Document Type
Article
Abstract
Our churches are incomplete without the presence, gifts, and friendship of people with disabilities and their families. Yet many congregations still struggle to gather and worship in ways that welcome these indispensable members. How can our churches become communities of belonging and full participation for people of all abilities? How might we flourish together as one body? More than 100 people convened at Calvin Theological Seminary on the evening of June 25 for a unique “community conversation” on disability and the church. The purpose of the gathering was to explore together how churches throughout the region might become more accessible and supportive for every member of the body— including those with disabilities and their families. Over coffee and desserts, we discussed our ideas, experiences, and hopes for how our churches might widen their welcome and deepen their embrace. Nearly one thousand ideas were shared for how churches might become places where people with and without disabilities can worship, serve, learn, and fellowship together as a faithful community. This report provides a snapshot of the evening and highlights many of the creative suggestions people offered. May this resource spur your thinking about the movements toward inclusion and belonging to be made within your own church.
Publication Date
2026
Recommended Citation
Strater, Kate, "Flourishing Together" (2026). University Faculty Publications and Creative Works. 1098.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/calvin_facultypubs/1098