Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion

Written by Lamar Hardwick and Bill Gaventa

Narrated by Bill Andrew Quinn

Lamar Hardwick was thirty-six years old when he found out he was on the autism spectrum. While this revelation helped him understand and process his own experience, it also prompted a difficult re-evaluation of who he was as a person. And as a pastor, it started him on a new path of considering the way disabled people are treated in the church.

Disability and the Church is a practical and theological reconsideration of the church's responsibilities to the disabled community. Too often disabled persons are pushed away from the church or made to feel unwelcome in any number of ways. As Hardwick writes, "This should not be." He insists that the good news of Jesus affirms God's image in all people, and he offers practical steps and strategies to build stronger, truly inclusive communities of faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781545919071

Lamar Hardwick

Lamar Hardwick (DMin, Liberty University), also known as "the autism pastor," is the lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia. He writes and speaks frequently on the topic of disability, especially autism, and he is also the author of the best-selling I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor.

Reviews for Disability and the Church

[juva_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A pastor who was diagnosed later in life with autism provides valuable insight and advice for churches about how to be more welcoming and inclusive to the disability community. This is an area of diversity and inclusion that is often forgotten and Christianity in general does not have the best track record when it comes to disability inclusion. The author includes many first-hand accounts of people with disabilities being actively turned away or discouraged from pursuing their calling to ministry. He also outlines the common pitfalls that even well-meaning people might stumble into. I found this book eye opening and every enlightening. Anyone who goes to a church should read this book and carefully consider its points.