CREATING AN INCLUSIVE ENVIROMENT

 FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 IN THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST

“In as much as you did not to the least of these, you did it not to me.”

Matthew 25:45

Do you know that there are over 49 million people in the United States with disabilities?  They too are God’s people.  People with disabilities are one of the most ignored and under-served communities in the world.  In almost every aspect of life, the disabled are, left behind, set aside and in some instances forgotten. People with Disabilities (PWD’s) are valuable and important.  Throughout history, a PWD was seen as taboo and an embarrassment to society.  During Biblical times, a PWD was thought to have been the product of sin committed either by a parent or by the individuals themselves.  During past wars PWD’s were killed because they were seen as social outcast.

A disability is defined as an inability to perform some or all of the tasks of daily life.  Some disabilities are visible, while others are known as hidden disabilities, for example:  Mental Illness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), heart conditions and others (far too many to list).  Most of us are acquainted with or related to someone with a disability.   As we, age the probability that some form of disability will occur increases.   With the proper accommodations and resources, PWD’s can, and should be an active part of Our Church community.

 The International Sunday School of the Church Of God In Christ will be the forerunner in reaching out and bringing in PWD’s; the people that others have left behind. We must look at what we are preaching and teaching and live it.  The scripture reads, “All souls are mine, saith the Lord.”  We believe the Bible and must put into practice the word; we must truly become inclusive by reaching all men and women whether they are able or disabled.  The Church of God In Christ has to become what other churches are not, and offer what other churches choose not to. We must reach out by providing understanding of the word of God to People with disabilities.  The Bible tells us in Luke 14:21 to “Go quickly into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in hither, the poor and the maimed, and the halted, and the blind.

The objective of this class is to bridge the gap between People with Disabilities and Our Church.  The Sunday School Department, within the Church of God In Christ, will serve as the place to prepare People with Disabilities (PWDs) and equip the Congregation with the tools necessary through training to continue developing true disciples for Jesus Chris

I.                   The need for the Ministry

II.                Who is affected

III.             Where to find the help needed for assistance

      Day one:    Inclusion/Diversity in the Church

      Day Two:  Disability Etiquette/Instruction/Teaching  Adults with Disabilities

      Day Three:            Teaching/Instructing Children with Disabilities