A Biblical Understanding of the Church and Disability Inclusion
The following is a usable, working, freely adjustable resource outline for a biblical understanding of the church and disability inclusion.
RATIONALE
It should go without saying, all persons regardless of bodily disposition need a robust biblical understanding of the church. While certain accessibilities and services may be needed, all people need the church. And subsequently, a continued understanding of the purpose of the church is foundational for the growth and maturity of the church.
KEY SCRIPTURES
a) Ecclesiology: The Doctrine of the Church (Deut. 9:10). i.e., Assembly.
b) The Biblical Nature of the Church ([1] The People of God: Ex. 20:7; Mt. 5:13-16; [2] The Body of Christ: 1 Cor. 12:12-27; [3] Temple of the Holy Spirit: Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13; Eph. 2:21-22).
c) The Biblical Functions of the Church ([1] Worship: Individual Mt. 5:23-24; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Tim. 5:4; and Corporate 1 Cor. 14:26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; [2] Instruction: Acts 2:42; 5:28; 18:11; 1 Tim. 1:3: [3] Building one another up: Acts 2:42; 4:24-31; Rom. 12:3-8; 15:26; 2 Cor. 9:13: [4] Evangelism: Acts 8:4; 11:19-20; [5] Organization: Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5; [6] Ordinances: baptism and the Lord’s Supper: Acts 2:41; 1 Cor. 11:23-24).
d) Koinonia-The Ingredient for Community Life ([1] Unity among believers: Acts 2:42; Philem. 1:6; 2 Cor. 8:4; [2] Unity with Christ: 1 Cor. 1:9; 10:16; Philip 3:10; [3] Unity between the Trinity and the Church: 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 Jn. 1:3-7; Philip 2:1; [4] Partnership in the Gospel: Gal. 2:9; 2 Cor. 8:23; Philip 1:3-5).
e) The Church as a Broken and Suffering Body ([1] Jesus, the suffering Servant: Is. 54; Mt. 27:46; Gal. 3:13; Rev. 5:9-12; [2] Paul’s Call to Suffering: Acts 9:15-16; Col 1:24; [3] the Church’s Call to Suffering: Rom. 5:3-6; Acts 8:1-4; 2 Cor. 1:8-11; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13; Jas. 1:2-4).
f) The Church as a Mature Body ([1] The Privilege of Ministry to the Broken; [2] The Privilege of Joining in the Priesthood: Rom. 12:1-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9; 4:10; [3] Understanding our Calling to Serve: Acts 2; Rom. 14:19; 15:17; Eph. 4:2; Gal. 6:2).
g) Seven Movements of Ministry to Persons with Disability ([1] Ministry of Fellowship; [2] Ministry of the Word; [3] Ministry of Obedience; [4] Ministry of Identification; [5] Ministry of Prayer; [6] Ministry of the Spirit; and [7] Ministry of Reciprocity).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Is the assembling of the church important? (Matt. 18:20; 28:19-20; Acts. 2:42; 20:28; Rom. 12:4-5; Eph. 4:14-16; Heb. 10:25).
2. Who are the people of God? (Mt. 5:13-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27).
3. How does God help the church? (Jn. 14:16; 15:26-27; Rom. 8:15; 1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19; 12:13; Eph. 2:21-22).
4. What is worship? (Mt. 5:23-24; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:26).
5. What are the churches instructions? (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:42; 5:28; 18:11; 1 Tim. 1:3).
6. Why does the church suffer? (Is. 54; Mt. 27:46; Gal. 3:13; Rev. 5:9-12;
7. Is Baptism and the Lord’s Supper important? (Matt. 26:26-28; 28:18-19; Mk.16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; 9:15-16; Rom. 5:3-6; 1 Cor. 11:23-33; Col. 1:24; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 4:12-13).
REFLECTION
1. It is important for the church to gather as one body in Christ.
2. The people of God, though made up of many individuals, are in fact one body in Christ, bound together by the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. By this, God helps the church love one another by His’ Spirit in Word and in truth.
4. By the Word of God the Spirit grows, matures, and unites the Church.
5. Worship, the instructions of the church, her ordinances and practices are thus unto the Lord’s glory as one body united together.
6. Individually and corporately the church faces many trials, pains, sufferings of persecution and the failed bodies. However, we suffer in light of the glory in Christ to be received, and we suffer together as a church indebted to Christ; awaiting the full maturity of faith.
Book Resource:
Joni Eareckson Tada. Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry.
Agoura Hills, CA: Joni and Friends, 2014. Print.
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Suffering-Christian-Perspective-Disability/dp/1500438650