The first of a series of Keys to successful disability inclusion ministry.

The first of a series of Keys to successful disability inclusion ministry. The number one key for disability inclusion ministry success is the relations with the other ministries within the church in which you are operating. Ministries that operate apart from the various ministries of each church they operate in (outside church service hours) have all the challenges of disability ministry without the challenge of operating side by side with multiple ministries in real time on Sunday morning. Inclusion ministry works with all ministries in real time on Sunday morning. We facilitate integrating persons with disabilities with neurotypical peers. This could be done with any age group in any area of ministry. At DLBC we are best known for our work in K – 5 Sunday School. We also operate in children’s church (2nd service), middle school, high school, and adult education. Due to the support we give to persons with disabilities in these ministries, their family members are more free and available to operate in all the other ministries of the church. A number of families would not attend in the first place without this support. Good inclusion ministry is largely invisible to most members of the church. We are a means to an end. Not an end unto itself. When working with other ministries we must keep certain things in mind: 1. Each ministry of the church behaves differently. This largely depends on who operates it, and how it is operated. The Christian ministry model has been contaminated with worldly management models. It is also affected by fear, jealousy, and persons being over their heads. My role as leader means that I serve the volunteers helping each one to be the best they can be. Each person in Two by Two is encouraged to take the lead and help fellow volunteers. We are a group of leaders pulling each other forward and lifting each other up. A weaker model of ministry would be a single leader ordering followers around. It is very limiting and everything depends on the leader. We tend to get better happier volunteers using our leader - member model. A positive Christ centered attitude ensures good relations even among ministries with different levels of effectiveness. 2. A ministry that is in crisis may attempt to use your ministry. They may try to take volunteers from their duties in order to support their own floundering efforts. We don’t act defensively. We are all part of the body. We will act as supportively as possible. Our leader-member model ensures strength. It may take more effort on our part but part of our mission is to be an example of strong humble ministry. 3. A strong ministry may choose to ignore you or shut you out. This may reflect an insecurity or simply short sightedness. Whatever the case once again we approach this with love and humility. We try to communicate or make work around but we remember we are all part of the same body. Of course if ministries can’t find a way to work together, one can always go to the pastors or elders and seek mediation. Keep in mind there needs to be strong leadership in some part of the chain of command or problems will not be resolved. Without strong leadership the church will then have a prolonged state of ministry relation impairment. Remember not to quarrel with persons from other ministries. We are all on the same team. Chances are that person is doing his or her best and needs some sort of intervention. It is best to communicate as openly and lovingly about potential impairments so they can be healed as quickly as possible. That is the number one key to successful disability inclusion ministry. Peace and love, Andrew

Faith Baptist Church: 101 Class

Hey friends,

We had a great experience on Sunday at Faith Baptist church in winter haven. We were hosted by Pastor Peter Brock and the Precious Jewels Ministry. GiGi, Ginger and I attended the 10:30 service and we were introduced to the whole church. After Church we were welcomed into the home of one of the church families for lunch and fellowship. At 4pm we presented the 101 class in a beautiful state of the art classroom. The class was well received and we are looking forward to joining them again next month.

Peace and love,
Andrew

Fraud: A good example.

http://www.care2.com/causes/medicaid-fraud-at-ny-nonprofit-for-developmentally-disabled.html

Pastor King loved all of us!

Pastor King loved all of us!
http://www.lifenews.com/2012/01/16/what-would-martin-luther-king-jr-have-thought-of-abortion/

First they came for the downs kids...

http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/13/17621

Mission Possible

check it out!!! WOOT..Everyone else take a look at this upcoming event!!
Mission Possible HD.wmv
www.youtube.com
Mission Possible February 4th 2012 in Sanford
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmJO7eGp ... ture=share

The football game, the Play Station, and The World vs The Church

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans" 12:2

In Paul's letter to the Romans the instructions were explicate. "Do not be conformed to this world" be what is acceptable to God. The Church of Rome was in the capital of the known world at that time. Every type of temptation was readily available.

In my opinion the U.S.A. is becoming less Christian and more Roman. Over the last few weeks I have observed to groups of fired up people: College football fans and black Friday shoppers.

I have been bemused by College football fans for many years. Some fans just have a favorite ball team and leave it at that. Others have a more cult like devotion to their team. When the Penn State Head Coach was accused of being part of a cover up of an assistant coach who raped boys some Penn State fans rioted for the coach. The team was more important than victims of horrible crime. The rule of the mob was a defining characteristic of a declining Rome. It is becoming a sign of decline here as well.

I have been shopping on Black Friday and I have seen first hand how rude people can be. Some people hurt others to get the best deal. One woman used pepper spray to get her low priced product. This day is celebrated as a holiday. This also seems very Roman, and very worldly.

In both of these examples both of these Roman like groups are fired up for what they believe in. They are willing to fight for it. I wish more Christians would fight as hard for "what [is] that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". It's not a Play Station 3 or a football game but it is what is most important. Let's remember that.

Peace and Love!