Indispensable People
Making the Gospel Accessible to people of ALL abilities so that they may know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with the gifts He has given them.
Episodes
What if we've been thinking about inclusion all wrong? While the world promotes the idea that inclusion means "I get to be wherever I want," genuine biblical inclusion offers something far more meaningful—the accessibility to serve exactly where God has called you.
This episode tackles the challenging terrain of what inclusion truly means within church communities, especially when it comes to d...
Stimming behaviors, when properly understood and supported, can be bridges to connection rather than barriers to inclusion. What might appear unusual to neurotypical people serves crucial self-regulating functions for those with autism or ADHD.
• Stimming (self-stimulatory behavior) includes repetitive movements like hand flapping, rocking, or vocalizations
• These behaviors help individuals self-regulat...
The gap is staggering—25% of Americans have disabilities, yet 80% of them never cross the threshold of our churches. In this thought-provoking exploration of neurodevelopmental conditions, host Tracy Correll unpacks the complex characteristics of ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and the fascinating paradox that emerges when both conditions occur simultaneously in an individual.
We begin by examining ADHD'...
Learning disabilities affect how the brain processes information and are not related to intelligence, yet 80% of people with disabilities aren't in our churches. As a mother and ministry leader who has navigated this journey with my son, I share insights about the neurological nature of learning disabilities and how churches can better serve this population.
• Learning disabilities are neurological disor...
The evolution of autism terminology has shifted dramatically over time, from PDD-NOS and Asperger's to the current three levels of autism in the DSM-5. Understanding these changes helps church leaders better serve individuals with autism while recognizing that getting to know each person is far more valuable than relying on diagnostic labels.
• Over 65 million Americans (25% of the population) have a dis...
Every person deserves the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him, and serve Him with their unique gifts, regardless of ability. This episode explores the complex, interrelated concepts of special interests, hyperfocus, and perseveration (looping) in individuals with autism and ADHD.
• Special interests provide joy, purpose, and self-regulation, potentially leading to expertise and career paths
• Hyperfoc...
Teen disability ministry is a forgotten area between children's and adult ministries that deserves more attention. Teenagers with disabilities often engage in "masking"—hiding their natural behaviors to fit in—which prevents them from fully being who God created them to be.
• Over 65 million Americans have a disability (25% of population), but over 80% aren't in churches
• Teenagers pr...
Every person deserves the opportunity to know Christ, grow in Him and serve Him with the gifts He has given, regardless of their ability. The church is missing 80% of the 65 million Americans who have disabilities, and understanding structured logical thinking in autism can help bridge this gap.
• Structured logical thinking in autism involves preference for order, routine, and predictability
• People wit...
Tracie Corll addresses the challenge of creating church environments welcoming to those with sensory sensitivities. Over 80% of the 65 million Americans with disabilities aren't in churches, highlighting a significant gap in religious inclusivity.
• Understanding that sensory sensitivities involve both heightened and reduced responsiveness to stimuli
• Recognizing the difference between preferences (...
Disability ministry has dramatically evolved over decades, shifting from institutionalization and separation to comprehensive inclusion recognizing every person's value as part of the body of Christ.
• Statistics show the US population with disabilities has increased from 10-12% in the 1960s-80s to 26% today
• Historical treatment often included institutionalization, hiding people with disabilities, ...
We explore the critical differences between serving children and adults with disabilities in church settings, offering practical strategies for creating inclusive environments that honor each person's unique needs and life stage.
• Over 65 million Americans have disabilities (25% of population), yet 80% aren't inside church walls
• Children with disabilities benefit from predictable routines, vi...
Let's explore how spiritual development applies to people with disabilities, focusing on practical strategies for discipleship and growth within church communities. With 25% of Americans having a disability but over 80% absent from churches, this episode examines how to create accessible pathways for everyone to know Christ, grow in relationship with Him, and serve using their unique gifts.
• Building ph...
Church culture often overlooks a startling reality - while 25% of Americans have a disability, 80% aren't in our churches. This disconnect between our theology and practice demands a shift in perspective to recognize that different is not less.
• Every person is created in God's image, regardless of ability
• Society constantly whispers that those with disabilities are "less than"
...
We explore the crucial topic of discipleship for people with disabilities and why it's not optional in the spiritual journey. Examining how churches typically respond to disability ministry, we unpack the importance of genuine inclusion beyond simply opening doors.
• Many churches either claim they're "already doing that," are unsure how to proceed, or haven't considered disability mi...
We explore how understanding information processing is crucial for inclusive ministry, focusing on how information gets in, how it's processed, and how it gets out. Drawing insights from Barbara Newman's book "Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship," we examine practical approaches to make ministry accessible for people of all abilities.
• Focus on what individuals CAN do rather than just th...
Volunteers serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in disability ministry, creating welcoming environments where people of all abilities can experience faith and community. We explore recruitment strategies, training approaches, and the transformative impact of inclusive service.
• Effective volunteer recruitment begins with clearly communicating the vision and mission
• Don't be afraid to directly ask ...
Tracie Corll explores practical strategies for creating welcoming churches for people with disabilities, focusing on foundational elements that make disability ministry most effective.
• Physical accessibility is essential—ramps, accessible restrooms, and adequate parking ensure people can fully participate
• Communication accessibility through large print materials, captions, audio descriptions, and digital ...
Disability ministry requires careful balance between specialized support and full church integration. Examining the medical, social, and spiritual models of disability helps churches develop more effective, compassionate approaches to inclusion.
• Cognitive and invisible disabilities present unique challenges for recognition and inclusion
• Some incorrectly view disability as solely spiritual issues requi...
Tracy Corll tackles the challenging reality that over 80% of Americans with disabilities are not inside church walls. She explores intellectual disabilities, their impact on daily life, and how churches can break down barriers to become truly inclusive communities where everyone can know, grow in, and serve Christ.
• Understanding intellectual disabilities as below-average intelligence that impacts life skill...
We explore the influential model of disability ministry that places leadership in the hands of individuals with disabilities, recognizing their God-given gifts rather than creating token positions. This episode examines how true inclusion means empowering disabled individuals to serve according to their spiritual gifts and talents.
• The influential model values disabled individuals as equally gifted for lead...
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