Bible Study
Belonging: Reflecting on disability inclusion in the Church.
Join me for cbm’s Bible Study reflecting on disability inclusion in the Church.
In these studies we will focus on our own practices right here in New Zealand, and how we can reach out to support people with disabilities in the world’s poorest places.
The World Health Organisation estimates that people with disabilities make up over 15% of the world’s population. [WHO: World Report on Disability].
PART 1: The experience of disability.
In this study we look at the experience of disability, especially the challenges faced, and examine our own feelings. We also look at what the Bible has to say. And explore what our first response can be.
PART 2: Barriers to inclusion.
In this study, we’ll talk about barriers to inclusion that people with disabilities face. We can all help to change many of these.
PART 3: Transforming our hearts.
Letting go, accepting all, rejecting the status quo, and opening our arms. Looking intently at the world, and not turning away from the parts we don’t like. In this study, we’ll explore that more fully, and meet a man in the Bible who encountered Jesus.
PART 4: The inclusive Church.
As a Church community, one of the things we learn together is how to live out our experience of God’s grace and show this to others. When we address barriers to inclusion, we embody this. We help ensure people with disabilities can hear the gospel and take part in Church life.
Together, we can truthfully say: “All are welcome.”
May this be a time of reflection on how we extend hope to family, friends and neighbours – both near and far, and how we can be more inclusive of the needs of all others.
My prayer is that during this time together, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will be reminded of God’s loving heart for humanity, and His divine plan for people with disabilities. Challenging, moulding and blending us together, seeing each other as He sees us. Being one in Him, regardless of who we are, our physical appearance, or the day to day challenges we carry.
“There is one body but many parts.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
This study is designed for individuals or groups – i.e. your Church leadership, Home Group, or with family and friends. You decide.
You can also choose a time frame in which to do the study that suits you and your group.
You might like to complete each part over two weeks as you dive deeper into the content and listen to the podcasts. Or you might like to discuss the content together as a group, and set the podcasts as homework. It’s completely over to you, but we do recommend doing the study over consecutive weeks. If that isn’t possible, then you can resume it at any time. To get the most benefit from this study we recommend completing it within eight weeks.
I look forward to journeying with you through this four part Bible Study and hope you find these studies useful as a first step in helping to transform the Church, communities and ourselves, to better include and embrace people with a lived experience of disability.
Yours in Christ,
Murray Sheard
Chief Executive Officer
cbm New Zealand