Some thoughts on Inclusion

As a ministry that focuses its primary attention on persons that are developmentally disabled, we are probably more aware than most of the necessity and challenges of inclusion. Often, the people we seek to support because of their developmental, physical, communication, disabilities find themselves marginalized in society, but sadly also in the larger Christian community.

There are some remarkable stories of persons breaking through barriers and finding meaningful ways to participate in the community, but too often, they move in and out of our worshipping communities with little notice.

A big part of our role is coming along side people with disabilities to help break through these barriers and find meaningful ways to be part of a worshipping community. But, it is not easy job. We can sometimes get ‘special’ classes', however what happens is they come in to our churches - are seen, but often not really included. Gladly, there are more and more churches that are seeking to bring change. What people often need is not more 'special class', but opportunities to experience and participate in the Body that 'include'.

All people want and need to be included. All want and need to experience the wonder and healing experience of being an included member in the body of Christ

I think we need to start with a reminder of who we are.

We have such a tendency to separate ourselves as “able” and see such a wide divide between those of us who can keep pace with the rapid movements of the world, and those that require assistance for daily life. In order to be valued in our world you need to have something that you can contribute in a meaningful way – something that can be gained for the expense of time and energy we put into the relationship.

We don’t mean to be separating, or marginalizing, but the experience of the people with a disability is so much like the parable of the Samaritan. They find themselves as the man by the side of the road. They find themselves continually passed by people who should know better.

You know the parable- Luke 10:30– passed by, by people that should have know better, but where too into themselves to slow down – the “world” responded better than the “God-followers”.

So often we pass by because

Our lives and ministries are so busy and important, that we need to work with those that can make the most difference

Our hearts are move briefly but we have no idea what and “how” to do.

3. We agree something needs to be done but is not our particular gift

We need those who are willing to stop, bend down, and lift up the man by the road, those that are going to be an “expense” with no expectation of pay back.

We need to consider how disabled we really are. When we stand before God we far more in common with each other then an infinite, Holy, creator God.

We are all broken and wounded and severely disable – and God has gone to infinite lengths to include us in His community. We do not need to look to deep within ourselves to recognize our disabilities – our brokenness and wounds because of either the actions of other on us, or us toward them, the inability to keep our thoughts pure and holy, the weakness of our hands and feet when it comes to delivering and touching others with grace and mercy, the poor communication of the holiness and righteousness of God lived out in our lives before a watching world

I love and am continually amazed at the verse: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died…” In our broken, helpless, useless stage – lying at the side of the road discarded, God moved toward us, extended his pure holy hands, wrapped them around us and lifted us and included us through the power of forgiveness, cleansing and healing of his Son.

What does God get out of it? What benefit from priceless cost in order to redeem us? The gain is all ours – and we can confidently declare that we are sons and daughters of the Father – boldly we can enter his throne room – because He has included us, and has called us to meaningfully participate in the worshipping community.

Our call is to do likewise for those around us. We need to find those, who are part of the family of God, but still find themselves isolated. We need to understand the importance of all having the opportunity to participate and experience the benefits of worshipping community.

We are surrounded by living stones that because of no fault of their own, find they cannot lift themselves up and find their place at the temple wall. It is our call to come along such ones, and not help them build their own little building that they can be apart of, but draw them in and help them find that place of inclusion – for when one part of the body is excluded, we cannot be whole