Resource Library

Pearls, Promises, and Potholes: A Traffic Report from the Intersections of Faith, Ministry, Theology, and Disability

A presentation and discussion with Rev. Bill Gaventa, hosted by Barbara J. Newman

Video | October 26, 2018

Disability in Heaven

This video explores what it might look like to think that some disabilities might have a place in heaven.

Video | July 19, 2018

From Barriers to Belonging: The Church and People with Disabilities

Led by Erik W. Carter, this session focuses on ten dimensions of belonging and their salience to the inclusion of people with intellectual disability, autism, and other developmental disabilities in the full life of the church.

Audio | May 10, 2018

Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship

Join with John Swinton in a plenary session on disability, timefullness, and gentle discipleship.

Video | April 27, 2018

After the Benediction: Putting Faith to Work the Other Six Days

This presentation focused on the multiple avenues through which the supports and relationships available within congregation can meet real needs in the lives of people with disabilities and their families throughout the week.

Audio | April 11, 2018

Congregations and Persons with Dementia: A Story and Ideas to Try

TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. The new curriculum is building community in ways that enrich worship in congregations and congregation members with dementia.

Article | December 08, 2017

Barbara J. Newman on Adult Inclusive Small Group Bible Studies

TOGETHER is a new Bible study curriculum designed to include, appeal to, and challenge adults of varying abilities. It aims to build community in ways that may enrich congregational worship.

Conversation | September 29, 2017

Ten Ways to be More Inclusive and Welcoming in Worship and Church Life

Here are helpful suggestions for congregations who strive to include people across the full spectrum of abilities in their small group settings and beyond.

Article | August 03, 2017

Universal Design, Responsive Design: Keys for Welcoming Persons with Varied Abilities

Worshipers and congregation members certainly do not come in a “one size fits all” wrapping! As you gather for worship you will notice an array of gifts, but you may also see the areas of struggle each one brings to the community.

Audio | February 20, 2017

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Church

With one in 68 individuals being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is likely that your worshiping community already includes someone with ASD. If you are a pastor, worship leader, musician, church school teacher, or church volunteer, discover specific ways to identify, interact with, and worship with persons with ASD.

Audio | February 15, 2017

David G. Myers on Hearing Loss in Worship: An Invisible Disability

The older you get, the more likely you are to lose hearing. Most hearing aids and cochlear implants now come with telecoils. Your church can install hearing loop systems that deliver customized sound directly from microphones into T-coil hearing aids.

Conversation | September 15, 2016

Barbara J. Newman on Visual Hospitality in Worship: More than Large Print

The older you get, the more likely you are to experience visual loss. Disability and advocacy expert Barbara J. Newman describes sight-related worship changes that benefit the church as a whole.

Conversation | August 09, 2016

Disability and Inclusion: An Annotated Bibliography

Books that Tom Hoeksema believes give a deep understanding of the theology and practice of inclusion and extend the ability to operate from a universal design perspective as you plan worship and other dimensions of life together in faith communities.

Conversation | May 16, 2016

Tom Hoeksema on a Bibliography of Disability and Inclusion

Too many pastors and churches fail to see the wholeness of people who live with disability. Tom Hoeksema recommends books that can help preachers and churches become more inclusive.

Conversation | May 16, 2016

How Loud Is Too Loud?

Volume in worship can be a touchy subject, one full of tensions. However, by looking at it through the lens of Universal Design and applying this principle to volume, we can see the many tensions in play and work together to glorify the Lord and lead God's people in song.

Article | March 21, 2016

Stroke Survivors in our Worshiping Communities

This workshop presents an ethnographic study describing the experiences of stroke survivors in their church communities and two worship services planned for these participants.

Audio | March 04, 2016

Share Your Stories of Inclusion

How does your church include persons with disabilities in corporate worship? The CLC Network and Calvin Institute of Christian Worship invite you to submit your story of including persons with disabilities in a corporate worship setting, so that we may learn together.

Article | November 20, 2015