Accessible Gospel: Sharing Jesus with a Friend with a Disability

A guest post by Barbara Newman


This post originally appeared on the CLC Network blog, “Making Us Whole”.

Part One: Get to Know the Individual

The most important place to begin is by getting to know the individual's strengths and areas of struggle. Each person -- regardless of their level of ability or disability -- is handcrafted by God with gifts and areas of interest, as well as areas where they need the assistance and grace of others. As you consider this individual, it's important to ask: what CAN this individual do? When you focus on what the person enjoys, it's easier to think of the tools, approach and opportunities to include in that environment where you can help the person grow closer to Jesus.

The following information is adapted from “Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship”, a book I recently wrote to help parents, friends, teachers, volunteers, and pastors create an environment where they can introduce the gospel and foster faith formation in persons with disabilities. I invite you to read this book to find practical ideas, stories, and encouragement that will help you make this important introduction.

Important questions to consider about your friend:

How does the individual take information in?

It’s important to know how people best process information so that we can align our strategies with that person’s best way of taking information in. Some people do function well with words. Others prefer pictures or objects. Others may need sign language, Braille or large print.

How does the individual get information out?

Do they use photos? Do they need special equipment? Find out how this person communicates and what ways you can enter that conversation together.

What movements can the person do?

Can he walk or run? Can she operate her own wheelchair? Can he sit in a chair on his own? Can she wave a praise streamer? While your friend may have many movements that work well, for those individuals who have limited mobility, find out what tools, equipment, and safety issues impact the individual’s ability to interact with the environment.

Does he or she have any sensory sensitivities?

Does he or she have an over or under sensitivity to sound or sight? How about balance or smell? Some individuals can have several differences. She might be over-sensitive in one area and under-sensitive in another. Also think about what tools are helpful for regulating that particular sensation. Is a sound blocker, tinted glasses, or a mini trampoline helpful? “Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship” has a helpful chart that outlines what sensitivities in these areas and more might look like, as well as an explanation of sensory sensitivities that I invite you to check out.



We encourage you to write down your answers to these questions, and even to discuss and brainstorm with other adults in this persons' life. As you get to know this individual, think about how you could use this information to foster an environment where they can grow closer to Christ.

Barbara Newman is on staff with the CLC Network.  She's the Director of Church Services and Consultant.  She also serves as a special education teacher at Zeeland Christian School and is an author.  She says about herself,

“I’ve always felt that God has positioned me in the front row to watch the miracles He is doing in people’s lives. Whether that is an individual reaching a milestone no doctor predicted or hope dawning in the eyes of parents as they watch their child be embraced by a community, I am continually in awe of God’s power, healing, and presence.”