Bethlehem Disability Ministry Pamphlet.pdf

Disability Ministry at Bethlehem

Our Vision is to value and display the supremacy of God in disability and suffering. God can and does use disability to bring glory to his name. Perhaps the best-known example of this is the man born blind whom Jesus healed. Christ said the man was not blind because of sin, “but that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:1–3).

Our Mission is to support and encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities in the life and work of the church while cultivating supportive, faith-building, Christ-exalting relationships of love.

Often those affected by disability face barriers to fellowship with other Christians and have struggles attending church. Yet, the Apostle Paul has told us that God has given every believer spiritual gifts for the benefit of the body: “For the body does not consist of one member but of many... The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to
the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable”         (1 Corinthians 12:14, 21–22).

Our goal is to reach out to people on an individual basis, striving to work with each person and his or her family to find the best fit for both growing in faith and for exercising spiritual gifts. Our aim is to be flexible and open to creative solutions.

Rather, speaking the truth in
love, we are to grow up in every
way into him who is the head,
into Christ, from whom the whole
body, joined and held together
by every joint with which it is
equipped, when each part is
working properly, makes the
body grow so that it builds itself
up in love.—Ephesians 4:15–16

Our Disability Ministry

Nursery Care & Sunday School Inclusion: We offer one-on-one aides for children of all ages.

Special Classroom: This room is staffed with disability volunteers when inclusion is not suitable (may not be available on all campuses).

Individual Guidance: Personal direction and counsel for assimilation into Bethlehem.

Ways to Connect

Small Groups: Receive spiritual encouragement, fellowship, and practical blessings.

Special Events Notification: Bethlehem has a number of families and individuals affected by disability. If you would like to receive notice of gatherings and special events as well as ministry updates and information, please contact the Disability Ministry.

Opportunities to Serve

Nursery Aide*: Serve as a one-on-one aide with a child in the nursery.
Sunday School Aide*: Serve as a one-on-one aide in a Sunday School class and help a student to build friendships and know Jesus.
*Training and support is provided for
Aide positions.

Small Groups: Small groups are encouraged to “adopt” individuals or families affected by disability. These groups provide encouragement, prayer support, and practical assistance.

Volunteer in Various Roles: Help with events, correspondence, and other ministry activities.

Personal Ministry       

                                                                                                                                                                                               
The Disability Ministry encourages individuals to reach out to those affected by disability and to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). Help with housework, meals, doctor visits, babysitting, prayer support—and sometimes just listening.

Accessibility

All three of Bethlehem’s campuses offer handicapped accessibility.

For More Information

Brenda Fischer: Coordinator for Disability Ministry
612-746-2675
specialneeds@hopeinGod.org

To find a small group:
Amy Katterson Ministry Assistant for Adult Ministries
612-746-2651
smallgroups@hopeinGod.org