Disabilities Ministries

Disabilities Ministries educates and sensitizes church members as they reach out to the disabled community. It also encourages the disabled to become an integral part of the body of Christ. It shares the Gospel and empowers individuals in all areas of church life so they can evangelize others, inviting them to accept the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Ellen G. White and her husband both faced health challenges. In her day the words afflicted and lamed were common terms. Today, the term “handicapped” has been replaced with the term “disabled.”

“I saw that it is in the providence of God that … the blind, the deaf, the lamed, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways, have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church; it is to prove His people and develop their true character. This is a test of our character” (Vol. 3 Testimonies, p. 511).

How to get Involved

If you do not have Disabilities Ministries in your church, here is what we recommend:

  • Share your ideas with your pastor or first elder.
  • Find people who have the same interest and ask them to be a part of the ministry.
  • Set up a meeting to share ideas, and set a date for your first Disabilities Awareness Sabbath.
  • Seek approval for your plans from the church board.
  • Invite your conference coordinator to conduct a training session for the church. If there is no conference coordinator, call your union director.
  • Elect a Disabilities Ministries coordinator. Invite and encourage members and non-members to participate in the ministry.

How we can Help

  • We can help churches start a Disabilities Ministries outreach program at the local level.
  • We can help develop Sabbath awareness programs and interactive learning sessions.
  • We can help you evaluate structures and programs in your church and find ways to improve accessibility.
  • We can provide educational and informative resources.
  • We can help you develop tailor-made programs for the specific needs of your church and community.

Additional links on this topic

Disabilities Monthly Newsletter

Disabilities Ministries Contacts