There’s a group of men that meets weekly on Tuesday mornings in the office building where we’re located to discuss matters of faith in the workplace. I try to attend when my schedule allows. I’ve been told by the leader of the group that I make a positive contribution by asking “difficult questions”…I took his words as a high compliment.

This summer, I’m going to ask…and offer my best answers for some difficult questions about disability ministry, and inviting some colleagues with differing opinions the opportunity to respond. We’re going to be talking about strategies as opposed to doctrine. It’s important that we maintain unity of spirit and purpose within the movement to make our churches more welcoming to families of kids with disabilities. But we also need to have collegial discussions that inform our understanding of how to help churches more effectively minister to the kids we serve. In my “day job,” we can have vigorous debates at medical meetings about the merits of one treatment or procedure versus another that don’t become personal. The thought process of the debate helps us to become better at what we do. I’d like to promote the same culture within disability ministry.

Here’s a sample of some “difficult questions” we’ll look at this summer:

• Should we abandon use of the term “special needs ministry?” (this question will be a miniseries within the series)
• Is it OK for churches to not have an identified disability ministry? 
• Are there good reasons to not overtly present the Gospel at respite events?
• Should “online church” be a key component of disability ministry in the future?
• When is it OK for disability ministry leaders to discuss topics in the political arena?

Would you like to suggest a topic? Respond to a topic? Leave a comment below with contact information and I’ll be in touch.

There’s an interesting story behind the featured photo for this series…check it out.

We’ll also be introducing you to a variety of guest bloggers over the summer who are being used by God to do great things in ministry to families impacted by disabilities. There’s no reason for us to slow down when the needs of the churches and families we serve are so great.

Key Ministry’s mission is to help churches reach families affected by disability by providing FREE resources to pastors, volunteers, and individuals who wish to create an inclusive ministry environment.  We invite you to partner with us as we advance the Kingdom through our collaboration with the local and global church.  We have designed our Key Catalog to create fun opportunities for our ministry supporters to join in our mission.  The Key Catalog includes a variety of gift options for every budget.  A gift from the Key Catalog also makes for an amazing gift for a friend or loved one who is passionate about seeing the Body of Christ become more inclusive of people with disabilities.  Click here to check it out!