In this article, Dr. Jim Pierson, Executive Director of the Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped, offers practical insights on inclusions from the life and ministry of Jesus.

Insight #1- Involve the person in the ministry process

Jesus' methods reflect notable inclusion principles. First, He involved the person with the disability in the ministry process. He didn't discuss the case with a committee, or even launch a plan of His own. He asked what the person wanted. Jesus asked a man with a physical disability if he wanted to be healed (John 5:6) and a man who was blind what he wanted Him to do for him(Mark 10:51). He involved the person in the ministry plan! Jesus' approach suggests the focus of ministry should be with the person, not to the person. The Christian should ask his friend with a disability what he needs. Be direct with your friend. Ask what you can do to help.

Insight #2 - Respond to individual needs

A second principle our Lord models is a quick, personal, and thorough response to need. Luke noted that Jesus stopped in mid-step when he heard a man who was blind call for help(Luke 18:40). When the man with leprosy felt Jesus' touch, he knew real inclusion(Luke 5:12-14). When Jesus healed the blind man and the healing was incomplete, Jesus went to all sorts of trouble to stay with him until he could see. He repeated the process. He led him outside the village. He was involved! Jesus' example is a good one for us.

Insight #3 - Value people over programs

Jesus believed that helping people was more important than arbitrary rules and regulations. Telling a man who was paralyzed, "Pick up your mat and walk", brought down the wrath of the Phraisees. It was not right, they said, to carry a mat on the Sabbath! Jesus also followed through in his ministry. After He healed a man with a physical disability at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus later found him in the temple and discussed deeper spiritual matters with him (John 5:1-14).

Insight #4 - Express interest in the person's family

Another of Jesus' inclusive ministry principles was sensitivity to the family of the person with a disability. Jesus healed a boy with epilepsy after His disciples couldn't (Mark 9:20-24). Following a stern discussion with His disciples about their inability to minister to the boy, Jesus radiated a warm concern for his parents. He asked, "How long has your son been like this?" The father replied, "All of his life. Sometimes during his seizure he gets so close to the fire we fear he will get burned, and so close to the water we are afraid he will drown". Jesus' question is exemplary. Expressing interest in the person and his family is better than a stare or a turned head.

Insight #5- Support and encourage parents

Sometimes parents are blamed for the disability of a child. Such an approach did not originate with Jesus. After meeting a man who was born blind, Jesus' disciples revealed that they had judgmental thoughts (John 9:1-3). Their exchange and Jesus' response provide an eternal answer to the reason of a disability. The man's condition was not due to either his sin or that of his parents. His blindness happened, Jesus said, "So that the work of God might be displayed in his life" (John 9:3). There is no reason to blame, but every reason to support the family, and to help display God's mercy, kindness, love and hope in their lives and the life of the child. Jesus was an include. When responding to people with disabilities, His unconditional love was obvious. Allowing His kind of love to work in our hearts will insure the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Insight #6- Bring everyone to Jesus

Mark tells the story of the four friends who brought their colleague to Jesus (Mark 2:1-5). The popular story details how the listening crowd blocked their route to Jesus. So the four carried him to the roof, made a hole, and lowered the man to the healing presence of Jesus. Jesus responded to the faith of the friends of the man with a physical disability and brought about healing. Here is a great lesson for us: Jesus will respond to our friendship with our friend wit a disability and make a difference in his life-and in ours. Christians should be eager to ignite faith on behalf of persons with disabilities so they can develop spiritually and so we, too, can grow because of their influence on us. Doing what Jesus did well enhance friendship in the disability community. His methods have validity today with our friends with disabilities.

Editorial Note: The Children's Pastor has observed that many churches have no disability ministry or the church staff passes the oversight of this ministry around to various departments. We feel the best department to give oversight to this important ministry is the children's department. This is due to the fact that most of the resources, curriculum and facilities are already available in or through this department. Contact Christian Foundation for the Handicapped (Dr. Person's ministry - 423-579-0883) or JAF Ministries (Joni Eareckson Tad's ministry - 818-707-5664) for information on disability ministries.

10 Ways You Love Them!

1. Notice me. It's easy to look over my head, ignore me, or step around me. Take the time to get down on my level and look me in the eyes. I never want to feel like I'm in the way.
2. When I put my arms up toward you, hug me. Sometimes I just need to be held, even if it's only for a moment.
3. Snuggle with me on rainy days.
4. Be gentle with words. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may bruise my heart.
5. Protect me from the dark places, the bullies, and the monsters of the world. I can be easily frightened, intimidated, and misled. Sometimes I need you to guard me and stand up for me.
6. Smile at me. It makes me feel welcomed, loved and important.
7. Go ahead and tickle me, but stop when I ask you to.
8. Forgive me quickly. I promise l'll do the same for you. And tell me that God isn't angry at me anymore, either.
9. Let me giggle and fall over laughing sometimes. You can do it with met Remember, it's okay to be silly. It doesn't mean you're childish, just childlike.
10. Pray with me. Pray for me. And teach me to pray, too.