Why do we do what we do?
Our aim is that our ministry is one of Biblical, principle-driven vision.
1) Pro-Life
To fully grasp the real vision behind disability ministry, I think
we need to understand that it is a pro-life ministry in the broadest
sense. As I mentioned earlier, we live in a society that values human
life as a function of productivity. As Christians, we are called to have
a distinctively higher view of human value. The Bible teaches that our
significance comes not from what we do, but from who we are and whose we
are. It is being created in the image of God himself that imparts value
to human life - any human life-regardless of the contribution that person
can make to society. While we live in a culture where rights for persons
with disabilities are greater than they have ever been, we are deceiving
ourselves if we think those rights can never be rescinded. The rights that
people with disabilities now enjoy have not emerged due to a cultural
understanding of human significance as bestowed by the Creator - - they
are legal rights that can be eradicated as quickly as they have been granted.
It is altogether possible that when the elderly and the disabled become too
costly or too cumbersome for society's taste, we will find ourselves facing
increasingly horrific issues. If the church is not here to minister and
embrace those with special needs when the climate is easy, where will we be
when the going is tough? Who will stand in the gap?
2) Grace-Based
As with any mercy ministry, it is essential that
disability ministry be "grace-based to the core."
If we do not use grace as a starting point, we will
be prone to minister with condescension or pity,
and out of duty - - not with gratitude to God. Only
as we comprehend our own spiritually disabling condition
can we possibly minister effectively to individuals
with physical or mental disabilities. A grace-based
ministry will celebrate the unique contributions
of all types of people with all types of abilities.
In this context, an atmosphere of mutual edification,
appreciation, encouragement and respect will be
fostered. Working from a framework of grace, it
is safe to have needs and safe to minister sincerely,
albeit imperfectly.
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