Family
What Happens When People With Disabilities Lead in Faith Communities
Faith Facts
- Churches and Christian organizations are discovering new pathways to serve by creating inclusive environments for people with disabilities
- True inclusion means examining how faith communities can adapt to make room for individuals with different abilities to serve and lead
- Disability ministry is shifting from a service model to a partnership model where people with disabilities contribute their unique gifts
A powerful perspective is transforming how Christian organizations think about disability and service. The statement “Disability isn’t what someone lacks, it’s whether the world makes room for them” challenges believers to reconsider how faith communities embrace all of God’s children.
Consider what changes might be necessary in your church or ministry for someone with a disability to not just attend, but truly thrive alongside you. This kind of reflection goes beyond simple accommodation—it calls for a fundamental shift in how we understand the body of Christ.
When we imagine what barriers individuals with disabilities face in serving and leading, we begin to see opportunities for transformation. These obstacles aren’t just physical—they can be attitudinal, structural, and cultural. Removing them requires intentional commitment from leadership and congregation alike.
Perhaps even more important is imagining what people with disabilities might offer when given the opportunity to serve. Every person is created in God’s image with unique gifts, talents, and perspectives. When we exclude anyone from fully participating in ministry, the entire body suffers from their absence.
This reflection isn’t just about making buildings accessible or providing special programs. It’s about recognizing that true Christian community means creating space for everyone to contribute, lead, and serve according to their calling and abilities.
Churches across America are discovering that when they intentionally include people with disabilities in leadership and service roles, their ministries become richer and more reflective of God’s kingdom. These individuals bring perspectives and experiences that deepen everyone’s faith journey.
The question for every believer and every congregation is simple but profound: Are we making room? Are we creating environments where all people—regardless of physical or cognitive differences—can discover and fulfill their God-given purpose?
When faith communities embrace this calling, lives change on both sides of the equation. Those with disabilities find belonging and purpose. Those without disabilities discover gifts and insights they never knew they were missing. Together, they more fully represent the diverse and beautiful body of Christ.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Clyde and Gwen Antwine celebrated 70 years of marriage rooted in Christian service and missionary work across Europe and the United States.
- The couple met at a youth camp in Texas and built their relationship on shared faith, mission trips, and a commitment to mentoring young Christians.
- They helped establish a healthy church in Zurich, Switzerland, and continued to serve faithfully at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma.
The Antwines first met as teenagers at a two-week encampment at Abilene Christian University. Clyde was 15 years old and sold his FFA prize-winning steer for $40 to attend. That is where he first saw Gwen, then 14, and asked to take her picture.
He carried that photograph in his wallet for five years before they reunited at Abilene Christian during his sophomore year. They married six months later.
“The last day of camp, I worked up the courage to ask her if I could take her picture, and she posed. And I put that picture in my wallet. I didn’t even know her name. I just knew she was pretty.”
After Clyde graduated, the couple boarded a boat for Europe in 1959. They served seven years in Zurich, helping to strengthen a young congregation of the Church of Christ. Their work laid a foundation that still bears fruit today.
Later the Antwines served in the German cities of Augsburg and Munich. After nearly two decades overseas, they returned to the United States. Clyde became missionary in residence at Oklahoma Christian University while Gwen served as office manager for The Christian Chronicle.
“Gwen would get you laughing and see the positive side when things got tough, and Clyde, in his quiet voice, would somehow say the exact words you needed to hear to keep you spiritually grounded.”
Their legacy continues through the many students they mentored for mission work. The Antwines never sought recognition. Their only goal was to prepare others for Kingdom service.
Today, Clyde still carries that original photograph of Gwen from their teenage years. Their story stands as a clear testimony of enduring love, steadfast faith, and lifelong commitment to the Lord’s work.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Ashley Flynn’s family states she “wanted her life to point people to Jesus.”
- She is remembered as a mother of two who “loved Jesus with her whole heart.”
- The case centers on the tragic loss of a Christian wife and mother whose testimony continues to inspire faith.
The family of the late Ashley Flynn is remembering the slain mother of two as someone who “loved Jesus with her whole heart” after her husband Caleb was found guilty of murdering her as the defendant’s family maintains his innocence.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Christians across Puerto Rico are gathering for six days of prayer for families, churches and the island’s future.
- The island is a U.S. territory located in the Caribbean.
- The multi-day prayer initiative reflects a commitment to faith, family and national values.
Christians across Puerto Rico are gathering this week for six days of prayer for families, churches and the future of the island, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean.
Believers are uniting in churches and communities to seek God’s guidance and blessing over their households and the territory’s future.
Participants are lifting up concerns ranging from family stability and spiritual renewal to economic growth and cultural preservation.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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