Sandra shares a clip from an interview with Anthony Emerson, Spiritual Life Director at The Brookwood Community—a nonprofit residential and vocational community for adults with disabilities in the Houston area. Although Brookwood is not a church, Sandra highlights the value of Anthony’s insights for church leaders seeking to better serve adults with disabilities. The clip is part of a video series that accompanies Sandra’s book, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families. Specifically, Anthony contributes to the video for Chapter 7, “Beyond Children’s Ministry: Inclusion for Every Age and Life Stage.” The full video and the rest of the series are available at accessible-church.com.
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Inclusion for Every Age: Empowering Adults with Disabilities in Ministry
From Brookwood Community to Your Church – Lessons in Service, Dignity, and Discipleship
The Vision: Ministry *With*, Not Just *For*, People with Disabilities
Sandra Peoples and Anthony Emerson engage in a powerful conversation on expanding disability ministry beyond children’s programs. Drawing from Anthony’s work at Brookwood Community—a residential and vocational community for adults with disabilities—they explore how churches can invite people with disabilities into meaningful roles in ministry.
Recognizing God-Given Gifts in All Believers
Everyone Has a Role to Play
- Every person has spiritual gifts from God.
- Not using those gifts robs both the individual and the church.
- Churches must be intentional in discovering and cultivating those gifts.
“Do we actually think the church is missing out if our folks with disabilities do not have the ability to serve? The answer is that we are missing out.” —Anthony Emerson
Brookwood’s Model: Work Equals Worth
The Power of Purpose-Driven Community
- Their motto “Work Equals Worth” reflects a deep respect for each individual’s dignity.
- Citizens work in various vocational settings and are paid, reinforcing their sense of contribution and value.
- This same philosophy can be extended into church ministry.
Practical Ways to Involve Adults with Disabilities in Church Life
From Greeters to Praise Dancers
- Greeters and Ushers: Welcoming members and guests.
- Tech and A/V Roles: Running slides or sound systems.
- Worship Involvement: Praise dance teams, skits, readings, and testimonies.
- Creative Ministry Ideas: Let someone known for sending birthday cards bless others that way.
- Create roles based on what each individual enjoys or excels at.
Simple Ideas That Make a Big Impact
- Skits with short, repeat-after-me lines.
- Bible storytelling with minimal preparation.
- A consistent Sunday service role with a rotating schedule to include more participants.
The Famous Question: What Are You Known For?
Anthony shares a key question asked of every new Brookwood citizen: “What are you famous for?”
This approach highlights strengths over diagnoses and encourages churches to celebrate individuals for their unique talents and contributions.
“You deserve to be known for something other than your diagnosis.”
A Culture Shift: Ministry as Mutual Discipleship
Serving *With* Instead of Serving *To*
- These relationships bring inspiration, joy, and sanctification.
- Inclusion reflects the true body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12.
Final Thoughts: Inclusion Strengthens the Whole Church
What Inclusion Communicates to Visitors:
Sandra reflects on her sister’s legacy of birthday cards and how small acts of service can become pillars of ministry. Anthony affirms that inclusion isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
- This is a church where everyone belongs.
- People are seen for their gifts, not their limitations.
- Grace and fellowship are central to our identity.
Action Steps for Church Leaders
Reframe ministry: See it as a two-way relationship of discipleship.
Audit your church roles: What could be adapted or created to include people with disabilities?
Ask the “famous” question: Help people be known for their gifts.
Provide visible roles: Greeters, dancers, readers—whatever fits your context.
Celebrate participation: Highlight contributions publicly to build a culture of inclusion.
