules, early warnings, assistive tech) for people to access the curriculum in kinesthetic, visual, and physical means.  The challenge for many (as evidenced in twitter conversations) is to utilize her ideas outside of the reformed ordered worship setting in which they originated.

Mark Crenshaw, in Recipients Towards Bearers, exegeted the blind Bartemeus story, telling it from the perspective of the subject who engaged Jesus, interrupting the crowd, and obtaining what he needed.  Mark reflected that the greatest gift he has to share (as a connector, often in religious communities) arose out of some of his most painful experiences of disability within the church.  He also reminded us that until we exegete and understand the community and context and are finally trusted to do work on behalf of the community, one may not belong yet.

In the discussion afterwards, we were reminded that a formal weekly liturgy is actually just the template for the real liturgy which occurs during the lifecycles of the rest of the week.

All three speakers revealed that all people with disabilities have gifts.  It is often those of us without current disabilities that must get out of their way in order for those gifts to be realized.

One critique leveled against the speakers this morning was the danger of imposing a particular spiritual communities voice upon those without the communicative capacity to reject that voice.  A danger may exist in that we often may force the presence of G-d or a sign of his into a situation where it does not exist. This is a danger that clergy members – and the larger community of faith – may need to guard against.

 #SITD15

Negotiating Boundaries - Dr. Priscilla Oh #SITD15

Dr. Oh recently completed her PhD at the University of Aberdeen in Practical Theology with Dr. John Swinton. Originally from Inchon, Korea,  her auto-biographical theology on mental health reflects upon her years as a roommate of a friend with manic mental health.  (See Stanley Hauerwas Hannah's Child for a similar sketch)

I enjoyed her presentation, but really was enraptured by her use of free verse poetry to encapsulate the emotions, relations, similarities, and differences in their mutual relationship over time. The prose has the power to proffer healing.   I look forward to the time when those will be published.

#SITD15

From Pig Farmer to Pastor #SITD15

I had a chance to chat with Pastor Dan DeVries for a bit between sessions at the Summer Institute.  A common question asked as part of introduction around here, is what brings you to the table of disability?

Dan currently serves as the Religious Services Coordinator for Hope Haven in Rock Valley, IA (near where my own parents were raised).

But his journey to get there took him through several different career paths.  A degree from Iowa State in agricultural, several years serving in world relief, a stint as a pig farmer, a distance seminary education (Western Seminary - RCA) and finally a call to serve people with Intellectual Disabilities.

The journey God calls his people to, wraps us around the world and utilizes all of our gifts.

#SITD15

Meet Dr. Evelyn McMullen #SITD15

I got to meet Dr. Evelyn McMullen,(D.Ed.Min, Columbia Theological Seminary) on Tuesday at the Summer Institute. She has been a leader in Friendship groups and her church for years in the Lakeland, Florida area.  Recently she has launched Bright Threads Ministries where she is helping churches and communities weave together intentional faith relationships with each other.   I'm also happy to report she has agreed to help author some of the new Friendship curriculum!

#SITD15

Reflections on Day 2- Wednesday AM #SITD15

Reflections on Day 2

This morning was a moving session – in tribute to one of the early pioneers of disability theology.  Dr. Nancy Eiesland (1964-2009) was known for her liberating work in disability theology with her groundbreaking book The Disabled G-D.   Julia Watts Belser, from the Jewish tradition paid homage to her legacy in an excellent lecture, by delving into the Hebrew Bible’s texts on disability and the life hereafter (eschaton) and then exploring the related rabbinical tradition.

 (For more thought on the Hebrew texts, see my posts from #SITD14)

During the post-lecture session, several key questions were raised that highlight the differences in Jewish and Christian (among its various forms) handling of these texts and of Eiesland’s work.  Dr. Hans Reinders pointed out the prominence of Eiesland’s Christological emphasis in her work and inquired how the work can be utilized outside of the Christian tradition.  To be sure, her contribution allowed others to access the texts (and G-D) through previously unthought ways.  Several ensuing twitter posts indicated that many found hope and substance in Eiesland’s work and could now think of a Disabled G-D without having to focus on the disabled Christ.  While I am glad her work has served as inspiration to others outside the Christian tradition, I too conclude with Dr. Reinders that it is the Christological piece that sets her work as viable within the Christian tradition – without it, it (in Pentecostal parlance) loses its power.

I am grateful for the insights that Julia Watts Belser gave – yet it also clarified for me the fundamental worldview perspective difference between the two religious traditions.  Dr. Becker, post lecture, also revealed that for her the eschaton is not nearly as important as the here and now.  For many evangelical Christians, the eschaton is the focus – often in my opinion, to our detriment of the social injustices present in the now. 

Why is the eschaton critical? – because of the role imagination plays with our self-identity and mutual relationship with the G-D-head in the future.  Identity body politics are important and can not be easily swept away.  The graveyard image of a person moving out of a support device  (wheelchair) is liberating to some who have not yet created a new identity (new creation?) in relationship with the disabled G-D, yet confining to those who have found their new identity melded with metal and plastic.  Perhaps, as Monica Coleman stated, people with disabilities will have a choose their own adventure experience as we reflect on our identity in the hereafter with our G-D.

#SITD15

Meet Bishop Talley.. #SITD15

I had the privilege of meeting Bishop David Talley of the Archdiocese of Atlanta this morning (Thursday).  As he told me of his long time ministry leading Toni's Camp -- a faith formation experience for people with ID with high school senior volunteers, I could tell he was a passionate servant.

He then volunteered to help me relocate the display table I was at too another room -- and quickly picked up the other end.  Together we made something small happen.  An accumulation of small changes eventually transform the world.

His work in Atlanta is unmistakable.  A fully architectural accessible parish so everyone would have access to the full life of community.  A commitment to serving all people as mutual co-laborers for the gospel. A passion for young people to live out the gospel message.  I look forward to hearing him speak later today.

#SITD15

Thoughts from the Summer Institute on Disability #SITD15

Welcome to Atlanta!

This week I am attending the Summer Institute on Theology and Disability #STID15.  This annual conference brings together an international array of theologians, educators, thinkers, writers, activists, and advocates from around the world.  Every habitable continent is represented. The attendees range from many diverse denomination, religious, and secular traditions.  One goal of the week is to find out our where interests overlap so we can advance change in our society.

(for some of last years posts, click here)

This year, the first day was set aside for local area clergy and other representatives to get a taste of the upcoming week and attend practical workshops.  It fascinates me that the many of the local people I interacted with were from conservative evangelical traditions, seeking to further their knowledge of disability ministry; yet notably absent this year were the voices of many of the conservative evangelical American leaders and writers.  I know they had been invited, but many opt not to have their seat at this table, to our mutual detriment.

Several intriguing discussions arose during the day.  As theologians are prone to do, words are re-purposed to fit a category of thought.  Catchy phrases, which I live tweeted through the event, do not necessarily have the same weight in different parts of the country.  I’m finding that our uncommon language among regions and disciplines make for great journal articles but have little impact on local ministries.  At the heart of this issue is that no matter how we term it, before full inclusion, belonging, or becoming can ever take fully hold (past mere access and integration), mutual relationships must be formed with the other.  This is the true hospitality – which by definition should pull even the most progressive one of us into uncomfortable situations.

As a Christian, I desire to be challenged in my faith formation – it furthers my development towards the full image of Christ.  As an outgrowth of my personal faith, I am unable to comprehend disability ministry as anything but originating from the heart of Christ – that is what drives me.

As a Classical Pentecostal who acknowledges that occasional abuses occur by mortal humans attempting to find their place within the economy of faith, I am not quite as willing to throw away the doctrine of healing.  I will confess, however, that my doctrine of healing does not begin nor end with it being defined solely as a cure – yet I am willing to allow the gap in time and space (Reinders) to have a place for the miraculous.  Furthermore, as a Pentecostal who hears the critiques of others, I fully understand the cry to pray for the gift of ears for JUST listening, over that of tongues.  But I have never found them mutually exclusive.  In fact, in my Pentecostal tradition, the gift of the Holy Spirit and the often accompanying glossolalia allows me to be even more attune to the lament of God’s people.

I look forward to another day of stretching, growing, and thinking!

I invite you to help me grow!

Rev. Marvin J. Miller, D.Min (cand)

mjmiller@abilityed.com

T: @MarvinMiller

#STID15

Happy Easter! He is Risen Indeed!

For those affected by disability who are unable to attend a service today, please feel free to connect with the FRONT DOOR -- Key Ministries Hosted Interactive Online Church for Families with Disability.

http://go.mediasocial.tv/cbcfrontdoor

Beyond the Letter -- Inclusion and Varsity Letters

In the last few days, a news story on varsity lettering and inclusion in a local high school has been the top trending topic in Wichita, Kansas.  While focused on the education sector, this presents an opportunity for us in the church to re-examine our own inclusion practices. 

• Are we including all students in our churches?  
• What church traditions which were once progressive, now serve as barriers for full inclusion?
• How can we welcome those with hidden disabilities?
• What church systems are in place which make it harder for our families with disabilities to engage in meaningful worship and discipleship?  How can we remove those?

For more information on inclusive church practices, please check out Key Ministries' Inclusion Fusion web archives.  A number of Christian disability ministries are also available to help you transform your church into an inclusive community which celebrates every unique ability God has provided.

For those looking for my public comment presented at the 30 March 2015 Wichita USD 259 Board of Education meeting, the text and a pdf file is provided below.

#beyondtheletter

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PUBLIC COMMENT WICHITA USD 259 

My nearly teenage daughter has Down syndrome.  When we moved into Kansas five years ago, we met with special education officials to discuss our daughter’s specific needs.  Because of their helpfulness, we opted to purchase a house in the Northwest high school area.  Over the years, I have had positive interactions with many special educators, volunteers, and others who have helped our daughter progress.  I would like to thank the district for being attentive to our needs in the past and hope they hear our communities concerns for the future.

Recent news stories have revealed an opportunity for the greater Wichita community to embrace the special needs students who are often present, yet ignored or not included in our society.  Inclusion is about social capital, maintaining a sense of belonging, and developing meaningful relationships with peers. 

As a varsity high school letter holder myself, I am grateful those with special needs who enjoy sports have an outlet provided to show their school pride.  They are as much of an athlete as the East High state championship basketball team we are proud of and the Shockers we root for.  Yet so is the tuba player in the marching band practicing on a hot field 3 hours a day, or any number of other students who put in extra hours in clubs and while representing their school.  My question is this – what is the purpose of a letter?  Is it not to indicate accomplishment and express school pride?

I also understand we have a large city, comprised of younger and older schools, all with their own traditions – which is why local building policy is often a good thing – it allows us to celebrate our diversity.  Some schools have letters for KSHAA approved sports and allow clubs to design their own.  Other sites use one letter for all sports and clubs.  I have been informed, letters had already been approved and are in the design phase for the Tri-County special needs league (comprised of numerous schools from several districts) this year and were to be presented at the end of the season.  These processes take some time, but seek to be fair to all.

Are any of these policies intrinsically wrong?  -- Only if the letter is used as a marker to promote exclusion.  If this is the case, then absolutely, there must be a district wide policy.  If not, I am fairly confident that our student stakeholders, as evidenced by the online petition we see, would come to the same conclusion – because we’ve done a good job of educating them.

I would suggest that the board of education encourage local buildings to put together a task force of all stakeholders, students, teachers, and administrators involved in all lettering activities and re-examine any lettering or dress code policies which do not equally treat students who demonstrate school spirit.

Whichever decision this board makes on the lettering issue, will it automatically address all our inclusion issues?  Probably not.  We haven’t even begun to address our medically fragile students who expend more physical effort just getting dressed every morning. The frenzy that has surrounded this topic will move on to the next bit of sensationalist reporting.  As a parent, I have observed that it is easier for students, educators, and the community at large to like something on Facebook, rally for a local cause, yet never take true action. 

• For every student that signed this petition – have you sat down at a lunch table, or attended a game, or become a friend of a person with special needs outside of class?
• For every educator that “leaves their work” at school, have you sought to include persons with disabilities in your own neighborhood?
• For every member of the public who rallies here tonight, have you sought inclusion in your work site-- because our high school graduates need a place to earn a living and co-workers to hang out with.
• For our legislators who say “give the letter”, have you not recognized that slashing the educational budget actually makes it much harder to create environments of inclusion and will hurt our special needs students?

It’s time to take this conversation beyond the letter.

Regards,

Rev. Marvin J. Miller

Parent Member, KSDE Special Education Advocacy Council (SEAC) – District 10

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this letter are mine and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency or organization with which I am associated.

Beyond the Letter (pdf)

Save the Date -- SITD 2015

Book Review: Disability and Christian Theology

Book Review

In the last dozen years, theologians have seriously attempted to examine human disability and its implications on anthropology, culture, religion, and society.  Deborah Creamer (director, accreditation and institutional accreditation for ATS) tackles these issues head on in Disability and Christian Theology, first by rejecting traditional perspectives on disability, both medical and social, considering recent proposals of liberation theology, and then introducing a newly constructed theology of limits. Her target audience is the theological academy – she calls for a re-examination of long held assumptions informed by the normalcy of disability.  Only once humanity is seen within its finite scope, does the experience of disability become a normative lens through which to examine all other inquiries.

Inclusion Fusion

In just 4 weeks, one of the best training events for Christian disability ministry leaders will occur in the comfort of your own home or office.  Key Ministries has put together a free two day long webinar with live chat. 

 Registration is FREE!

If you wonder what it's like, watch last years sessions in the  Inclusion Fusion archives.

Young leaders making a difference...

It took a year, but I finally connected with a group doing fabulous disability ministry on the East side of Wichita.  Amanda Brandt and her team of dedicated volunteers lead Young Life Capernaum groups at Andover High, East Wichita High, and Robinson Middle School.  At a recent parent's meeting she continually reminded everyone that this is not just disability ministry -- but an opportunity to jointly minister (and receive ministry) from their many friends.

Thanks to the generosity of several east side churches and Christian businesses who support them, Amanda and her team not only visit students during the week at school, but also lead a weekly club gathering (hosted by Eastminster Presbyterian Church) and raise funds for a camping experience in the summer.

As a parent,  I look for different qualities when deciding if a group or activity is right for my child. Capernaum had them all: welcoming environment, excellent training, boundless enthusiasm, and endless vision.  I was particularly impressed that the entire volunteer team had taken Mandt training - making the Wichita group one of the few Christian ministry organizations with that level of behavioral deescalation and safety training.

Grace Powell - volunteer, Amanda Brandt - coordinator

I was excited to hear the stories of some of the young volunteers -- some of them graduates of Trinity Christian School and others hoping to make a career in special education or human services.  Their enthusiasm is contagious!

Amanda shared her vision the other night.  While Young Life has a presence at over a dozen schools in the Wichita area, Capernaum is only available at three.  For them to expand will require more volunteers and pastors willing to welcome her share the vision from the pulpit.  She reminds everyone that Capernaum is not a replacement for churches inclusion programs but a missional supplement.

After my first meeting several weeks ago with Capernaum, I contacted youth disability ministry specialist Ben Conner (Western Theological Seminary) and inclusion specialist Erik Carter (Vanderbilt University) who both serve on Young Life Capernaum's national board of directors.  From what I understand, the small representation of Capernaum groups are not unusual -- even though the need is great.

I would encourage my pastor friends to contact Young Life Capernaum groups in your community and find out ways you can partner alongside them.

To reach Young Life Capernaum in Wichita, please contact Amanda at:

Amanda Brandt
Young Life Capernaum Coordinator - Wichita
6505 E Central #318  Wichita, KS  67206
661-428-0713 | ylbrandt@hotmail.com

Theological Foundations Influencing Disability Ministry

My recent doctoral research on comparative perceptions between clergy members and family caregivers of persons with IDD have revealed similarities and differences.  It is imperative for clergy and caregivers to understand each other's perspectives for  persons with IDD to flourish in local worshipping communities.  

Statements were answered utilizing a 4 point Likert scale (strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree). The bars on the following charts indicate majority agreeing or disagreeing to statement, while the markers indicate the level of strength in agreement or disagreement (mean).  This report utilizes the validated responses of 84 clergy members and 36 caregivers.

Caregivers and clergy, while both overwhelmingly agreeing on two value statements, have a radically different opinion of how their belief impacts their practices, as observed by both the amount of persons agreeing as well as the strength level of their agreement.  The praxis question “Places of worship should pray regularly for persons with IDD to be made normal” was an inverse correlate of the theological question regarding the image of God; the responses should have been identical. 

There was, however, a significant gap between the two in both frequency and strength of clergy opinion. Caregivers overwhelmingly regard children with IDD created in the image of God as normal, in contrast to the clergy. This can lead to the often reported caregivers’ perception non-normal is equated to “sinful” or “evil”. 

Clergy’s practices significantly contradict their belief: either clergy have not reflected on the implications of the two, or they may be falsely assenting to a value statement. A small group of caregivers’, perhaps reflecting their perceptions of clergy opinion, hold a minority position that normalcy is desired.

In part, these discrepancies may result from improper distinction between healing and normalization: healing is the restoration of one to full participation in God’s image (physical, mentally, socially, relationally, and spiritually), while normalization is placing human notions of God’s likeness upon all humanity. People with disabilities also get sick, injured, divorced – they too need healing. Healing appropriated for a person with or without disability, does not alter any persons’ identity as a limited human being created in God’s image.

Most clergy do not see healing as primary necessity, although the strength of their agreement is not strong. Furthermore, a significant amount (23%) do think it is the primary need. The strength between levels of (dis)agreement is significant between caregivers and clergy, to the point that caregivers are accurate in their perception clergy’s primary goal is to see their child healed. In addition, the primacy of healing seemed to supplant the necessity of salvific grace. Based upon clergy’s inactive expressions, caregivers tend to conclude just the opposite of clergy’s actual values.

Not every clergy member indicated the necessity of salvific grace for people with IDD. Perhaps it is due to how soteriology (theology of salvation) is often interpreted in the Christian community as cognitive assent to doctrinal statements. Twenty-five percent of caregivers perceive clergy believe healing is as high a priority as salvific grace. This united combination of healing and salvation tends to further the perception that grace is only extended to those experiencing healing.

I would encourage clergy and caregivers to engage in mutual dialog in order to better understand each other.

The Clergy / Caregiver Divide -- Perceptions on Disability: Areas of AGREEMENT

Over the course of the next week, I will continue to publish partial preliminary findings of my research on perceptions between clergy and family caregivers regarding disability issues in congregational settings.  All of these findings will be eventually placed into a formal summary report as well as incorporated into my doctoral project dissertation with the appropriate discussions on significant statistics.