Reaching disabled people is a matter of your church’s accessibility — physically, spiritually and attitudinally, according to Tony Cothren.
As founder of John 9 Ministries, Cothren tries to assist the local church in evangelizing and embracing people with disabilities and their caregivers into the local body of Christ.
He said it all comes down to a “little effort.”
• Adjust your attitude.
“Tell your congregation if they’ve got some people with disabilities, bring them and we’ll find a way to help them and bring them to Christ,” Cothren said. “Who is my neighbor? It’s the person who’s got a need — whether physical or spiritual.”
• Give them a warm welcome.
“Welcome them as you (would) welcome the executive of Alabama Power or the governor,” he said. “How you greet them shows whether you want them there or not.”
• Find a job for them to do.
Some examples may include handing out or gathering bulletins, stuffing envelopes for mailing or serving in a buffet line. Even the smallest responsibilities may make a large difference, Cothren said.
• Remember them when planning church activities.
“It’s a culture of caring,” he said. “Do you really care? If you don’t care, then just go on with your activities and forget what God says to do. If you do care, you’ll be concerned about it and find a way to do it.” (TAB)
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