Search Here ….

Made to Belong

INTENTIONAL MINISTRY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES

This is a new area of interest for me. Mental illness is considered a disability. But so are many other conditions whether physical, intellecual, or developmental. Is the church meeting the needs of these individuals and families? (More content will be coming soon.)

Lessons from Job

    In Job 33, Elihu spoke for the first time to offer encouragement to Job. He had been listening to Job’s other three friends attempt to hold him accountable to what they perceived to be sin in his life leading to the tragic consequences of losing his family, possessions, and health. Elihu begins be assuring Job that his words are from an upright heart with sincere knowledge. He then states words of wisdom that can be applied in the Body of Christ today, especially when the Body is filled with unique and diverse individuals.

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Refute me if you can; array yourselves before me, take your stand. Behold, I belong to God like you; I too have been formed out of the clay. Behold, no fear of me should terrify you,Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you. (Job 33:4-7 NASB)

Biblical principals for disability ministries

The Bible is God’s Word, filled with truth and wisdom. The following principals form the foundation for Made to Belong Ministry. All services and activities will be established using a biblical foundation.
  1. God created humans in his image and shows no favoritism among them.
    • Creation of man and woman (Gn 1:27; Gn 2:7).
    • No partiality (Dt 10:17; Acts 10:34-35; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9)
  1. God has a purpose and a plan for all individuals.
    • God’s plan is for our good (Jer 29:11).
    • It is possible to reject God’s plan (Lk 7:29-30).
    • God promises good for those called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).
    • We are prepared for a purpose (2 Cor 5:4-5).
    • We are predestined according to purpose (Eph 1:9-12).
  1. God is the great healer but does not miraculously heal or rescue everyone.
    • Moses – speech impediment (Ex 4:10-17)
    • Mephibosheth – lame (2 Sm 4:4; 9:6-13; 19:24-30; 21:7-8)
    • Paul – unknown condition caused by a messenger of Satan (2 Cor 12:7-10; Gal 4:12-14)
    • Timothy – gut issues (1 Tm 5:23)
  1. God has instructed his people to care for those with a variety of needs.
    • Jesus used a parable to describe caring for the hungry, thirsty, lonely, poor, sick, and prisoners. (Mt 25:34-40).
    • Job assisted others before being afflicted himself (Jb 29:1-2, 15-16).
    • Weaker members of the Body may have more honor; care for each other (1 Cor 12:22-25).
    • Show compassion in humility; bear with one another; forgive; put on love (Col 3:12-14).
    • Support those who have been in prison (Phlm 10-11).
    • Care for widows and orphans (James 1:27).
  1. God welcomes everyone who believes into his body, even those who may not understand or verbalize their belief.
    • Everyone who believes in Jesus will be saved (Jn 3:16-17).
    • The remnant of God includes the disabled and the outcasts (Jer 31:8; Mi 4:6-7; Zep 3:19).
    • Jesus came to preach to the poor, captive, disabled, and oppressed (Mt 11:5; Lk 4:18; Lk 7:22)
    • The sick and disabled will be healed when Christ returns (Is 35:5-6)