Guest Post By: Brooke Gulvas

The Example We Are To Be

Throughout the Bible, there is a message that stands firm: we are to be like Jesus. After all, we
were made in the image of God. We are to do our best every day to reflect God’s intricate
design for humanity, which includes every person, regardless of ability.
However, our shortcomings prevent us from completing our mission in many ways. One way we,
as a church, are failing is in setting the example in vital areas of accommodation, adaptation,
acceptance, and inclusion. As a church, we should never make anyone feel unwelcome, yet that
can be the case in our community of people with disabilities. Here, we will explore the core
barriers preventing us from fulfilling this essential biblical mandate and ways we can work to
solve them.

The First Amendment of the Constitution limits government interference in religion and
establishes the separation of Church and state. Therefore, many churches are exempt from
following specific ADA requirements. This fact does not lessen our responsibility; instead, it
underscores that the Church’s leadership on accommodation is a matter of profound biblical
priority, not civil compliance. The type of ADA requirements that people first think of is the
physical, so what does that look like?

The Cost of Exclusion: Addressing Physical Barriers

Many churches operate in older buildings with complex infrastructure, often creating physical
barriers that limit accessibility for all. Modifying building structures to include ramps, elevators,
and accessible restrooms can be challenging, frequently met with the phrase: “it is not in the
budget”. The price can be high, especially for older buildings. The question here is, when did
that ever stop God?

There are simple physical barriers to fix. Labeling doors, clearing clutter build up in hallways,
and adding braille to signage. These are often low-cost, meaningful fixes that improve
accessibility. Given the high costs, plans need to be put in place, including budgeting and
fundraising, and potentially multi-year, phased accessibility plans for church building upgrades.
Our job is to bring people closer to God, not prevent them from knowing Him. Churches are
excellent at fundraising, problem-solving, and pulling from connections and resources. If we can
raise funds and mobilize teams for mission trips, building improvements, or community
outreach, why do fundamental physical barriers for our own members and visitors remain an issue?

It is a question of priority, not capability. When there is a will, the Church always finds a
way. Call in those favors from local businesses and community members, your best fundraising
crew, and your volunteers. God makes a way; nothing is impossible for Him. This proactive
approach could be the inspiration the community needs to come together.

The Fear of Change: A Barrier to Inclusion

Fear often paralyzes us, preventing us from moving forward. It is a sin of omission, preventing
us from taking a step forward or being courageous enough to do the uncertain. This fear is what
the community of people with disabilities sees when encountering a church that is not
welcoming. Is it a fear of saying the wrong thing or disrupting the everyday routine? The idea
that fear makes us ignore a person is harmful; even something as simple as asking, “How are
you?” is better than acting as if they aren’t there.

It is important to remember that the Church is the people, and the people reflect the teachings.
When leadership ignores or remains silent about this problem, that silence becomes an
unintended yet consequential lesson in exclusion. Ignoring problems within is a recipe for
disaster.

God tells us not to be afraid, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10). Consider Moses; he faced great
fear when God told him to speak to Pharaoh. Esther was afraid for good reason when Mordecai
asked her to approach the king, but she did it anyway. Paul, in his ministry journey, spoke out
against rulers, was jailed, and faced much criticism; he did it anyway. Their fears were justified,
but God’s assignment prevailed; they acted in faith. In this way, the Church’s mission to
welcome all must not become paralyzed by the fears of complexity or change.
You may not believe you are afraid; however, we often push aside what we don’t understand,
and that, in itself, is a form of fear. We should be continually educating ourselves, not pretending
that our community is exempt from people with disabilities or refusing to acknowledge that a
change is needed. We should instead have faith in God, trusting Him to help us through this
knowledge barrier, and seek guidance in handling new situations and information.

Listening and Learning: Bridging the Knowledge Gap

The Church has a divine mission to reach others, which requires taking on the roles of educator
and learner. Living with a disability, or being a caregiver, often means a life of constant
advocating, fighting for needs, and attending endless appointments. We look for community and
a place where we can turn to God for comfort and peace.
Yet, when we look to the Church, we often find the very community we seek is missing. They fail
to see us as part of their journey, their community, and they fail to accept the raw version of who
we are. This failure is rooted in a lack of understanding and outdated thinking. It is here: change
is mandatory, and it starts with turning the knowledge barrier into a bridge of education and

empathy. This change requires churches to actively listen to the life stories of those in the
disability community.
There is a misconception that people and children with disabilities are this way due to
punishment from God. Those who spread this false ideology state that these individuals are
punished for either their own sin or, if born with a disability, they may claim it is punishment for
their parents’ sins. It is unbiblical. The truth is, every individual, regardless of ability or disability,
is a part of God’s intricate design and deserves to be treated with love and respect. Numerous
times, Jesus sat with, healed, and defended people with disabilities. Specifically, in Luke 14,
Jesus tells the Pharisee to intentionally invite the sick, blind, crippled, and poor to his feast. The
purpose of this was to reflect on humility, to remain humble, and to show God’s heart. By
knowing that these individuals cannot repay you for your generosity towards them, you are
showing them God’s love, His grace, and His compassion for all. By learning and understanding
these stories, we can grow and work together to build something new.

Authentic Inclusion: Moving Beyond Separate Ministries

True inclusion goes beyond merely opening the doors; it demands full participation. Some
churches have worked to bridge this disconnect with special needs ministries. Churches are
starting to see the need within the community of people with disabilities, maybe due to the rise
in intellectual disabilities, or a stand of the people within the community calling out what was
long overdue.

These ministry programs range from simply providing a separate room to watch the service so
our children can roam freely, to having support staff for one-on-one in-class support, and, in
some cases, a whole location filled with sensory equipment, trained staff, etc. These are
wonderful tools, greatly appreciated and necessary. But, the use of these tools should be more
of a transitional resource, acknowledging that, while inclusive, they are not truly authentic.
These different programs work toward the goal of inclusion by fostering exposure and
education, allowing those within this community to feel acknowledged and to have a place in the
church building. These individuals, however, are still cast out of the worship room, unable to
participate in the act of worshipping Our Lord and Savior with the community of the Church. Is it
due to the added movements, sudden noises, or outbursts, or is it simply that the church body is
still too uncomfortable with change?

We must move past models that encourage separation and toward authentic inclusion. We must
create environments where people with disabilities are allowed access to the same worship, not
be placed in a separate room. A model that shows authentic inclusion, meaning people with
disabilities and all individuals are in the same room together, sharing each other’s joys and
burdens, as we are called to do by God, as shared by Paul in Galatians 6. Only by bringing
authentic inclusivity will others realize that disability does not equate to an inability to serve.

As we get to know one another through an authentic relationship, we will come to recognize that
we all have God-given gifts. Disability does not mean helplessness; you will find in this
community some of the strongest prayer warriors, determined individuals, and the biggest
hearts to serve and help others. The main reason is that they understand hardship; they know
what it is like to be looked down upon or to be different. The drive and will to serve the Church
are within this beautiful group of people.

Four Action Steps for Authentic Inclusion

As with any change, it takes time. To break the expected norms within your Church will not
happen overnight. It must be done strategically and in steps. Map out your plan to break this
barrier within the church community and the community of people with disabilities. Pushback is
expected, but through prayer and faith, God will guide you to do what is best for your Church.
Given some of the core barriers, here are four steps you can take now to help bridge the gap.

1. Audit your church building’s physical accessibility:

– Form a small, committed team (ideally including a person with a disability or a
caregiver). They will conduct a thorough walk-through to identify both low and
high-cost physical barriers.
– Plan to quickly remedy these low-cost physical barriers (clearing clutter, installing
new door signage).
– Have the team research the high-cost physical barriers to develop a multi-year,
phased financial plan to implement solutions.

2. Host a “Listening and Learning” Class:

– Organize sessions for members of the disability community to share their lived
experiences both within and outside of the Church. Encourage leaders and
volunteers to attend.
– Include practical interaction training to educate on appropriate language,
etiquette, and social skills.
– Create a safe space to ask questions, build education and empathy, and ensure
real-world needs inform future changes.

3. Identify and recruit for shared service:

– Intentionally reach out to individuals in the disability community, inviting them to
serve in shared roles alongside the whole congregation (e.g., ushers, greeters,
tech team).
– Ask what accommodations are needed to ensure the individual can serve in a
way that best meets their needs. Authenticity requires setting everyone up for
success in their assigned roles.

4. Be outspoken:

– Be open with the congregation about the steps the Church is taking. Discuss the
happenings during announcements, include volunteer opportunities in the
bulletin, and create a whole sermon series on the topic.
– Start getting your congregation used to the idea that change is happening and
that progress toward better will bring uncomfortable feelings, while equipping and
educating them to know that silence is no longer acceptable.

These are only a few ways to start the process for change and authentic inclusion. It is a
stepping stone to modeling God’s love for all. God wants to see us working to fulfill His mission;
leading as many people to Christ as possible, opening doors and ways for people to know Him,
just as you and I have gotten to.

Fulfilling Our Purpose: The New Standard of Inclusion

The ideas are clear, and the biblical precedent is set. The Church must lead by example in
accommodation, adaptation, acceptance, and authentic inclusion. It is time to turn our vast
resources, biblical call to courage, and mission to educate into action, ensuring that every
person finds their whole place in the body of Christ. Standing in the shadows, pretending not to
notice, will no longer be accepted. Change is needed to fulfill our purpose, to be the example we
are called to be.

1 John 2:6, “Whoever claims to live in Him, must do as Jesus did”. Jesus sat with those in need,
spent time in fellowship with them, healed them, and preached to them. Jesus set the most
beautiful example of what we should do, what we are expected to do. Churches may be legally
exempt from complying with ADA requirements; however, we are not exempt from doing what
God expects and requires of us. It is not a matter of whether we should; it is a matter of how we
do. Churches, it is time that we gather our resources and be the model for others, showing what
it truly means to be accommodating, accepting, and inclusive.