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Serving single-parent families with adolescents: An inclusive and intergenerational challenge. This article focused on the ministry to single-parent families after divorce. The study had its origins in the author’s observation that adolescents from single-parent homes are picked up and dropped off by their parents for catechesis, but that the parents are not involved in activities in the congregation – not even just to attend the worship service. The research had the objective to investigate why single-parent families do not experience themselves as true families within the church and do not receive the necessary support in the faith formation of their children. The fourfold reflective equilibrium approach of Osmer was used as the frame for how this article was structured. As a basis for the interpretation of the empirical findings, the relationship between youth and family ministry is portrayed to lay a theological basis for an inclusive approach. The qualitative empirical study included 17 randomly selected single parents. The empirical study confirmed that single parents find it difficult to survive. The demands placed upon them are intense and they depend on a support network to meet the basic needs of the family. These single parents further believe that the church cannot help them with this. The research confirmed that single parents do not experience acceptance in the church and that they do not receive support in the faith formation of their children. The two hermeneutic spheres for the understanding of faith are a source of tension for the adolescents because of the difference in understanding of matters of faith between their divorced parents. The involvement of grandparents was found to be a key factor in the support of the single-parent family and needs to be addressed in an intergenerational approach. The positive involvement of the local pastor can also be used as a changing factor in the support of the single-parent family. Contribution: This article contributes to a paradigm shift in the understanding of how families are constructed, especially single-parent families. The article reports on research that will be valuable for congregations in planning their ministry towards single-parent families.

This paper discusses the current attempts of persons with disabilities to reclaim disability narratives and experiences farther away from various researchers and scholars who advocate social and medical models of disability because Adults with Developmental Disabilities (ADDs) claim these models do not represent them. Recently, scholars in disability studies are adopting different models to theorize disability. This paper reflects, seeks, and explores possible models of disability and their application in church pastoral ministry: The emancipatory model of disability, the partnership model of disability, and the equality model of disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the Tim Tebow Foundation is celebrated by community members for the outreach to the disability community, others have questioned both the intent and the impact. Specifically, some critics have argued that a Night to Shine is "an embodiment of our highly celebrated, rarely challenged paternalistic relationship between those with disabilities and those without. In the disability community, this type of message... is known as Inspiration Porn". This investigation examines the concept of "Inspiration Porn" as developed by Stella Young and used by disability rights advocates to determine whether it is an apt descriptor. Upon examination of Night to Shine considering the concept of Inspiration Porn this examination will seek to apply Tumeinski and McNair "What would be better?" framework in order to evaluate both "Night to Shine" and similarly situated events intending to determine what local faith-communities could do better in their efforts to serve, support, and minister to adults labeled with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social inclusion of individuals with disabilities across all areas of life has been a goal for decades. This includes the inclusion and participation in faith communities for those individuals who desire to do so. Previous research has shown that the involvement and support of the faith leader of a community of worship can positively impact the acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities. Researchers have called for more data to understand the roles and perspectives of faith leaders as they relate to including individuals with disabilities in their community of faith. This study used survey methodology to canvas faith leaders in two states in the United States. The findings showed a positive correlation between the availability of some supports provided by the faith community and the size of the congregation. Additionally there were statistically significant correlations between the disability training a faith leader had received and the presence of counseling services offered and the availability of accessible materials for individuals with disabilities. Although a large majority of the leaders reported that they had a welcoming attitude toward including individuals with disabilities, discrepancies in perceptions arose when compared to similar questions asked of parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white male self-sufficient persona that Willie Jennings argues is the evaluative standard for theological education and ministerial formation is also able bodied. Consequently, theological education has been ableist and has neither adequately responded to the reality of disability in its physical or academic structures nor prepared graduates to address the pastoral and theological questions that arise from the lived experience of disability. Theological education needs to be disabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there are many resources for Christian communities and leaders to understand disability through a theological lens, quite often resources may not inform practice, and little is known about how specific communities and leaders experience ministry to people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This phenomenological study explores the experiences of several faith leaders in Ontario, Canada within one specific Pentecostal tradition. Interviews conducted with these pastors revealed that pastors within this tradition and context sensed a strong call to serve all people inclusively, but were less comfortable ministering to a specific person with an intellectual or developmental disability. In exploring these experiences, this study helps to better support belonging within specific faith traditions and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A phenomenological approach to disability was utilised examining the ethical consideration attached to "quality of life" present within the UK Churches emplaced disability narratives captured from local and national leaders alongside specialists interests in disability. These acknowledged the significance of the human body's materiality. Ethical depictions of people living with impairments heralded from a utilitarian perspective, dominantly ableist. The disabled community was considered detached from humanity, their lives assumed to be "difficult" and "worthless" inhibiting their full spiritual potential and in some instances advocated for some lives to be terminated. These essentialist assumptions cast disabled people as the "other" and related socio-symbolic dialogues were diminished. Many felt the disabled communities were outside Churches' core concerns. An alternative minority perspective the "pluralist (relational)" argument challenged institutional ableism. The plurality of humanity was acknowledged, diverse ivays of engagement explored, positive values attached to people living with impairments testimonies and lifestyles. Encouragement was given to building interdependent communities, developing friendships and embedding a sense of belonging. Analytically these "ethical"perspectives shaped the churches moral codes; observed to create tensions where discrimination is present, practiced, experienced, justified and/or challenged. Leaving the question "Do we see disabled people as God sees them?" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can a congregation better develop the potential for ministry that the presence of persons with developmental disabilities offers? This article responds to this question by following the story of one particular family and their son, Walter. It describes the family's entry into the congregation, corresponding changes in worship life and administrative structure of First Reformed Church, and the development and use of an individually designed confirmation curriculum for Walter. The article concludes with a short review of the impact of this ministry on other ministries of the church. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faith communities can provide a doorway to full inclusion for families with children with disabilities. This essay will explore ways in which pastoral church leaders have the ability through their calling to widen the doorway and bridge families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Eucharist sacramental preparation process on the parish level. It also sheds light on the challenges and rewards our children, their families, and pastoral religious education leaders experience when we look to inclusion (opening our hearts and minds) as a means of building the Body of Christ and our own communities of faith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]