I am about half-way through a seminary video series that focuses on disability and the church. The speakers have all been articulate and frequently are living with disabilities in themselves or their family members.
But the information is old to me. I am itching for them to get on to the meaty stuff – more bible, fewer statistics. After all, this is graduate school!
I get so impatient; a critical spirit quickly follows.
Which isn’t fair, of course. Just because these bright people are in a graduate course doesn’t mean they know anything about disability. I certainly didn’t much about disability before 1995!
So, I’m asking God to help me, as I finish this series, to celebrate that so many people (the room looks full from the video) who have already demonstrated a desire to be in ministry are spending time and money to learn more about this issue in the context of the church. And then, in gratitude to God and with God’s help, to render a more thoughtful, reasoned assessment of this video series.
And I’m trying to get more bible into me to help me!
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Jame 1:19-20
And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” Zechariah 7:8-10
The Works of God 
What series are you listening to — want to start this ministry in our Church? Thank you and letting us know how to acquire the video series.
In Christ,
Ken Hofer
Hi Ken,
You can access it here: http://www.dts.edu/itunesu/ and then click on the link for BE547 – Theology of Suffering, Disability, and the Church.
I’m not sure I will recommend the series yet, and I’m not sure you would find what you are looking for in what I have seen.
That said, the testimony of the Siebels (part 1 and part 2) is great. And Mike Justice’s “What does it mean to witness by suffering well” was also helpful.
Some of the frustration for me is that they reference things in powerpoint, but those slides are not included on the video.
What might be of greater help in starting out is Brenda Fischer’s seminar that can be found here: https://theworksofgod.com/about/resource-library/disability-radio/ Her handouts on page two include resources that she recommends in starting out.
Many blessings to you as Christ calls you to serve in joy!
John