Introduction Package
The Abilities Ministries
Abilities Outreaches
A place for everyone
Strengthening the evangelism, discipleship and missions of
the Body of Christ by equally inviting and including
people with disabilities within the church today!
www.abilitiesministries.org
Building bridges of inclusion between the church and disability community
Table of Content
■Message from TAM Founder---------------------------------------------------Pg 1
■Our History, Vision and Mission----------------------------------------------Pg 2
■Partnerships- Starting Abilities Outreach Ministries------------------------Pg 3-4
■What We Believe----------------------------------------------------------------Pg 5
■A priority ministry---------------------------------------------------------------Pg 6
■The myths, mandate and mission of inclusion-------------------------------Pg 7
■Everyone is affected by disabilities-------------------------------------------Pg 8-9
■Inclusion is the law--------------------------------------------------------------Pg 10
■16 Biblical reasons for an Abilities Outreach Ministry---------------------Pg 11
■Dis-Abilities & God’s People (Message by Dr. Bob MacGregor)--------Pg 12
■Benefits of an Abilities Outreach----------------------------------------------Pg 13
■The 4 Models of Inclusion------------------------------------------------------Pg 14
■How inclusive is your church? ------------------------------------------------Pg 15
■Testimonials----------------------------------------------------------------------Pg 16-17
■Steps to starting your Abilities Outreach ------------------------------------Pg 18-19
■Share the Vision-----------------------------------------------------------------Pg 20
“I FINALLY got a chance to look over your Introductory Package and am very impressed! You not only wrote the book on
Disability Ministry—you have actually accomplished it. My husband Larry (who is the Associate Pastor at Bartimaeus Baptist
Temple) and I invested our Summer Getting Out and experimenting with what you discuss in your Presentation Package. A Bridge
is definitely what’s lacking. As the former Church Relation Coordinator for Joni & Friends/Dallas-Fort Worth I am well aware of
the obstacles in establishing a successful Disability Ministry outreach. Now thanks to your Presentation I am encouraged anew that
despite the challenges—YES it is not only possible to build a successful Disability Ministry Outreach—it is simply what He expects
of us”.
In His Accessible Grace,
Linda Thacker
Executive Director of Mission Accessible, Inc
“Abilities Ministries has participated at Kingdom Bound for the past two years… They have done an outstanding job educating us
on the importance of ministry to our friends and families with disabilities. The worship team treated us to an anointed time in the
presence of the Lord. We highly recommend this ministry to everyone”.
Blessings,
Donna Russo
Executive Director
KingdomBound Ministries
Pg 1
Message from TAM Founder
It is my great pleasure to introduce you to The Abilities Ministries (TAM). People with disabilities are
valuable members of our society with something important to contribute towards the community and church.
They have the equal right to participate in the worship and ministry of the church because inclusion is a
human right and Biblcial mandate that involves the whole community.
God used people with disabilities to authenticate and strengthen the evangelism, missions and discipleship of
the early church. The inclusion of people with disabilities is an important Biblical mandate given directly by
Jesus to His disciples and church in Luke 14:12-14 when He said, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do
not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may
invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the
lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the
resurrection of the righteous.”
Everyone can participate!
1. Worship with us at one of our Abilities Outreach locations/campus and become a ministry volunteer
3. Start an Abilities Outreach for your church and community
4. Book our team of musicians or speakers to participate at your church, events or conferences
5. Participate in our annual inclusion event
6. Make a donation or gift towards inclusion
An Abilities Outreach should be a priority within the church
1. Disabilities affect every area of our life, society and church as every person will be affected by either
visible or invisible disabilities in their life time.
2. Jesus’ life, ministry and teachings demonstrates that inclusion is not a personal vision or calling for some
people but rather a universal mandate, social focus and spiritual priority for the whole church.
3. God always uses the weak to lead and teach the “so called” strong.
4. The Bible commands us to invite and bring people with disabilities to our social events and gatherings.
5. Inclusion is a moral responsibility, human right and a Biblical mandate that demands we treat all people
equally within the church and community.
Join us in following the example and mandate of Christ by giving people with disabilities a priority within the
church today! We would be delighted to support you in starting up an Abilities Outreach for your church and
community.
God bless you!
p
Sincerely,
Jaime E. Castro
Founder
The Abilities Ministries
Pg 2
Our History, Vision and Mission
Our Unique History
The concept of an Abilities Church was inspired by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, the Honorable David
C. Onley and evolved from The Mix Community Club in 2009. The Abilities Church developed out of the
need to give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to participate within the whole community and
church. In 2011 the Abilities Church Ministries changed its name to The Abilities Ministries.
The Abilities Ministries (TAM) is a disability rights Christian ministry that is leading the way in
promoting and protecting the rights and choices of people with disabilities to equally participate within
the church. We are an evangelical and non-denominational parachurch ministry that is supporting partnering
churches of different denominations worldwide in developing Abilities Outreaches. Abilities Outreaches are
not separate groups or special needs ministries but rather local church invitation ministries to the disabled
community that are integrating people with disabilities within the regular worship services of mainstream
churches.
The Abilities Ministries has built longstanding relationships and friendships with the disabled community in
the Greater Toronto Area; earning us their trust to act as a bridge between the church and their community.
We are an evangelistic arm of the church that is intentionally, actively and regularly reaching out to the
disabled community to officially welcome and include them within churches that are socially and spiritually
friendly towards people with disabilities.
Abilities Outreaches are simply outreach or invitation ministries to the disabled community that are
equally welcoming people with disabilities into the church by following the example and mandate of Christ as
found in Luke 14:12, 21, 23.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to serve as a disability rights Christian ministry for the purpose of connecting the disabled and
Christian community together in order to mutually respect the rights and choices of people with disabilities to
equally participate within the church.
Our Mission
1. To equip and support the church in becoming equally inclusive towards people with disabilities through
the development of Abilities Outreaches which operate as a fully integrated part with the regular worship
services of mainstream churches.
2. To educate and strengthen the church and community through workshops, conference and events based
on inclusion as a human right, Biblical mandate and spiritual priority.
3. To encourage and serve the disabled community by giving people with disabilities an equal opportunity to
worship and minister within the church.
Pg 3
Partnerships- Share the vision!
Starting up your own Abilities Outreach for your church and community!
3 great ways to set up your Abilities Outreach through your church
1. As an integrated part of your existing Sunday worship services (Sunday mornings or evenings)
2. As an additional service of your church that includes your whole congregation
3. As an integrated part of an existing weekday service of your church
Primary Steps to getting started
1. Share your vision with your church leadership
2. Book a presentation or orientation/introduction session for your congregation
3. Approve your Abilities Outreach Ministry
Development stages for getting started
1. Appoint an existing group leader at your church to act as a point of contact
2. TAM will connect your church with the disabled community in your area and promote your church
services and special events within the disabled community
3. Start planning first inclusion service (TAM will facilitate this process within the GTA)
a. Determine date, place and time for grand opening service or launch service
c. Develop data base of all disability organization in your area
d. Develop flyers and media/press releases to advertise your grand opening (Templates provided)
e. Distribute, post and circulate promotional material or flyers to promote your grand opening
Partnership between The Abilities Ministries (TAM) and your local church
1. Your Abilities Outreach will operate as an official invitation ministry of your church for the purpose of
equally inviting and including people with disabilities within your congregation. Your Abilities
Outreach will simply share an external partnership with The Abilities Ministries International
(TAM) and be under the general oversight of TAM for the purpose of maintaining compliance
with our vision, mission and protocols as outlined in this document.
2. The name of your Ministry should reflect the name of your city or town (example: Abilities Outreach
Toronto, Abilities Outreach Hamilton, Abilities Outreach New York etc.) when promoting your
ministry within the disabled community. The name “Abilities Outreach” should be used on outside,
building and street signs.
3. Your Abilities Outreach will receive ongoing logistical and promotional support from TAM. We do
not provide financial or operational support to local churches.
Pg 4
Requirements for your Abilities Outreach
1. Affirm the Biblical and historical essentials of the Christian Faith (See doctrinal statement); along with
AMI’s vision and mission as stated above.
2. Book a presentation or introduction/interview session for your congregation before or during your
launch service; along with a training session for your ushers and/or greeters
3. Submit Partnership Contract (one provided or customize one) and review Training Manual
4. Host Grand opening service or launch service for your Abilities Outreach
5. Your ministry will serve as an outreach or invitation ministry of your church to the disabled
community for the purpose of fully integrating people with disabilities within your congregation.
6. A separate ministry team is not required as your Abilities Outreach will serve as a fully integrated part
of your church and your current leadership team should equally serve the needs of people with
disabilities as they do with anyone else.
7. Fully integrate people with disabilities into the regular worship services and programs of your church
and avoid segregating them into isolated groups by giving them choices and options in participating
within the whole church
8. Display outside or street signs promoting your ministry in order to maintain a visible presence within
the community. Please us the name “Abilities Outreach” on outside building signs.
9. Equally promote your Abilities Outreach along with all your other ministries at your church
through your church’s web site, bulletins, announcements or other promotional material.
10. Individuals requiring physical or emotional support must be accompanied by an escort or support
worker when attending any worship service or program at your church.
Reasons for an Abilities Outreach
1. Inclusion is a Biblical mandate 2. Inclusion is a human right 3. Inclusion is the law
Benefits of an Abilities Outreach
1. Strengthen the discipleship, evangelism and missions for your church by inspiring and motivating your
community and church through your outreach ministry to the disabled community
2. Your Abilities Outreach Ministry will be self-sufficient and self-sustaining as it will operate as a fully
integrated part with the regular worship services of your church
3. Create awareness within your community towards a Christian faith that is equally inclusive towards
people with disabilities
4. Help break down social and spiritual walls of discrimination and built bridges of Christian inclusion,
equality, diversity and unity within your community and church
5. Free web page for your Outreach Ministry with ongoing logistical or promotional support along with
support for your grand opening service
General guidelines between all partnering churches and The Abilities Ministries (TAM)
1. The relationship between each partnering church and TAM is that of an external partnership
2. Each location is financially, legally and ethically responsible for its own operation
3. Abilities Outreach Toronto is the main Abilities Outreach Campus or Partner
Use our strategic name, plan and notability to facilitate and strengthen
your church’s outreach within the disabled community in order
to equally fulfill the Biblical mandate of inclusion in Luke
14 and the Great Commission of Matthew 28
Pg 5
What We Believe
Doctrinal Essentials
1. Belief in Creator God & Special Creation
2. Inspiration of Scriptures
3. Belief in Trinity
4. Virgin birth & deity Of Jesus
5. Literal death, burial and resurrection of Christ
6. Salvation by grace through faith and Christian baptism
7. Eternal Life & Death
8. Literal return of Christ
9. Belief in the unity of the church
10. End time fulfillment of prophecy
Moral Essentials
1. Sanctity of marriage
2. Dignity of human life (life at conception)
3. Freedom of conscience and expression
4. Belief in traditional family values
5. Dedication to the church as an inclusive body
6. Loyalty to government and civil law
7. Devotion to prayer and Bible study
8. Personal evangelism and discipleship
9. Cultivating the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control).
10. Rejecting the fruit of the flesh (sexual immorality, impurity,
debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of
rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy and drunkenness).
One Faith, One Baptism and One Lord
We define the "Essentials of the Christian Faith" as those moral and doctrinal absolutes that have historically
identified and united the majority of the church together into one Body- the Body of Christ. No one
denomination or church group has a corner on the truth or a monopoly on the church (There is only one faith,
one baptism and one Lord). The church is a mixture of human persuasions (the non-essentials) and divine
truth (the essentials). We must have unity on the essentials, liberty on the non-essentials and Christian charity
in all things. We can disagree and debate but should never divide within the frame work of the essentials of
the Christian Faith. The essentials of the Christian faith are what identify us as the Christian Church.
Pg 6
A Priority Ministry
3 Reasons why we should follow the example of Jesus in giving
people with disabilities a priority within the church today
1. God used people with disabilities to authenticate Jesus’ ministry - Reassurance of Presence of God
Matthew 11:2-5 2 “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples
3
to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go
back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have
leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor”.
2. God uses people with disabilities to affirm evangelism, discipleship & missions- Result of power of
God
Luke 14:12-14; 2112 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your
friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back
and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the
righteous.”21 Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the
blind and the lame.” Matt 4:23-25; 15:30-32 23 “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those
suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.30
Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them
at his feet; and he healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled
made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. 32 Jesus called his
disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and
have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”
3. God uses people with disabilities to accomplish His works- Realization of purposes of God
John 9:1-3 1 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned,
this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but
this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him”.
Pg 7
The Myths, Mandate & Mission of Inclusion
The Myths
1. People with disabilities are cursed of God. This is false because according to John 9 disabilities are not a
result of personal sins but rather for the purpose of displaying the works of God. According to Matthew 11
Jesus ministry was authenticated by people with disabilities.
2. Only some people have disabilities. This is false because experts tell us that every human being will be
affected by either visible or invisible disabilities within their life time. Original Sin is the greatest disability
that has physically, emotionally and spiritually disabled the whole human race. There are physical,
intellectual, sensory, learning, social, spiritual, emotional, mental health, chronic and aging disabilities that
affect every human being.
3. People with disabilities are not qualified to minister within the church. This is false because God used
over 10 people with visible disabilities in the Bible to transform their world including Moses, Sampson,
Jacob, Ehud, Mephibosheth, Jeroboam, Naaman, O/T Priest, Zacchaeus, Bartimaeus and Paul. Also
according to 1 Cor 1:27 God chooses the foolish and weak to confound or shame the wise and strong.
According to 1 Cor 1:25-29 God always uses the weak to lead and teach the so called strong. God does not
call many wise, mighty or noble. According to Matthew 18: 1-7 and mark 10:13-16 "the greatest in God's
Kingdom are the least among us". Many people with intellectual or developmental disabilities have a child
like faith and thinking which Jesus said is necessary to enter into His Kingdom. God's Kingdom does not
belong to proud adults but to humble children. Luke 18:16. The greatest commandment is to love and people
with intellectual disabilities have been referred to as people of love or people of the heart.
The Mandate
Every believer and church has a Biblical mandate from Jesus himself to invite and bring people with
disabilities to all our social gatherings according to Luke 14:12, 21. We are not only commanded to comfort
the feeble minded but also to become as weak to those that are weak.
The Mission
Jesus primary mission was to equally bring all people into God's Kingdom. According to Matthew 4:23-25;
15:30-32 Jesus gave people with disabilities a top priority during His earthly ministry. Our mission at the
Abilities Church Ministry is to follow Jesus' example in treating the least among us as the greatest in God's
Kingdom. The Abilities Ministry is strengthening the evangelism, discipleship and missions programs of the
church in reaching all people equally and giving the whole Body of Christ an equal opportunity to worship
and minister with the church.
Pg 8
Everyone is affected by Disabilities
Every human being will be affected by either visible or invisible disabilities within their life time. The
definition of "disability" represents everyone. It is defined as "a disadvantage or deficiency or as something
that hinders or incapacitates". There are many forms of disabilities including; physical, mobility,
developmental, cognitive, learning, mental health, sensory, psychological, genetic, neurological and
biological. There are also injury, pain, memory, fatigue, disease, illness and aging related disabilities. Other
common disabilities or disorders are depression, anxiety, paranoia, compulsiveness, ADD, ADHD, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, sleeping/eating disorders, addictions, asthma, allergies, diabetes; and speech, vision,
hearing and immune deficiencies that will affect every person at different stages.
Stats on Disabilities
1. 650 million people worldwide have a diagnosed disability.
2. There are 14.4 million disabled Canadians- 14:3% Ontario has 1.85 million disabled people- 15.5% What
percentage of your congregation has disabilities. Does your church reflect this diversity?
3 Three million people in the Canada suffer from depression, 16.5 million Americans- 1 in13 adults and over
154 million worldwide.
4. 8 in 10 seniors live with a disability.
5. Survey results confirm that the disability rate gradually increases with age. From 3.3% among children
aged 0 to 14, it rises to nearly 10% among adults aged 15 to 64 and climbs to more than 40% among persons
aged 65 and over. In fact, more than half (53.3%) of persons 75 and over report having a disability
6. 1 in 10 Canadians have a learning disability. 3 million.
7. 70% of our population suffer from Pain related disabilities
8. Close to 50% of all students identified as “exceptional” in the Province of Ontario come from the “learning
disabled” category
Pg 9
9. Among children aged 0 to 14, the most widespread disability is that related to a chronic health condition
such as asthma
10. The World Bank estimates that 20 per cent of the world's poorest people have some kind of disability, and
tend to be regarded in their own communities as the most disadvantaged.
11. There is a big disconnection between today’s church stats where over 95% of people with visible
disabilities do not attend church on a regular basis, with only 1% of churches having special needs ministries
and only 5% of the church providing any kind of support or services to people with disabilities; in comparison
to the Biblical stats of 65% of the whole Bible being dedicated to disability related issues or subjects and over
50% of Christ earthly ministry being centered around people with disabilities; with 12 well known Bible
characters who had visible disabilities and where used of God to transform their world.
What is categorized as a disability by Health Canada?
1. Someone who uses a wheelchair all the time
2. Deaf and visually impaired or blind
3. Someone who uses a wheelchair some of the time
4. Depression, anxiety or low self-esteem
5. Schizophrenia or paranoia
6. Dyslexia
7. Chronic pain, sickness or diseases
8. Need a hearing aid or glasses
9. Anti-social behaviors and social isolationism
10. Intellectual, learning or psychological disability
Six more subtle disabilities:
Eating disorders
Sleeping disorders
Mood or emotional disorders
Obesity?
Homelessness?
Disease and sickness
HIV/AIDS?
Conclusion:
Disabilities affect every area of our human existence and experience- living, playing, work and worship.
Disabilities are an important part of every ministry of the church. Youth ministry. Seniors Ministry. Missions.
Discipleship. Evangelism. Counseling. Worship. Preaching & Teaching. Healing. Etc.
Topics of further research
1. The Disabled Planet- Original Sin has disabled our whole world
2. The Disabled Church- Every church has elements of disability inherent within its function
3. The Disabled God – Disability Theology- book by Nancy Eiesland
Pg 10
Inclusion: It’s the law!
The Law of the UN
On December 13, 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. The purpose of the Convention is: "to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal
enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all people with disabilities, and to promote respect for their
inherent dignity". According to the Convention: "Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical,
mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and
effective participation in society on an equal basis with others".
Law of Canada
In Canada, the enactment of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms provided an equality guarantee under
Section 15 that prohibits discrimination based on mental or physical disability across all jurisdictions in Canada. Also
The Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination in every area of life.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission and department of Justice in Canada also have separate legislation addressing
discrimination against people with disabilities. Discrimination includes all forms of segregation, neglect or isolation.
Law of United States
Federal law and human rights- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed in 1990, was intended by
Congress to provide a clear national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against people with disabilities in
every area of life and society. Passed by Congress in 1973, Section 504 is a single sentence in the Rehabilitation Act
states “All organizations are required to provide “reasonable accommodations” to persons with disabilities to enable
them to participate in programs, services and activities within the community.” Section 504 reads: “No otherwise
qualified handicapped individual in the United States...shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity. 42 other
countries have anti-discrimination laws against the segregation of people with disabilities.
The Law of God
1. Jesus' ministry was authenticated by people with disabilities. Matthew 11:2-5
2. We are commanded to invite and bring people with disabilities to all our social gatherings
and events. Luke 14:12; 21
3. We are commanded to become as weak to the weak. 1 Cor 9:22; Romans 15:1
4. God favours the weaker members of the body over the stronger members. 1Cor 12: 24
5. We are commanded to comfort the feebleminded and support the weak. 1 Thess 5:14
Pg 11
16 Biblical Reasons for an Abilities Ministry
1. Jesus' ministry was authenticated by people with disabilities. Matthew 11:2-5
2. The purpose of disabilities and child-like attitudes is to display the works of God.
John 9:1-41; Matthew 21:14-16
3. We are commanded to invite and bring people with disabilities to all our social gatherings
and events. Luke 14:12; 21
4. The greatest in God's Kingdom are the least among us. Matthew 18:1-7; Mark 10:13-16
5. We are commanded to become as weak to the weak. 1 Cor 9:22; Romans 15:1
6. God favours the weaker members of the body over the stronger members. 1Cor 12: 24
7. God always uses the weak to lead and teach the "so called strong". 1Cor 1:25-29
8. God does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart. 1 Sam 16:7
9. True strength comes through our weakness because God's power is perfected through our
human weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:7-10
10. Jesus did not come for the healthy but for the sick. Matt 9:12-13
11. True faith is child-like and focuses on love. Matt 18:3, 4; 19:14; 1 Cor 13:2
12. God gives grace to the humble but resists the proud. James 4:6
13. Ministering to people with disabilities was a top priority for Jesus. Matt 4:23-25; 15:30-32
14. God does not call many wise, mighty or noble. 1 Cor 1:26
15. God chooses the foolish and weak to confound or shame the wise and strong. 1 Cor1:27
16. We are commanded to comfort the feebleminded and support the weak. 1 Thess 5:14
Pg 12
Dis-Abilities and God’s People
Message by Dr. Robert MacGregor
Senior Pastor, Morningstar Christian Fellowship
Introduction:
Few things are clearer for Christian conduct than the prohibition against cronyism or favoritism. James put it
more gently when he said don’t live out your faith with “respect for persons” (Js. 2:1). At Morningstar we
want to be careful that we do not prefer or neglect any class of people. This includes the people in our midst
whose abilities may vary from the status quo.
Outline:
1. Disabilities is a relative term in a fallen world (Ro. 5:12; 2 Co. 5:2)
Our fall into sin has affected us spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally so
that none of us are but a shadow of our former selves before the fall.
2. Disabilities are managed by God (Ex. 4:1; Gen. 32:25-32; Jn. 9:2, 3)
God does not abandon us in our sin, but continues to be present with us while
regulating the varied effects of our sin. None of us has more than we can bear
(2 Cor. 12:9)
3. Disabilities are no excuse for inactivity (Ex. 4:10-12)
The “disabled’ are not permitted to use their disability as an excuse for service
exemption. God’s work is not limited to the weakness of our flesh (2 Cor. 10:4;
Ro. 12:12)
4. Disabilities enable the church (1 Cor. 12:18-25; 2 Cor. 12:10; 1 Co 1:26)
God has uniquely enabled every believer and situated them in the church for maximum
impact.
Conclusion: While it is one thing to receive the “disabled” if and when they may find us, the parable of the
wedding feast suggest that we do not wait for them to come. We need to reach out to them and persuade them
that there is a place for them in the house of the Lord (Luke 14:12-14)
Study Questions:
1. How do we sometimes react to disabled people? Why?
2. How do you think about a God who claims some responsibility for disabilities?
3. Can old age be considered a disability? How do you feel about joining the ranks of the
disabled?
4. Is it wrong to feel pity for the disabled? Why?
5. Did Jesus experience disabilities when he became a man?
Pg 13
Benefits of an Abilities Outreach
I. Benefits to the Church
a. Enlightens the church about the disabled community and their culture; along with bringing
awareness towards disability theology and the example and mandate of Christ to give people
with disabilities a priority within the church today- Educational outlook
b. Enables the church through people with disabilities to strengthen their evangelism, missions
and discipleship programs by following the example of the early church in giving people with
disabilities an equal place within the church- Evangelistic outreach
c. Empowers the church with an inspirational ministry that respects the human rights and
Biblical mandate of Christ for inclusion- Equal opportunity
II. Benefits to the Community
a. It identifies human need
b. It influences people to believe
c. It inspires purpose for living
III. Benefits to People with Disabilities
a. Promotes a church they can personally relate to and participate with.
b. Profiles worship and ministry that gives people with disabilities an equal opportunity to
participate within the church; and provides spiritual inclusion and accessibility to all people.
c. Provides spiritual help to meet the needs of all people through an inclusive, understanding,
inspirational and compassionate church that honors the least among us as the greatest in God’s
Kingdom.
People with disabilities teach us about Jesus!
“People with disabilities have taught me more about the gospel and even about human relations than
all the great psychological and philosophical concepts; or rather they have allowed me to catch a
glimpse of what should be true theology, true philosophy and true psychology, for this am truly
grateful to them. More than this, I have discovered Jesus in them, Jesus radiating goodness, Jesus the
mirror of purity, Jesus meek and humble, and sometimes Jesus suffering and in agony… truly
strength lies in weakness... So- called "normal" men often hide their real selves behind a wall of
timidity, hardness, and a certain hypocrisy and quest for social esteem. They are almost afraid to
show themselves as they are. The mentally handicapped are not like this. Those fortunate enough to
know them when they live in a happy atmosphere where they can develop to their full potential, have
experienced the gentleness and confidence expressed by their outstretched hands. The defective has
nothing to lose. He can show himself as he is...The affectionate and delicate gesture of a so-called
"subnormal" man has more value before God and for the world than great human acts carried out with
a desire for power and domination". Jean Vanier
Pg 14
The 4 Models of Inclusion
We at the Abilities Ministries respect the fact that there are many different approaches to ministering to
people with disabilities within the church but believe that the Mutual Integration Model is the strongest model
that fully respects the human rights of people with disabilities. Below are the 4 Models of Integration or
Inclusion:
1. The Mutual Model- Equally, intentionally and regularly includes and integrates people with disabilities
into the regular worship services, programs, events and activities of the church.
2. The Spontaneous Model- Natural integration that is based on everyday responsibilities, routines and
choices, like employment, school, recreation, shopping, travel, vacation, church etc.
3. The Reverse Model- Occasionally integrating one group of people into the environment of another group
usually for special events, like multicultural festivals, inter-denominational or interfaith events, unity
conferences, inclusion concerts and fundraisers etc.
4. The Group Model- Integrates people with disabilities as a separate group of the church but not with the
main worship services and programs of the church such as segregated workshops and day programs for people
with disabilities do within the community.
Abilities Outreaches are modeled after Christ 3 fold
mandate and plan of inclusion in Luke 14:12-23
1. "Invite them" (people with disabilities) - Intentional Invitation
Vs. 13 "invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind"
2. "Bring them" (people with disabilities) - Strategic Invitation
Vs. 21 "bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame"
3. "Compel them" (people with disabilities) - Beneficial Invitation
Vs. 23 "compel them to come in, so that my house will be full"
Pg 15
How inclusive is your church?
1. Does your church favour and honour the weak above the strong. Yes or No? If yes list 3 ways?
2. Is there an equal representation of people with and without visible disabilities in your congregation and
leadership team. Yes or No?
3. Does your church have an official and active invitation ministry geared towards reaching the disabled
community. Yes or No? or does your church equally invite, welcome and include people with disabilities?
4. Does your church regularly practice the Biblical mandate of inclusion as given by Jesus in Luke 14:12, 21,
23. Yes or No?
5. Does your church reject the worldly and carnal approach of a "Hollywood Society" which emphasis human
excellence, performance, outward appearance and social expectations. Yes or No?
6. Does your church honour "the least among us as the greatest in God''s Kingdom". Yes or No? If yes list 3
ways your church puts people with disabilities first in your church? According to Jesus what we do or do not
do unto the “least among us” is how we treat him. How is your church treating Jesus?
7. Are people with disabilities given a priority or equal place within your church? Yes or No?
8. Would you agree with this statement, “The church is one Body with many members of different abilities of
which God honours the weaker members above the stronger”? Yes or No?
9. Would you agree that people with disabilities are essential for the church as God’s presence and power is
fully revealed through our weaknesses and not our strengths? Yes or No?
10. Do you personally have a visible or invisible disability? Yes or No? (Invisible disabilities would include,
vision and hearing deficiencies, depression, anxiety, eating and sleeping disorders, pain related and aging
disabilities.)
11. Are you aware that over half the Bible is dedicated to disability related issues. Yes or No? Does the
teachings and preaching of your church reflect this Biblical emphasis? Are you versed in “Disability
Theology”? Yes or No?
12. Are you aware that people with disabilities have been at the centre of many of the great revivals of the
church? Yes or No?
13. Would you agree that inclusion is a human right and Biblical mandate that demands that we treat people
with disabilities equally within the church? Yes or No?
14. Did Jesus command us in Luke 14:12-14 “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends,
your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you
will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be
blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Yes or No?
Do you invite people with disabilities to all your gatherings and events? Yes or No?
15. How many people without visible disabilities attend your church? How many people with visible
disabilities attend your church? Is it fair to say that your church has not equally invited, included and valued
people with disabilities and needs to improve your attitude and approach in reaching the disabled community
with the gospel of Christ? Yes or No?
Pg 16
Testimonials
“I FINALLY got a chance to look over your Introductory Package and am very impressed! You not only
wrote the book on Disability Ministry—you have actually accomplished it. My husband Larry (who is the
Associate Pastor at Bartimaeus Baptist Temple) and I invested our Summer Getting Out and experimenting
with what you discuss in your Presentation Package. A Bridge is definitely what’s lacking. As the former
Church Relation Coordinator for Joni & Friends/Dallas-Fort Worth I am well aware of the obstacles in
establishing a successful Disability Ministry outreach. Now thanks to your Presentation I am encouraged
anew that despite the challenges—YES it is not only possible to build a successful Disability Ministry
Outreach—it is simply what He expects of us”.
In His Accessible Grace,
Linda Thacker
Executive Director of Mission Accessible, Inc
“Abilities Ministries has participated at Kingdom Bound for the past two years… They have done an
outstanding job educating us on the importance of ministry to our friends and families with disabilities. The
worship team treated us to an anointed time in the presence of the Lord. We highly recommend this ministry
to everyone”.
Blessings,
Donna Russo
Executive Director
KingdomBound Ministries
"Pastor Rick and we loved reading about the wonderful experience you had in building your ministry. We
really appreciate the way you have positioned your ministry to include people with various disabilities in
ministry positions. What better way could you find than having people concentrate on others instead of
dwelling on their own problems. This is very healing and comforting... Our Saddleback Prayer Team will
continue to pray that your ministry will keep on growing as you spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. God is
blessing you for the good work you are doing..."
In His name,
Jim and Joan Dernocoeur
Assistants to Pastor Rick Warren
Saddleback Church
"I admire your goal to maintain balance between disabled and non-disabled people – it means that yours is
truly a ministry that’s all about inclusion, not one where disabled people are “misfits” who can’t attend a
“regular” church".
Carina Kwok
Communications Advisor
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada
Pg 17
"I am excited about the start and vision for growth of this much needed church opportunity. It is a sacred
space that embraces and makes room for ability rather than accommodating and making special exceptions for
disability. Here, disability is not a barrier, it is a pathway into the presence of God. It is about ministering
with and to the whole community of God. It's not about 'your disabled and I'm not', it is all about dwelling
and communing together in the Imago Dei. All have a place to belong, participate, be ministered too, and to
minister - it is living Luke 4:18-21".
Dr. Neil Cudney
Director of Pastoral Ministries
Christian Horizons
"This year I was introduced to a ministry in Toronto called the Abilities Ministries. They are impressive.
Their staff and vision are excellent, and have all levels of ability. They model inclusion and invitation to all
people. Their goal is to have 50% of their participants having a disability. Their services are lively and show a
part of the spirit of Christ that many churches miss. If you are in Toronto on a Sunday you should attend this
church..."
Ed Epp
Executive Director
CBM Canada
"Jaime Castro and his leadership team from the Abilities Ministry participated in a weekend conference we
hosted here at Centre Street Church, No Limbs To No Limits, as feature speakers, along with Nick Vujicic,
Justin Hines and other active leaders in the disabilities community. We are very grateful for their inspiring
message of community inclusion, self-advocacy and equal opportunity and their faithful witness as a
ministry".
Dallas Frank
Lead Pastor
Special Needs Ministry
Centre Street Church
"Since 2010, I have the pleasure of working alongside members of The Abilities Ministry and their leadership
team in their undertakings to worship God, facilitate social inclusion for persons with disabilities, and
celebrate all levels of ability across Toronto communities. The Abilities Ministry leads by example in regard
to its achievements and accomplishments that are realized when a group of committed people come together
and - regardless of individual ability levels - are able to shine a light of hope for all to embrace as well as
promote an inclusive and caring community of love and acceptance as a model of accessibility in which all
members of our society can participate."
Dr. Anthony Hutchinson, CC, GA, BSc, BSW, MSW, PhD
Program Chair and Assistant Professor of Human Services, Tyndale University
Host of the Weekly Radio Listener Call-in Program "Where Your Health Matters with Dr. Tony"
Heard each Sunday evening from 8:30pm to 10pm on JOY 1250 AM radio
Pg 18
Steps to starting your Abilities Outreach!
1. Book Presentation……..
a. Introductory presentation b. Leadership presentation c. Congregational presentation
2. Approve Ministry……...
……..
3. Ministry Preparation….
a. Review training manual b. Confirm launch date c. Develop promotional material
4. Promote and advertise…
a. Church Web site b. Bulletins & Flyers c. Street Signs
5. Grand opening service…
(As a fully integrated part with the regular worship services of your church)
6. Ministry development.....
a. Promote ministry b. Provide resources and training c. Develop contacts
7. Special Events…………..
a. Holiday Services b. Community Workshops c. Inclusion concerts
Pg 19
Getting starting is as easy as ABC
A- Affirm that your church is equally a place for everyone……..
B- Book your Abilities Presentation for your congregation……..
C- Confirm your Outreach Ministry and start integrating………
The Benefits and Reasons for an
Abilities Outreach Ministry
1. It authenticates the church by equally including people with disabilities
2. It attracts the community by equally integrating with people with disabilities
3. It affirms Christ by equally inviting and identifying with people with disabilities
How to run an Abilities Outreach?
1. Invite- Luke 14:12-14 Officially invite the disabled community to your church through the
Abilities Ministries
2. Integrate- 1 Cor 12:18-25 Openly integrate with people with disabilities as one Body in Christ
that honours the weaker members above the strong
3. Identify- 1 Cor 9:22 Outwardly identify with people with disabilities by connecting with them
inwardly
Pg 20
Share the Vision
Start your Abilities Outreach Today:
1. Share the vision with your pastor and church……………
2. Book an Abilities Presentation for your congregation
3. Approve and confirm the details for your Ministry…………
Book the Abilities team for the following venues:
1. Churches, Christian schools or other ministries………
2. Community organizations or charities……….………..
3. High Schools, colleges or universities……….………..
You can book several mobile services:
1. Official Abilities Ministry Presentations………………….………….……..
2. Inclusion Worship Concerts………………….…………………..
3. Abilities Workshops and Conferences……………….
All our services are facilitated by an integrated ministry team of people with and without visible
disabilities. E-mail us at: abilities@hotmail.ca to book your presentation or concert.
The Abilities Ministries has been featured in the following media organizations
Present and Past Sponsoring Partners
The Abilities Ministries
Mailing Address: 58 Dunstall Crescent Toronto ON Canada M1E 3M4
Tel: 416-439-4809 ext-2 E-mail: abilities@hotmail.ca
www.abilitiesministries.org
Building bridges of inclusion between the church and disability community