Accessible Church

How Churches of Every Size Can Create Inclusive Ministry Spaces for People with Disabilities

An estimated one in 5 households has a child with a disability. Many of these families miss out on church due to a lack of physical or social accommodations. And while ministry leaders want to help, they often don't know how to with limited space, budget, and trained volunteers. Churches must understand the challenges that disability families face so they can remove barriers to biblical fellowship.

Sandra Peoples, a disability ministry consultant and professor, has equipped hundreds of churches, large and small, to reach children and teens who have various cognitive disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral and mental health diagnoses. Caring for disabled family members of her own, she understands what it takes to create a welcoming, inclusive space that supports children with a variety of diagnoses into adulthood. Through expert advice and practical examples, she shows ministry leaders how they can make their spaces—and the gospel—accessible to all.

Practical: Features creative ways that churches can adapt their teaching style, classrooms, safety policies, and more to accommodate special needs families Written by an Experienced Consultant and Professor: Peoples draws from her years of expertise as well as her personal experience as a caregiver A Great Resource for Churches and Families: Ideal for pastors and volunteers in children's ministry, family ministry, disability ministry, and more, as well as parents of children with disabilities Addresses a Variety of Needs: Including Down syndrome, autism, dyslexia, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related issues Includes a Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada
4. Author's Note about Terminology
5. Introduction
6. Chapter 1: Laying the Foundation: A Theology of Disability
7. Chapter 2: Who Is Missing? Do Our Pews Reflect Our Communities?
8. Chapter 3: Preparing for Accessibility: Programs, Places, and Policies
9. Chapter 4: Your Ministry Team: Everyone Has a Role in Accessibility
10. Chapter 5: Student Support: The Goal Is the Gospel
11. Chapter 6: Whole-Family Inclusion: Strengthening Marriages and Supporting Siblings
12. Chapter 7: Beyond Children's Ministry: Inclusion for Every Age and Life Stage
13. Chapter 8: Growing Your Ministry: Marketing and Outreach Ideas
14. Conclusion
15. Closing Credits