As a pastor I have the privilege of mentoring teens and young adults on the autism spectrum all over the country. One of the pieces of advice I often give to young adults who are trying to find their way in the world is to embrace the qualities you have that make you unique.
Some of the qualities or traits often associated with autism have actually served me well as a pastor. When I was diagnosed, I continued to see my therapist for nearly two years so that I could make sense of my life. Next to becoming a Christian, it was perhaps the most spiritual experience that I have ever had. The entire process helped me to understand who I was, how my brain worked, and how to use my gifts to serve God.
The church was built to value those on the margins. When we see the presence of a disability in the New Testament, we are exposed to some very important Kingdom of God values that are essential in the Christian life and in the life of the local church. Here are just a few of the many ways in scripture where persons with disabilities are at the center of God’s agenda to advance His kingdom.
Luke 4:18–19: Jesus declares his mission statement and commitment to oppressed and the disabled.
John 9:2–7: Jesus declares that God’s glory is seen through the life of a blind man.
Luke 13:10–17: Jesus heals a woman and declares freedom from spiritual bondage.
Galatians 4:13–14: Paul declares his disability as the reason for his being there to preach the gospel.
Matthew 25:36: Jesus declares solidarity with the sick and declares that caring for and including the sick is synonymous with faith and obedience.
Luke 10:25–37: The presence of a temporarily disabled man highlights the necessity for compassion, care, mercy, and community.
Luke 14:1–24: A dinner invitation and a man with dropsy leads to a discussion about inclusion, hospitality, and honor.
Values such as community, mercy, grace, compassion, service, hospitality, faith, obedience, and honor are all present in the above-mentioned passages. The value in having leaders with disabilities in our churches is that the church remains intimately involved with the type of ministry that expresses the heart of God’s kingdom. People living with disabilities experience the world in such a radically different way that they bring a type of diversity to the church that extends beyond racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and generational diversity. God can be seen in new and life-changing ways through their eyes, their experiences, and expressions of faith. All of this is missed if they are not at the table.
The Old Testament the story of David and Mephibosheth (see 2 Samuel 9) serves an illustration of the value of intentional placement at the table. King David sets out to live up to his covenant with his deceased friend Jonathan. After inquiring about surviving members of Saul’s family, David learns that Jonathan had a son with a disability. David sends for Mephibosheth and upon his arrival, makes a commitment to care for him, including giving him a place at the king’s table.
The writer mentions on more than one occasion that Mephibosheth, who was disabled, was honored because of what David did. To eat at the king's table was a unique privilege not given arbitrarily. It was a gesture of loyalty (1 Kings 2:7) and a designation of importance. An invitation to the king’s table was a sign of high honor.
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David’s invitation was not just a place at the table, but to have an impact and influence. Despite Mephibosheth’s fears and displays of insecurity, David assured him of his God-given dignity by recognizing his value and by giving him an opportunity to add value to the lives of others:
Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba, and said to him, ‘All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. You and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and shall bring in the produce, so that your master’s grandson may have food to eat; but your master’s grandson Mephibosheth shall always eat at my table’ (2 Samuel 9:9–10 NRSV).
David’s instruction is important for understanding the value of having disabled leaders at the table. David established a system by which others would benefit from Mephibosheth’s estate. While David took care of Mephibosheth’s needs, Mephibosheth’s place at the table opened doors and opportunities for thirty-five other people.
Because of his disability, it would have been nearly impossible for Mephibosheth to restore any legitimate claim to the throne of Israel, even though he was the grandson of Saul, the first king of Israel. What David did was to give him a place at the table that should have been his all along. What’s most important is that the place at the table came with dignity and an opportunity to add value to others.
May the same be true of our churches and faith communities. Disability ministry at the heart is not just an invitation to the table, but rather an offer to have influence. Let us continue the work of the kingdom by making room at the King's table.
Lamar is the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Atlanta, GA. Visit his website www.autismpastor.com for more information.
