Breaking Barriers to Spiritual Engagement

Indispensable People

Is your church truly accessible to everyone? Join Tracie Corll on this enlightening episode of Indispensable People as we tackle the critical issue of spiritual accessibility within religious communities. We'll unravel historical and theological misconceptions that have long surrounded disabilities, often painting them as either divine blessings or curses. Referencing insights from the Disability Studies Quarterly, we challenge these harmful narratives and revisit scriptures like Exodus 4:11 to affirm that God’s relationship with individuals with disabilities is common and fully comprehended by an all-knowing, sovereign Creator. Tracie underscores the importance of recognizing the spiritual capacity of each person, emphasizing that understanding and revelation stem from God and the Holy Spirit, not merely human intellect.
Moving forward, we discuss actionable strategies to cultivate a more inclusive church environment that caters to people of all abilities. Despite assumptions that churches are naturally welcoming, there are often barriers that hinder full participation in spiritual life. Tracie provides practical ways to help everyone engage with the gospel through all five senses—seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching. By making our spaces truly inclusive, we trust that God will work through us to touch every life. Acknowledging our imperfections, we commit to continued efforts to ensure everyone can know, grow in, and serve Christ with their unique gifts. This episode is a compelling call to make our churches genuinely accessible to all.

Chapters

1. Breaking Barriers to Spiritual Engagement (00:00:00)

2. Spiritual Accessibility in the Church (00:00:03)

3. Creating a More Inclusive Church (00:15:42)