When you have a child with a disability, just making it to the grocery store can feel like an achievement. So actively practicing a faith can easily go by the wayside. But one couple is trying to change that.
After their own daughter was diagnosed with autism, Kelly and Scott Grissom created Open Arms, a pentecostal church in Ballwin, Mo. for kids with disabilities and their families. Since the group’s first meeting two years ago, it has grown into twice monthly services and a religious school catering to the unique needs of each child.
Some children understand religion better than others, Kelly Grissom says. But best of all, parents don’t have to worry about getting nasty looks or having awkward moments if a child acts up, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
RE: Pastor, wife cater their church to parents of special needs kids
Inclusion or Segregation?
I am confused… the title Dis Scoop has on its email is “Making Faith An Inclusive Experience” and this seems to be saying that these follks have just created a segregated church experience for people with disabilities and their families because:
“If you have a child that has behaviors and you don’t know how they are going to act when they go to a new place, it can be really stressful. You don’t know the looks or the reactions you’re going to get. These are people with really stressful lives. It’s hard to even go to the grocery store. We have people who didn’t go to church…”
Tell me I am reading this wrong and that they understand that the efforts should be directed toward helping the existing congregations become welcoming places for all people… not toward further isolating people with disabilities and their families.
As a pastor with cerebral palsy, I have often thought about starting a church just for people and families with disabilities. It would be great if all churches were inclusive, but the fact is that most churches are not. Most people with a disability do not feel welcome at church. This has an effect on their faith and view of God. I do a lot to advocate for full inclusion, but sometimes I think having a separate church is better that people with disabilities not being in church at all!