Dear colleagues in ministry,
I am the mother of two incredible young adults, ages 33 and 29, with autism and fragile X syndrome. They are truly AWESOME, and over the years they have taught me so much. Because of them—and their unique perspectives on life—I am continually growing as a person.
Inclusivity has not always been easy to find within the “brick and mortar” church. However, throughout my 29 years in youth ministry, my children have joined me on many occasions in youth programs, HUGS Camp and other ministry settings where they have participated fully to the best of their abilities. In those spaces, my children have encountered and experienced the Holy Spirit through the many young people and adults who serve so faithfully.
Once during a creative worship offering, I observed my son fully participating in the prayers. In that moment, I realized he understood far more than I had ever imagined.
I share this because I believe that, as a church, we have missed a population of children with disabilities and their families. There are churches living into the Baptismal Covenant to ”strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being” but, as a whole, I believe we can do better.
So how can we become more inclusive in our children’s and youth programs and in our churches in general? First, we must be intentional about creating environments that are safe and where everyone truly feels welcomed. As a parent, I have deeply appreciated being invited to speak with youth groups about particular diagnoses, how those communities can support the spiritual development of my children and how they can also receive the gifts that my children bring. I have found that children and youth are often very open when they are informed and invited to be part of the learning and ministry.
Adults, on the other hand, often struggle with discomfort—especially when they are unsure how to communicate or be welcoming to people with disabilities. The church can walk alongside those adults by leading through example and by offering tools that help adults more fully live into our Baptismal Covenant.
Interested in learning more about how to create a church community that welcomes all people fully? Consider the following resources:
- Beyond Accessibility Toward Full Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Faith Communities by Brett Webb-Mitchell: This book challenges churches to move beyond simply meeting physical accessibility requirements (like ramps or modified restrooms) and instead embrace full inclusion. Webb-Mitchell emphasizes that true inclusion is theological as well as practical—rooted in the idea of the church as the Body of Christ, where every person’s gifts are essential.
- Leading a Special Needs Ministry by Amy Fenton Lee: This book takes a more hands-on, ministry-focused approach. It serves as a practical guide for churches—especially those working with children and families—to build effective special needs ministries.
Lisa Aycock
Lead Youth Missioner
