Better Together
Disability Ministry
The Evangelical Covenant Church believes every person belongs in the body of Christ — not as a charity case, but as an irreplaceable member with gifts the whole body needs.
About one in five people lives with some form of disability. The Covenant is committed to networking, equipping, and resourcing Covenant churches so that people with disabilities and their families are welcomed, included, and able to participate fully in the life of the church.
“As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you.'” — 1 Corinthians 12:20–21
Belonging Is More Than Access
Inclusion begins with an attitude — the conviction that people with disabilities don’t just deserve a seat in the pew, but a role in the life and leadership of the church. Covenant congregations are called to remove whatever barriers prevent that from happening.
Those barriers may be physical: ramps, restrooms, accessible seating. But they’re just as often attitudinal, sensory, or cultural. True accessibility asks not just can people get in the door? but do they belong once they’re inside?
Making Your Church More Accessible
Use these questions as a starting point for evaluating your congregation’s accessibility:
Architecture and Physical Access
- Can everyone enter the building and move freely through all spaces?
- Are accessible restrooms, parking, and seating available throughout?
Sensory and Communication
- Are large-print bulletins available for people with low vision?
- Is audio amplification or a hearing loop in place?
- Are interpreters or captioning available for Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants?
Environment
- Is the space reasonably free of fragrances and chemicals that can affect people with asthma or chemical sensitivities?
Attitude and Culture
- Do people with disabilities feel genuinely valued — not just accommodated?
- Are they invited into leadership, service, and community?
📄 Equal Access Guide for Meetings, Conferences, and Worship — National Council of Churches
Resources
Videos
- Psalm 139 Reflectors Reading — A moving video of people with various disabilities reading sections of Psalm 139
- What’s Your Story? Including People with Disabilities in Your Church
- One Body — Inclusion advocate Tory White shares her experience of exclusion, hope, and advocacy for people with chronic illness
- Disability Etiquette Training Videos — Short, practical videos on communicating well with people with disabilities
Books and Articles
- A Special Needs Ministry Handbook — Amy Rapada
- Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities — Erik W. Carter
- That All May Worship — National Organization on Disability
- Spiritual Issues in Chronic Illness and Disabilities — Kathryn Porten
- Ten Things About PTSD
- Disability Ministries Bibliography
Theological Resources
- “An Easter Faith, Being Lived in a Good Friday Body” — John Weborg
- “Un-Disabling the Church” — Jim Swanson
Organizations and Websites
- Joni and Friends — Resources for people affected by disability, whether personally or as family and caregivers
- Friendship Ministries — Sharing God’s love with people with cognitive impairments
- Autism Speaks — Resources for families and loved ones affected by autism
- SibShops — Support and resources for siblings of people with disabilities
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — Disability Ministry — Inclusion and accessibility resources
- Christian Reformed Church — Disability Concerns — Accessibility and awareness resources
Other Tools
Tools for Ministry at Your Church
Tools for Helping Families
- Birth Injury Justice Center
- Inclusive Church Communication with Families
- Suggested Church Guidelines for Respite Care
- How to Stay Connected with Families
- Meeting the Unique Concerns of Siblings
- What Siblings Want Parents and Service Providers to Know
- FAQs: Common Questions from Parents and Guardians
- Support and Resources for Cerebral Palsy and Other Disabilities
Resources from the Covenant
- Resolution on Concern for People with Disabilities (2016) — Affirms and commends congregations, organizations, and institutions throughout the Covenant working toward justice and inclusion for people with disabilities.
- Disability Resources from North Park University — Learn more about North Park University's commitment to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life.
Questions? Call (773) 784-3000 or email info@covchurch.org
