Accessible Church Quotes

“When Disability Ministry is added to a local church in the right way it has the ability to both heal and grow that church in a way that no other ministry can. Why? Because people with disabilities are central to the heart of God and designed by God for belonging in the local church (Luke 14:21, 1 Cor. 12:22, John 9:3).”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“Asking for help isn’t easy. Appearing weak isn’t rewarded by our society. Answering with anything other than “I’m fine!” on a Sunday morning takes humility and trust. Those with disabilities often can’t hide their dependence on others. But they can communicate those needs in a way that invites the church to respond with kindness and an openness to consider the requests.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“For example, a 2018 study found children with autism are 84 percent less likely to attend church than their typical peers.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“If my son’s autism was from God, then somehow it must be a good and perfect gift for the purpose of making us more like Christ and to bring others to him. It is part of his purpose for us.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“Christ’s work was not only a preaching of the long-awaited coming of the kingdom, but also a demonstration of that coming.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“God takes credit for disabilities. There is no guessing, no assuming, no excusing. God says, “Is it not I” who is fully responsible for your creation?”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“Seeing all people as image bearers is the reason we need to do disability ministry.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“We modify lessons, provide noise-reducing headphones, and give support to those who are dysregulated so they can hear and have an opportunity to respond to the gospel.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“When we encounter Jesus, we are amazed, and we glorify God. And that experience should motivate us to bring others to him, no matter what obstacles seem to stand in our way.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families

“Ministry to special-needs families forbids the gospel to be conveyed from a position of power; rather, it requires that we all enter Christ’s kingdom from a point of grace.”
― Sandra Peoples, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families