ACCESS LEADERSHIP NETWORK

Resources

The AcLN Resource team connects people and shares resources to support the church’s ministry with and by people with disabilities to facilitate Christian community among the body of believers, growing and serving together.

Resources for your Church

Discussion Videos

Imago Dei – Access – October 2023

Erik W. Carter offers ten elements of belonging:  to be present, invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved.  Focused on moving from barriers to inclusion of persons with special needs in a faith community, Carter provides an inventory through which any faith-based community—parish, school, classroom, committee—can evaluate itself on how it engenders a sense of belonging.  Carter also offers many concrete strategies for inclusion.

Watch Imago Dei videos

Fostering Belonging

Erik W. Carter offers ten elements of belonging:  to be present, invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, cared for, befriended, needed, and loved.  Focused on moving from barriers to inclusion of persons with special needs in a faith community, Carter provides an inventory through which any faith-based community—parish, school, classroom, committee—can evaluate itself on how it engenders a sense of belonging.  Carter also offers many concrete strategies for inclusion.

Watch Fostering Belonging

Seasonal Resources

Service of Lament

Organizations

Joni and Friends

Church training resources – helping churches welcome and embrace people with disabilities.

 

With Ministries

Our mission is to provide resources that support faith formation and congregational inclusion with individuals with disability.
We seek to build church communities where congregations are truly with people experiencing disability, where all are known, have opportunities to serve and lead, and worship alongside fellow believers.

 

Key Ministry

Getting started – a checklist for beginning a special needs & disability inclusion ministry

Resource for families – books and articles, parenting topics, and respite care.

Heart of the Caregiver

Learning to love and care for ourselves and others well. Bible study materials & groups. Retreats with other caregivers.

 

DeafChurch Together

“DeafChurch Together” is an online, liturgical expression of the Christian faith in the Anglican tradition that follows the lectionary.

 

 Disability Studies, Theology, and Faith Formation

Disability: Living into the Diversity of Christ's Body

By Brian Brock

Walking with Jesus in Strange Places

by John Swinton

Wondrously Wounded: Theology, Disability, and the Body of Christ

by Brian Brock

Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges

by John Swinton

Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful: A Biblical Vision for Education in the Church

By S. Steve Kang and Gary A. Parrett

Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship

by John Swinton

Disability in the Christian Tradition: A Reader

by John Swinton

Access ACNA – Slack group

If you care about disability ministry within the ACNA, please email Kathy Ayres to join the Slack workspace to share resources and build a network of support. You are not alone!