 VISION
STRATEGY
|
 |
|
|
|
INSPIRE –
To proclaim God’s Truth about disabilities through Biblical
preaching and teaching
INFORM –
To provide professional consultation, website, seminars, literature
distribution, evangelistic techniques
INVOLVE -
To network churches, ministries, persons with disabilities,
and support organizations
HOME
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SPEAKING REQUEST
PHOTO GALLERY
ONLINE GIVING
LINKS
|
205-979-8818 |
 |
|
IS
THERE A NEED FOR DISABILITY MINISTRY? |
|
|
|
|
|
| • |
The World Health Organization Report
states that there are over 1 billion persons worldwide
who have some form of disabling condition. |
| • |
According to the US Census Bureau, 62 million
Americans have a disabling condition. As the baby
boomers age, these numbers will increase. |
| • |
According to the Harris Poll Survey, 90% of families
touched by disabilities within the United States
do not attend religious services of any kind. Yet,
the same survey found that of those surveyed 80%
said they would like to be able to attend a religious
service. |
| • |
Less than 2% of the churches in the United States
have any kind of disability program or outreach.
|
| • |
National statistics indicate that persons with
disabilities can be found uniformally in all racial
and ethnic groups. However, most ministries to the
disabled (where they do exist) include mostly those
who are from Caucasian, middle to upper economic
class families, and are under the age of eighteen.
|
| • |
Outreach to adult persons with disabilities and
their families or caregivers is almost nonexistent. |
| • |
Families touched by disabilities face tremendous
economic, emotional and social stresses. The divorce
rate alone for these families is 80%. |
| • |
Too many of these families are unaware of the
resources available, from both governmental and
private agencies, to help offset many of the costs
or to assist them with their emotional or social
needs. In addition, many persons with disabilities
and their families have no local resource center
and must travel long distance to use the resource
centers available. |
| • |
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 has
opened many opportunities for persons with disabilities
to move about and become productive members of American
society. Yet, according to the Labor Department,
70% of persons with disabilities in the United States
between ages 18 and 65, who otherwise are qualified
for employment, are unemployed. The vast majority
desire to be employed, but still face a lack of
training and opportunity, as well as, cultural prejudice. |
Persons with disabilities remain culturally
hidden and the least evangelized population in the United
States.
Is there a need
for disability ministry? ABSOLUTELY!
|
|
|
|
|
