Seminary Grad Works with Disabled
Jabez Ministries members at work
As a person with disabilities, Peter Gordon knows what it’s like to feel excluded and kept out of the mainstream.
Church can also be perceived as a place with a “keep out” sign on its front door, which makes evangelism and ministry to persons with disabilities daunting.
“The special get kicked to the margin,” said Gordon, who has a hearing impairment and learning challenges. “I wanted to give witness to the gospel in a way that is empathetic to where they are in their lives.”
In September of 2012, Gordon kicked off Jabez Ministries, a Home Missions partner, on the campus of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The campus ministry is joining forces with existing ministries with a view to reaching a group who “doesn’t always feel included.”
According to Gordon, a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary, his mission is threefold:
To offer Bible studies and pastoral care, addressing the spiritual needs that can accompany living with disabilities;
Provide unique evangelistic opportunities for those who have felt they don’t belong in a church;
Build community through everything from pizza parties to service projects. Last summer, for instance, the campus ministry sent a group to New Jersey to help victims of Hurricane Sandy rebuild.
“How do we look at people with disabilities?” said Gordon. “Are they special, are they broken? If we were to plan something in church, do we consider the person in church with disabilities? A lot of ministries talk about inclusion, but they don’t really know how to include.”
Gordon’s dream is for the students in his ministry—who have disabilities ranging from visual impairments to Asperger’s Syndrome—to go beyond feeling included to embracing their God-given gifts and purpose.
“Let’s get rid of the nonsense that we need to be rugged individuals, or that we need to stay in the corner where we’ve been told to stand,” he said.
“We all have gifts. What can you bring to His body and His church? Let’s take action and use our gifts for the glory of God.”
