Ministry Born From Bathrooms

By Joni and Friends|Published On: October 17, 2019|Categories: 4-Minute Radio Program|

Close up of lavender flowers with the sunshine gleaming on them.

Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with a point about grace.

My friend, Pastor Mark, is such a big supporter of disability ministry in his church. But it was not always that way. Many years ago, Pastor Mark didn’t have much time for weak people. Instead, he felt comfortable discipling the men in his church out on the golf course. He gravitated toward, you know, robust types, athletic guys. It wasn’t as though he did not like people with disabilities; he knew there was a place for them in the church. But Pastor Mark left that to others who he felt were more skilled for that sort of thing. People with disabilities just weren’t in his wheelhouse.

That is, until one early Sunday morning before worship service. Pastor Mark looked down the hallway, and he saw a young man in a wheelchair struggling to open the bathroom door. Of course, Mark quickly ran to help hold the door, and that’s when this young guy in his chair asked the pastor if he could assist him in the restroom. Mark looked around; he had not counted on this. But what with it so early, he did not see anyone else around to help. And so he said, “Sure, just tell me what to do!” Well, 15 minutes and a quick course in disability awareness later, Pastor Mark wheeled this young man out of the bathroom. Because he had gotten quite an education on what it means to assist someone with toileting routines. But something else happened – Pastor Mark and this guy became friends. Fast friends! Mark was deeply touched by this young man’s winning attitude despite enormous challenges. He saw an amazing God-given strength in this guy, and it really moved his heart.

And suddenly, this pastor had a whole new perspective on disability ministry. It’s a ministry that quickly pushes you off your pedestal; it’s a ministry where people’s weaknesses and needs are plain as day. Something else also happened that morning. Mark told me later that the incident opened his eyes to the way God’s power is always displayed through our weakness. And from that point on, no more would he teach from a position of power and influence. Uh, uh, no. From now on, he would teach from a point of grace. He learned firsthand how we are all weak in God’s eyes. And every person – from the church elder on the golf course, to the kid with CP in his wheelchair – all people should be treated with dignity and respect.

You know, this story aptly describes why I Corinthians chapter 12 tells us to treat the members who seem to be weaker with special honor. ʼCause people like that young guy in his wheelchair are the best candidates for the most amazing displays of God’s strength. And that is a lesson that each of us needs to remember, no matter what our limitations or abilities. Hey, would you like to learn how your church can welcome and embrace people like that young kid with CP in his wheelchair? Then today, visit joniradio.org where I’ve provided a link to our new book The Gospel in Hard Times. It’s a great resource for pastors, especially with this being Pastor Appreciation Month. And I give a hearty thumbs-up to Pastor Mark and his desire to see special needs ministry in every church. And if your pastor has a heart like his, please, would you jot a note of appreciation for their support of disability ministry in your congregation. Oh, and one final thing. Remember, Christians do not have to lead from a position of power and influence. Instead, let’s lead with grace because we are all broken. It’s something Pastor Mark learned that early Sunday morning in the church hallway.

Oh, and one more thing. I want to send you a copy of our Joni and Friends newsletter. So just go to joiniradio.org. The newsletter is filled with opportunities for you to serve people with disabilities in the name of Jesus.