Start With Hello: Conversations About Disability
By Ability Ministry
Meet Our Newest Team Member, Bart Jones
Bart Jones officially joined the Ability Ministry staff in September of this year, which means it is WAY beyond time for an official introduction. We discuss how he first became involved with Ability Ministry, his time as a pastor, what it means to be the Executive Minister of Spiritual Development and Operations, and the legacy he wants to leave.
Keeping & Fostering Great Volunteers
Ryan and Jason talk beyond just finding volunteers, but ways to engage with your team, keep them healthy, and methods to avoid burnout in ministry.
Ministry with Adults
Ministry with adults seems such a basic concept you might be wondering why the need for an entire episode about it. Ryan and Jason talk through why an adult disability ministry is critical as well as resources and supports to continue these ministries and help them grow.
Miracle 139 International
We thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Linda, founder of Miracle 139 International. Her organization helps churches and schools create inclusive environments for children with disabilities, providing training and resources to empower leaders in embracing inclusion. We go in depth about the work that they are doing as well as talking about disability inclusion in general.
A Beginner's Guide to Disability and the Bible
We talk through the details about one of our favorite resources, which is a comprehensive resource to take you from cover to cover of the bible, highlighting what it says about disability. Listen to the end to find out why Jason's movie preferences are far superior to Ryan's.
Baptism and Disability Ministry
Ryan and Jason discuss all things baptism as it relates to disability ministry. What happens if someone cannot be submerged? How do we know they understand their decision? What happens after baptism? All of this is in addition to the resources available to help you and your ministry.
Buddy Systems and Supports with Bronwyn Murphy
We pray you will find this discussion with Bronwyn Murphy every bit as insightful as we did as we talk about all things relating to buddy systems and supports.
We ran into a slight audio issue with one of the microphones while recording this one, but those of you in ministry will understand that things don't always go our way, and we have to roll with it.
Sex, Sexuality and Disability Ministry: Part 2
Ryan and Jason talk through some specific scenarios that have, or may, arise in Disability Minsitry as they relate to sex and sexuality. Visit our website for the official show notes and links to all of the resources mentioned.
Integrated Ministry Model
Starting a 100% integrated model of disability ministry, where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of church life, requires intentionality and a shift in mindset compared to traditional programming that sometimes creates separation. We talk through details of why this should be the model and how to make it happen at your church.
The Tale of the Shrinking Toilets
The Tale of the Shrinking Toilets is not, contrary to what some may believe, an excuse to talk about toilets. It is a powerful story used to help raise awareness for the need of universal sized changing tables. There is more than meets the eye behind how the book came about and how sales are used to help other churches.
Planning a Prom for Your Disability Community
We dive into the types of proms and events you can host, how to get help planning and resources, and what to do after a prom. All of the links mentioned are available on our website.
Men Engagement in Disability Ministry
It is vitally important for men to step up and play a role in disability ministry. In this episode, Ryan and Jason talk through why we need men to participate, ways to get them more engaged in ministry, and how leadership can support these efforts.
Tips on Planning Curriculum for your Disability Ministry
It can be overwhelming deciding where to begin with disability ministry curriculum. What series do I start with? Should I plan it out for an entire year or is there a better way? What happens during holidays? We discuss our recommendations on how to get started and longer-term planning for your curriculum.
Does God Really Love Everyone?
Does God really love everyone? That’s the simple question this short, heartwarming tale asks as it introduces the beauty of diversity. Gary's book has been in development for many years and was recently published. We chat with Gary about what inspired him to write the book, why it is important, and how churches can use it. Details and where to buy the book can be found here.
Further Equipping Disability Ministry Volunteers
One of our most popular episodes to date has been equipping volunteers for disability ministry. In this episode, we take that a step further and dive into some specific scenarios that volunteers will surely encounter while providing what resources can assist.
Why Mission Teams to Riverwood Are Critical
We all understand how important mission teams can be. In this episode, Gary Spangler and Jason Morrison talk specifics about the critical role that mission teams play at Riverwood Christian Community and what we hope those who come serve can take back with them to their own communities. Visit the blog for all of the links mentioned in this episode.
Sex and Disability Ministry
We have an open and candid discussion about sex and disability ministry. Do churches shy away from this subject? Is it better taught in a class or one-on-one? How do you even start talking about this with your group? We also talk through three real-world scenarios based on incidents Ryan experienced during his time as a disability ministry pastor.
Disability Is Beautiful
Read over Psalms 139: 14-16 (NIV) and ask yourself: Do you truly believe that? We do. In fact, we believe that disability is beautiful and belongs to everyone. In this episode, Ryan and Jason discuss the origins of DisabilityIsBeautiful.com and why it is one of our favorite resources. For all of the links mentioned in this episode, visit abilityministry.com/blog
Equipping Disability Ministry Volunteers
In this episode, we discuss all things volunteers. Specifically, how do you train and prepare volunteers for disability ministry, what tools and resources are available to make sure they are biblically grounded, how to prevent burnout, as well as Ryan's top picks for the free resources you should start with. Visit abilityministry.com for quick links to all resources mentioned in this episode.
Tales From Consulting
“We don’t have a disability ministry at our church because there aren’t any people here with a disability.” Have you ever heard that as a reason why a church has no disability ministry? Perhaps you have said that yourself. Ryan Wolfe, president and executive director of Ability Ministry joins the conversation today to talk through this misconception and what to do when you encounter it. All links and resources mentioned in this episode will be available on our blog/.
Marvelous Workmanship
Psalm 139:13-16 NLT speaks of being made wonderfully complex with marvelous workmanship. It is easy to read that scripture and agree. But is it as easy to apply that? In this episode, we talk about an instance where this marvelous workmanship could have been overlooked and some ways to help recognize them quicker.
Resources:
Tightropes, wheelbarrows, duct tape, tic-tac-toe, and your ministry.
In this episode of Start With Hello: Conversations About Disability, Jason discusses a fun way to review lessons in your classroom and ways to modify the activity based on your group.
Resources in this episode:
- Article: Tic-Tac-Toe: Fun Game to Add to Your Class
- Article: Puzzles and Fruit of the Spirit
- Article: Sometimes It's OK to Throw Things at Church
- 4:8 Men Podcast
- VOUS Church
- Amazon: Giant Tic Tac Toe Game
- Amazon: Rainbow Colored Duct Tape
- Amazon: Suction Cup Ball
How to Get Men Involved With Disability Ministry
Some stats about men being involved in ministry along with creative ways to get men to step up and become more involved with disability ministry.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Trivia Night: Getting Men Involved in Disability Ministry
- Getting Men Involved in Disability Ministry
- Rise Fitness
- Free disability ministry consultation
Helpful articles and statistics:
- “Why Religion Matters: The Impact of Religious Practice on Social Stability,” The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder
- Work, Family, and Religious Involvement for Men and Women
- Religious Youth Are More Likely to Have Positive Relationships with Their Fathers
- The Relative Risk of Divorce in Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: Impacts of Lifelong Parenting
Disability Ministry Classroom Engagement
“We believe God has given each of us unique abilities and talents for His glory and our good.”
As leaders and volunteers, do we really believe that? Do we live that out in our classes? In March, Jason Morrison spoke to a group of volunteers with the Shine Ministry at Southeast Christian Church about some ways to engage in a classroom. This episode covers tips on engagement, a different way to view those in your class, as well as some fun bonus details.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Riverwood and the History of Residential Ministry
The seed for what would eventually become Ability Ministry was originally planted back in 1981. Gary and Jason discuss the beginnings of Ability Ministry, residential ministry at Riverwood Christian and New Hope Christian, and the future of residential services.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
BONUS: Make the Best First Impression at Your Church
You have heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression"? This checklist helps you make the best first impression possible.
Download the free First Impressions Checklist here.
Interview with Gary Spangler
Gary Spangler is the current Director of Operations at Ability Ministry. A long-time member of the board of directors, Gary is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. He attended the Okolona Christian Church where his father was pastor for 18 years. His background is in the airline industry but God saw fit to place him on a much different career path. Hear from Gary about how he joined Ability Ministry, how the disability ministry landscape has changed, and what legacy he wants to leave behind.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Lauren Morrison: Our Most Important Guest to Date!
The most important guest we have ever had on our podcast to date!
Lauren Morrison may only be 16 years old, but we are certain after you hear from her and learn about her passion for serving, that you will agree that she carries herself with a maturity beyond a teenager. This interview is critically important because Lauren, and those her age, are the future. They are the future leaders of the church. She talks about fun experiences serving in disability ministry, Camp Freedom, fears, apprehensions, and what makes a great volunteer.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Get help starting a disability ministry in your area: https://abilityministry.com/start-here/
- Census Data: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045219
- Children's Curriculum: https://abilityministry.com/product-category/curriculum/?_product_category=curriculum-children
- Adult Curriculum: https://abilityministry.com/product-category/curriculum/?_product_category=curriculum-adult
Start With Hello: Introduction
Start With Hello: Conversations About Disability is the official podcast brought to you by Ability Ministry. But who the heck are you people and what are you doing? Jason Morrison stops in with a brief introduction on what this is all about and what you can expect when tuning in.