At the heart of Dr. Erik Carter’s Main Stage talk at Disability and the Church Conference 2025, lies a compelling vision: a church where everyone — no asterisks, no exceptions — is welcomed, valued, and needed. His message to ministry leaders and congregations is both a challenge and an encouragement: shift from passive welcome to active inclusion, especially for families impacted by disability.
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From Exclusion to Embrace: Creating Churches Where Everyone Belongs
A Call to Faithful Community
“We need you here, ASAP.” — A church sign with a message we all should live by.
The Urgency of Inclusion
Why This Matters
- 1 in 6 children in the U.S. under 18 has a disability.
- That’s more than 7 million children and 5 million families.
- 1 in 3 households in the U.S. is impacted by disability.
- 48% of families have left a church because their child wasn’t accepted or supported — up from 33% just 15 years ago.
If your church serves more than a handful of families or children, you are already a disability ministry — whether you acknowledge it or not.
7 Powerful Insights from Special Needs Families
1. Faith Matters Deeply
- 87% say faith gives life meaning and purpose.
- 85% pray daily.
- 91% enjoy being around others who share their faith.
- Disability often deepens families’ faith, not diminishes it.
2. They Want a Life of Faith for Their Children
- 99% of parents want their children with disabilities to grow in faith — not just attend, but flourish spiritually.
3. Many Are Drifting From Church
- 60% of families have decreased their church involvement due to disability-related barriers.
- Yet 66% want to be more involved — they’re not leaving because they’ve lost faith; they’re leaving because they’ve lost support.
4. Church Is Often Harder Than It Should Be
- 52% say it’s now much harder to be part of a church.
- 48% have left a church due to lack of acceptance or support.
5. Disability Ministry Transforms Church Life
Churches that are intentional about disability ministry see:
- Double the sense of belonging and support for families.
- An increase from 43% to 80% in parents who feel supported.
- Children who are more likely to grow in faith and enjoy church.
6. Parents Hope for More
They wish for:
- Full inclusion — not just presence, but participation.
- Discipleship, not just child-minding.
- Proactive support, not reactive accommodation.
- Programs and friendships for siblings too.
- A place where their whole family can belong and grow.
7. The Church Can Shine
Churches across the country are leading by example:
- Providing respite care and inclusive youth retreats.
- Attending IEP meetings at public schools.
- Sending families to camp — as part of the budget.
- Reimagining worship to include everyone.
“Our sanctuaries should be places of sanctuary and rest and hope and healing.”
Action Steps: How Your Church Can Move From Awareness to Action
1. Know the Families in Your Midst
- Ask parents directly about their experiences, hopes, and needs.
- Assume disability is already present, even if it’s not visible.
2. Build a Disability Ministry
- Start small: pair buddies with children who need extra support.
- Train volunteers in disability awareness and practical skills.
- Ensure accessibility in worship, programming, and communication.
3. Make Inclusion the Norm, Not the Exception
- Integrate children with disabilities into Sunday School and youth group.
- Use adapted curriculum and sensory-friendly environments.
- Prioritize participation in serving and leadership roles.
4. Support the Whole Family
- Offer parent support groups, sibling events, and respite care.
- Invite families to share their stories with the congregation.
5. Reimagine Belonging
- Go beyond “all are welcome” signs — make it true inside and out.
- Ask: Is Sunday the best day of the week for every family here?
- Evaluate success by the relationships formed, not just programs run.
A Benediction for Leaders
“May your work bear good and lasting fruit. May your heart grow deeper in the knowledge of God. May endurance and patience rise up within you. And may joy become your steady companion.” Colossians 3
Let’s create churches where believing and belonging abound — not just for some, but for all. The call is clear, and the opportunity is great.
