11/15/2023
n 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 we read about “being transformed into His image”, a process we know as spiritual formation. By the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we fulfill two purposes through this sanctification. The first, is to glorify God and we do this through worship and service. The second, is that our formation is to benefit others in the community of believers.
Whereas disability is a fact of life, within our faith communities, those with disabilities are either absent or segregated, which explains why their seldom seen or hidden from plain view. This means they are not participating in the body of Christ as God had intended. If we are serious about recognizing the church’s need for all its members, as Paul has described in 1 Corinthians 12, we need to consider how to create accessible environments with the concept of universal design. The classic example of physical universal design is the curb cut on most street corners in Toronto. The curb may be initially intended for wheelchair users. Still, it benefits many people, such as parents with strollers, people using walkers, cyclists, and those riding electric scooters. Similarly, a universal social “ramp” will benefit all people. It is when we can remove physical and social barriers and allow people with disabilities to be part of the community that the body can enjoy all the gifts that God has prepared for us.
The gifts for the body of Christ and how they are given however, presents challenges because disability can change the means and character of the gift, i.e., the worship expressed by a person with a disability may be different and not fit the expectations of others. We can create a universal design, but how can we change the hearts of those who put up barriers and reinforce them knowingly or unknowingly? How can we support those with disabilities to become and be fully engage with the community of believers.
Although this is a complex issue, this change can happen through personal discipleship, providing education and raise awareness of disability, create a community of belonging and true engagement. This can only be accomplished by understanding the needs of those in our circles of responsibility and influence. Engage with others intentionally and make it your practice to take down barriers and make accommodations. And finally, learn to walk alongside those who are different as they too are part of the body of Christ, and all are welcome and needed.
Learning Outcomes
- To reflect on the Body of Christ as a united body made up of different members: some seemingly able, others we think as disabled, but all members are indispensable.
- To develop a deeper understanding of the concept of disability and what can be done to promote universal accessibility
- To consider how to live out the unity in the Body, by the Spirit’s guidance, so that our community life can bring glory to God and benefits to all members in the community.
You can register for this module through this Eventbrite link,
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/spiritual-formation-module-3-disability-spiritual-formation-tickets-667990436377?aff=oddtdtcreator
