Here we are at the beginning of a new calendar year. With all that transpired in 2020, people are looking for new possibilities—a place where they feel welcomed. Even though 2020 challenged us to do ministry in new ways, the challenges have allowed us to reach communities who for a long time have felt abandoned and pushed to the margins. The church was able to expand beyond the four walls that previously enclosed all of us. We have been able to offer Christ to the world.
New Year’s Resolutions for Church
In our individual lives we look at the new year as a time to consider New Year’s resolutions, listing items we hope to strive for and accomplish in the coming year. As our churches reach more and more people in this new year, we want every person to feel fully welcomed and included. This means including disabled people both in our buildings and in our online ministries. So, I invite you to create New Year’s resolutions for our congregations to support and include disabled people.
Planning with Accessibility in Mind
Conduct an audit & create a to-do list
For a first step, conduct an audit of worship space, classrooms, and church meeting places (online and in person). From the audit you can then generate a to-do list that addresses barriers to inclusion. This may range from a lack of ramps or access to amplification devices to ensuring your website is screen reader-friendly and that your worship stream includes captioning.
When considering what items to place on your to-do list, create a list based on three categories: prioritize what needs to be done first, what can be done easily, and what needs funding.
- What needs to be done first
Items that could be done first might include learning about ways to create a welcoming atmosphere for disabled people. Study the scriptures, study theology, and take trainings or certification courses. Talk with people in your congregation to find out their needs. Take time to listen and to be present with disabled self-advocates, caregivers, and older adults experiencing new access needs with age. - What can be done easily
Provide large print bulletins, hymnals and Bibles. Increase the font size for Sunday bulletins, worship slides, and newsletters. The font that is being recommended at this time is Arial. Do not rely on a large screen in the front of the sanctuary. People who are visually impaired might not be able to read the screen. Have closed captioning included on all videos, YouTube, and Facebook postings. Provide fidget devices or other items that autistic people and others with sensory regulation needs can access during the worship service. Host disability awareness worship services and provide disability awareness resources in newsletter articles and leadership meetings. - What needs funding
Regarding the church budget, even in challenging times we have options. For instance, if you need to install a ramp, obtain a grant, host a fundraiser, or partner with someone from your community who can help construct the ramp. If you have undesignated funds that have been given to the church, this is a great opportunity to extend ministry work and to reach out to people.
As this new year begins, take time and create the space needed to consider who has been missing from your “pews” and your outreach ministry. We have been given the opportunity to expand what it means to be welcoming to all. For Christ said, “Let all the children come unto him.”
Eight Resources to Inspire Your Planning
Every Child Can Bloom in the Inclusive Classroom by Naomi Mitchum
The Disability Ministries of the United Methodist Church – provides on their website links for doing Accessibility Audits of church buildings
Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities by Barbara J. Newman
The United Methodist Church and Disability: Essays and Practical Tips for Churches, Clergy, and People with Disabilities by Rev. Rebecca Holland
The United Church of Christ (UCC) provides the following resources with ideas of ways to include people with disabilities:
Top 10 Ways Churches Can Include People With Disabilities
Ten Commandments of Being Around Users of Wheelchairs
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on January 25, 2021. It has been revised and updated on December 4 – 5, 2023 to correct grammatical and punctuation errors and to use the most widely preferred and non-stigmatizing language for disabilities to date in keeping with our style guide for discussing disability and related topics. Some recommendations may also have been modified in keeping with best practices for accessibility and inclusion.
