Download
1 / 29
320 likes | 371 Views
Loving Individuals with Disabilities. XSI 2016 Dani Shaffer Carol Tufano. Overview:. Definition Integration Xenos’ Model Discipleship Adult Ministry Q&A. Definition of Disability.
E N D
Loving Individuals with Disabilities XSI 2016 Dani Shaffer Carol Tufano
Overview: Definition Integration Xenos’ Model Discipleship Adult Ministry Q&A
Definition of Disability In the body: any lack of capacity to do something required to participate in activities considered important or typical in your society In the world: attitudes, environments and policies that exclude people with differing abilities from participating in those activities In other words: Disability is both a part of a person and a created by the environment.
Common approaches to disability in schools and churches: Overlook, separate, “mainstream.” The other approach we’re suggesting is integration: making appropriate accommodations to facilitate everyone playing a meaningful role in the body.
Franklin county has 7,951-12,500 individuals and families with developmental disabilities Delaware county (just north of Franklin) has 2,951-7,950 In the area of spiritual growth and development individuals with developmental disabilities are a large under-reached, under-engaged people group. Families and care givers are also often on the fringe of body life due to the challenges of finding a place within the body of Christ for the individual with developmental disabilities.
Integration 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Galatians 3:28 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 4:13,16 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. 16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
Matthew 28:18-20 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Xenos is unique in that we help individuals learn to read, understand and apply scripture from reading the Bible, similar to other disciples of Christ. Xenos is intentional in helping individuals with developmental disabilities become an essential part of fellowship/home churches and serving (within and outside the body of Christ).
Oasis Access Program The Oasis Access mission is to create and provide an environment where all children can learn about, experience, respond to, and grow in the truth and love of Jesus Christ. The Oasis Access Program is designed to supplement that goal by providing individualized support to those children who need it. There are two facets to this program: Oasis Classroom Support and the HUB Classroom.
Oasis Classroom Support This program provides classroom support to children who need additional assistance in the Oasis classroom. All Access workers are certified through the same screening process as other Oasis workers, and have expressed an interest in working in a classroom supporting a child with special needs. Workers may be adult or student volunteers, who commit to providing support either weekly or every other week for one year. In addition to helping a child learn about God’s plan through the Oasis curriculum and classroom activities, workers facilitate positive interactions with the child’s Oasis classmates. 9 Buddies 7 students
The HUB The HUB allows Oasis Access directors a quiet place to get to know a child, while obtaining classroom support and a classroom that best fits the child’s needs. While our goal is to include all children in the Oasis experience, we recognize that some parents may desire to have a less stimulating environment for their child. The HUB is staffed with screened volunteers who have expressed an interest in serving children beyond the traditional Oasis classroom. The HUB offers a variety of adaptive toys and games, as well as music and Bible stories. 5 Individuals served 8 Volunteer Teachers
Growth • Oasis Access Program alone has grown by 50% in the past 6 months alone. • Ex. VBS • 9 Students Served • Families were impacted by the love for their child.
Resources Home Group Liason • Home groups are the heart of Xenos and the Adult Home Group Liaison helps adults with disabilities find accessible Bible study opportunities by contacting home groups and facilitating their inclusion. Student Ministry Liason • Visit the meetings, work directly with leadership teams to help provide resources to best include the individual into community and fellowship. • Example: High school Home church visit.
Discipleship Some people with disabilities will disciple, teach, and lead. Some people’s disabilities mean they will not do these things. But regardless, all people in the Body of Christ have gifts “for the common good” Example: HUB Leaders
We Believe 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is God breathed. The Bible is God speaking in written form and every word is trustworthy and true. God's intention is to make Himself known through His word and to nourish us so that we flourish. John 3:16 God loved the world that He gave His only so so that whoever believes will have eternal life. Romans 1:19-20 what can be known about God is plain to them…..they are without excuse. There is a consequence to unbelief if there is capacity for knowing.
We Believe Ephesians 4:13-16 In a very purposeful ministry to help all grow into maturity in Christ… Upward-Being in relationship with God Outward-outside the church sharing the gospel, serving others Inward-A big part is for One Another, learning how to relate to one another, encourage one another strengthen and enjoy one another
UpwardEphesians 4:14 Handling the Word accurately, getting rooted in the Word, growing in the Word.
OutwardHebrews 13:16, Matthew 28:18-20 Doing good, protecting, guarding and sharing the gospel
InwardEphesians 4:15-16 Helping one another keep their commitment to grow, love, live and be like Christ until we all reach maturity in faith, knowledge of fullness of Christ
How Are We Doing? **For the last couple years we have developed instructive, adapted, visually enhanced Bible teachings. We purchased a number of Bibles so that we could offer solid instruction from the same version. **For two years we have had open men's and women's Bible studies that meet for 45 minutes prior to the larger Bible study. ** We have two women in mentoring discipleship relationships **Several individuals have attended regularly for 8+ years and are able to co-lead teachings and can lead opening and closing prayer **We have a number of individuals regularly attending young adult and adult home churches for fellowship and opportunities to use giftings
Prayers Needed **Many have competing priorities **Drift-personal study and commitment to regular prayer difficult **Fear of sharing the gospel **Difficulty with commitment to invite friends/family **Wisdom, Grace and spirit of flexibility for leaders
Vision • Access Ministry is here to help be a supplement NOT a replacement for integration into a home group. • We would like to be able to extend our resources to better assist student ministry. (Ex. Camps, Retreats, etc) • Need volunteers.
Contact Information: • Want more resources? Please contact us! • accessministry@xenos.org • Dani.shaffer5@gmail.com • Dani Shaffer (614) 266 - 6132
