tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post5874448590508299130..comments2024-01-06T07:53:11.832-08:00Comments on disabled Christianity: Trajectory of ministryJeff McNairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10029386598033932429noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-61995234157487705592009-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:002009-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00People wishing to listen to a free podcast on auti...People wishing to listen to a free podcast on autism and Christianity might want to listen to "Why is there Autism? A Christian Perspective" at www.mic.mypodcast.com They are put out by Midnight in Chicago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-34962248879560238212009-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:002009-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00As a family therapist who views individuals only w...As a family therapist who views individuals only within their systems or communities, we need to change the discussion. Does the church actually train/equip the congregation to think of themselves as one Member among other members as it says in ICO12, 13 and 14? Few pastors are trained to equip people to accept anyone who is different in any way. let alone disabled or mentally disabled. <BR/><BR/>Before churches can invite and integrate large numbers of disabled people we must teach people how to overcome their own fears about dealing with differences. <BR/><BR/>I have trained hundreds of churches to reach out to people with special needs. But, many resist my approach because they fear it will become too9 much of a burden.Gary Sweetenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11605611324531608167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6825243.post-63850914831552485962009-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:002009-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:00I think you are completely right. People with disa...I think you are completely right. People with disablities need to be represented in the church and feel like they belong to the church family. I think that a lot of churches who think they are praticipating in providing a disabilities ministry do not see the whole picture. People with disabilities should not be isolated somewhere else, but they should be integrated throughout all church activities. I attend Crossroads Church and they have quite a large disabilities ministry, but as I think about all the church functions and even Sunday morning people with disabilities are not greatly represented. Churches need to help form friendships and fellowships with all people, all God's people. Professor McNair, I think you made an wesome point and I beieve that churches need to make an even better attempt at connecting all their people into one family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com