We’re celebrating the release of Sandra’s new book, Accessible Church! In this episode she shares behind the scenes details, comments she’s gotten about the book, and resources that will enhance your reading experience.
Listen Anywhere You Find Podcasts!
If you like this, you may like…
- 145: Disability and the Church Conference Recap with Sandra Peoples and Kathy Kovalchuk
- 141: ChatGPT Could It Be Your Ministry’s Accessibility Advisor? with Sandra Peoples
- 138: An Accessible Church is a Healthy Church with Sandra Peoples and guest Pastor Jim Roden
Quick Links
10 Things to Know about Accessible Church
Here are 10 things Sandra wants you to know about Accessible Church—and why it might just be the resource your church needs right now.
1. A Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada
Joni, a long-time advocate for disability inclusion in the church, lent her voice to the foreword. She writes:
“I applaud Sandra’s work in Accessible Church. Her book will help you win the heart of your church for disability ministry.”
That’s Sandra’s hope too: to win hearts and help churches welcome families well.
2. Proven Content with Real-World Impact
The chapters are based on a class Sandra teaches at Liberty University and content she developed over five years leading a ministry cohort. It’s been shaped by feedback from real ministry leaders and students—and it shows.
– Includes discussion questions
– Practical for use in classrooms or ministry cohorts
– Designed to meet actual ministry needs
3. It Speaks to Pastors and Leaders Alike
Accessible Church isn’t just for children’s ministry workers. It’s written to inspire and equip pastors, too—because church-wide inclusion starts at the top.
“Disability ministry is not a silo ministry…Everyone has a part in making families feel welcome and meeting their discipleship needs.”
4. A Family’s Story Brings It to Life
Chapters 3, 4, and 5 tell the fictional story of the Miller family as they visit a church. These vignettes illustrate:
– The real-life challenges families face
– How staff meetings can be transformative
– What accessible classrooms look like in action
5. It Goes Beyond Kids’ Ministry
While children’s ministry is often the entry point, Accessible Church focuses on adults too. In chapter 7, Sandra features wisdom from eight disability ministry leaders across the country who are doing incredible work with adults.
You’ll read about:
– Inclusive Sunday services
– Midweek gatherings
– Empowering adults to serve using their gifts
6. Chapter 6 Is a Standout
One endorser said chapter 6 is worth the price of the book. Why? Because it centers on family support—a subject Sandra knows deeply as both a sibling and a mom of someone with disabilities.
Churches will learn how to:
– Walk with families through diagnosis
– Provide ongoing support
– Equip parents to become advocates
7. A Free Bible Plan for Deeper Study
Alongside the book, there’s a YouVersion Bible Reading Plan to help readers build a theology of disability. Based on chapter 1, it’s a 5-day plan perfect for small groups or personal devotion.
8. It Works for Any Size Church
You don’t need a big budget or building to be accessible. That’s why the book ends each chapter with “First, Next, and Finally” steps—so churches of all sizes can take meaningful action.
Sandra’s own experiences come from small and medium churches, including church plants in unconventional spaces like:
– A dance studio
– A movie theater
– A school gym
Each one still met her son James’s needs.
9. There’s a Website Full of Bonus Resources
Visit accessible-church.com to explore:
– Videos
– A downloadable PDF on Universal Design
– Updated links and support materials
It’s all built to help you go deeper.
10. Your Review Makes a Difference
If you read the book and found it helpful, the best way to support Sandra and help others discover it is by leaving a review on Amazon or wherever you bought it.
Tips for your review:
– Share something you learned
– Say who would benefit
– Keep it short and authentic
Final Thoughts: Could This Be the Resource Your Church Needs?
Accessible Church is practical, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in biblical truth and lived experience. It’s for anyone who wants to see their church become a place of welcome, belonging, and discipleship for all.
You can find the book on:
– Crossway.org
– Amazon
– Anywhere Christian books are sold
