Disabling Leadership: A Practical Theology for the Broken Body of Christ

People with disabilities are often excluded from full participation in church communities. Accessibility is a key component of the biblical ministry of reconciliation--but it’s not enough. To truly work toward reconciliation, churches must both consider the theological implications of disability and also become places where people with disabilities lead.

Disabling Leadership presents a practical theology of disability for thoughtful church leaders and congregants. Written by practitioners and a scholar-pastor who are engaged in ministry together, this book encompasses cutting-edge theological ethics as well as stories of how such commitments are embodied in a real church community. The authors equip readers to explore key themes such as:

• what it means to be human
• how to understand suffering and healing
• how churches can be welcoming and accessible communities
• how to face common challenges and issues in resisting ableism

Disabling Leadership moves beyond paternalistic views of disability that seek to extract ＂inspiration＂ from another’s story without engaging in the difficult work of just and dignifying relationships. When we foster genuinely inclusive leadership teams, the authors contend, our churches will be less likely to treat anyone as a ＂project＂ and will better reflect God’s love as the body of Christ.

Jody Michele (BS in sociology, Ball State University) is a locally licensed minister at Urban Light Community Church and an independent consultant on issues related to disability. She has served on numerous boards, including the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities and the Muncie Human Rights Commission.
Andrew T. Draper (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is founding teaching pastor at Urban Light Community Church in Muncie, Indiana, and adjunct theology faculty at Anderson School of Theology and Winebrenner Seminary. He is the author of A Theology of Race and Place, Christian Mission and Poverty, and numerous articles on race, disability, and the church.
Andrea Mae is a leader at Urban Light Community Church, where she serves on the church board and chairs the pastor/parish committee. She works in special education and advocacy for the disability community, presenting at multiple organizations and universities.