tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post1206771937347756981..comments2024-01-06T07:53:11.832-08:00Comments on disabled Christianity: More on integrationJeff McNairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029386598033932429noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-89553899921384900672011-04-28T23:17:10.132-07:002011-04-28T23:17:10.132-07:00This article speaks the truth as many in the commu...This article speaks the truth as many in the community (including the church) feel that it is necessary to segregate their outreach or ministry towards people in need, placing them at a distance both physically and emotionally/spiritually. By doing this both those who are in need and those that are in service are missing the greatest opportunity by metaphorically trading shoes. There is no doubt that when you spend time with someone, whether homeless or disabled (or sometimes a person that is both homeless and disabled) that you begin to have compassion for them as they tell their “story.” It is equally important for them to hear “your story” too! Getting to know this person in this way enables both parties to see each other’s needs, which aren’t just met in one way as people that are homeless of disabled meet the needs of others too if given the chance. But placing them in positions that keep them distanced continues to create a chasm, taking away any opportunity for integration to take place. Recently I spoke to a Pastor of a church whose congregation was mostly made up adults who are developmentally disabled; this includes the majority of their worship team. At first I thought that this was a cool idea by creating a place where all people with disabilities can feel comfortable….then I realized I don’t fellowship with in an all blonde church that thinks and acts like me…but instead I look forward to interacting with people who are different than me as this causes me to think about the world around me. Excluding those who are homeless or disabled causes us to miss a perspective of the world that is necessary for all of us to understand, especially when trying to listen to and understand the heart of God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-41320985093700847832011-04-08T07:57:55.394-07:002011-04-08T07:57:55.394-07:00Our school has wrestled with the term special educ...Our school has wrestled with the term special education as well. Parents are concerned about the negative connotation "special" education has taken and how it may further segregate the students. To me it is the least of my concerns. The school has enveloped the program and accepted the students. I continually have to think about and advocate for integration where integration is appropriate. By appropriate I mean, I do not integrate for the sake of integrating but rather, integrate where it is beneficial for the students. There are times I could integrate more, but I have noticed the students enjoy and feel the comfort of our classroom and need the safety. It's a thought I continue to ponder and weight the value of integration and their need to be in their classroom.<br /><br />You made a valid point that I need to further investigate. I started helping out with the disabilities ministry at our church. There are a lot of really great ideas brewing; however, I want to know how does the senior pastor feel about disabilities ministry. We can spin our wheels all day long but if it is not accepted, do I continue my efforts or go somewhere else? And I seriously ask this question and look forward to discussing it with you.Sarahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-63775559417212042792011-04-03T23:27:41.221-07:002011-04-03T23:27:41.221-07:00This piece was eye opening. I completely agree; in...This piece was eye opening. I completely agree; in order for individuals to make a change, we have to take a stand in what we believe in. Most importantly, we have to be sensitive to the needs of the people we are trying to assist.CBU Studenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00159259499471717419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-30185690821548928752011-01-17T17:13:15.812-08:002011-01-17T17:13:15.812-08:00Brilliantly said. Thank you. I will share and use ...Brilliantly said. Thank you. I will share and use your thoughts.Markhttp://markandkmc@charter.netnoreply@blogger.com