A Community Blog
For many of us in the disability community, our relationship with faith can be incredibly complex. We love the Lord, we crave spiritual connection, but too often, the very places meant to offer solace—churches—become spaces of discomfort and judgment. It’s a paradox that weighs heavily on the soul.
Who wants to go to church and be constantly stared at? Who wants to attend a funeral, already a time of immense grief, only to hear the pastor speak about the deceased as if they were a stranger, completely unaware of the rich life lived by the person with a disability they are meant to be celebrating? These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re common experiences that chip away at a sense of belonging.
That’s precisely what so many well-meaning congregations don’t quite grasp. As a disabled person, when you feel that energy – the pity, the awkward glances, the unspoken questions – it actively pushes you away, no matter how much you yearn for spiritual connection. You feel like an outsider, an anomaly, rather than a cherished member of the flock. It makes you want to retreat, to seek God in the quiet solitude of your own home, far from the subtle rationalization.
What truly frustrates me is the disconnect. People gather to praise and worship, singing about love and community, yet many remain firmly entrenched in their own safety bubbles. They’ll lift their hands in adoration but won’t extend one to say hello at fellowship. They’ll preach inclusivity but practice exclusivity, often unconsciously. The truth is, you’ll never be able to reach everyone, but that doesn’t mean we stop trying to bridge the gap between professed faith and lived acceptance. This isn’t about malice; it’s about a lack of understanding, a failure to truly see and welcome.
My dream? I would love to walk into a congregation—or roll into it, as the case may be—and see it bustling with wheelchairs and walkers, with people of all abilities steaming with joy for God. Too often, I’ve been the only person with a disability in the church. Or, if there are others, they’re tucked away in a corner, out of sight, out of mind, so as not to “bother” the rest of the folks. This isn’t what true community looks like. This isn’t what radical love looks like.
Matthew 18:20 NIV “ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
We need spaces where our presence isn’t an inconvenience, our bodies aren’t a spectacle, and our faith is celebrated just as vibrantly as anyone else’s. It’s about creating an environment where the spirit can truly soar, free from the burdens of judgment and isolation. We need churches willing to step out of their comfort zones, not just physically accessible buildings, but truly accessible hearts.
A quick note for my incredible community:
I’m currently traveling and, unfortunately, don’t have access to my podcast equipment right now. Because of this, I’ll be sharing an additional Community Blog this week to keep our conversations flowing! Until I get my podcast back up and running, you can expect these bonus Community Blogs every Wednesday. Thank you for your understanding and continued engagement!

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