Starting a disability ministry can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to begin with a full program, a big budget, or a perfectly trained team. Sometimes, it begins with three simple conversations.
In this episode of Key Ministry Podcast, Lauren Hickman continues the “Your First Three” by walking through the first three conversations that can help a church begin removing barriers for individuals and families impacted by disability.
Your First Three Conversations:
- Your church leadership — to share your heart, what you are seeing, Scripture, and a simple vision for welcoming families impacted by disability.
- A family living with disability — to listen, ask good questions, and learn what would help them worship and participate more fully.
- Potential volunteers — to invite faithful, kind, patient people into the work of making disciples.
Key Takeaways
- Before there is a plan, program, or ministry, there are conversations.
- God does not need a personal connection to disability to create a burden in someone’s heart.
- You do not have to solve every problem in the first meeting with church leadership.
- Families often need someone to ask, “What would it take for your family to worship together?”
- Volunteers do not have to be experts to begin. Start with people who reflect the heart of Christ.
- God often uses small beginnings to open doors for gospel-centered welcome and discipleship.
Scripture Mentioned
- Luke 14
- Matthew 19:14
- 1 Corinthians 12
- Exodus 3–4
- Judges 6
Questions to Consider
- Who is your church leadership, and have you started praying for them?
- What family in your church or community may want to participate more fully but is facing barriers?
- Who in your congregation already reflects kindness, patience, consistency, and faithfulness?
Disability ministry does not have to start with everything figured out. It can begin with prayer, listening, and one faithful conversation at a time.
