Who We Are
We firmly believe that every person is created in the image of God and deserves full inclusion in the life of the church, and this belief fuels our conviction that we must intentionally minister alongside individuals with disabilities, rather than merely minister to them. This gospel-centered calling reflects the compassion, healing, and inclusive ministry of Jesus Christ.
What We Do
Disabilities Ministries serves individuals with
- physical,
- sensory,
- intellectual,
- developmental,
- emotional, and
- invisible disabilities,
as well as their families, caregivers, and local church leaders throughout the Pacific Union Conference. We provide:
- advocacy,
- education,
- accessibility awareness,
- leadership training, and
- spiritual support.
Our goal is to help churches create welcoming environments where individuals with disabilities can worship, serve, lead and participate fully in congregational life. In addition, we connect families with resources and encourage greater understanding and acceptance within local church communities.
Why We Do What We Do
This work is important because people with disabilities are often overlooked, isolated, or underserved within society and sometimes within faith communities. Over the past few years, we have excelled at building awareness, encouraging collaboration, and creating opportunities for dialogue and training throughout the Union.
Events such as the Disabilities Ministries Convention have brought together leaders, families, and advocates to share resources, experiences, and inspiration. This work has helped normalize conversations about accessibility and inclusion within the church, and helps ensure churches reflect the inclusive love of Christ by removing barriers and creating opportunities for belonging, participation, and spiritual growth for everyone.
Our Goals
In the near future, the leadership of Disabilities Ministries would like to:
- expand its training programs,
- strengthen partnerships with local churches and conferences,
- develop additional accessible resources, and
- encourage younger generations to become involved in disabilities advocacy and ministry leadership.
This growth directly supports the ministry’s long-term vision of creating churches where every individual is valued, included, and empowered for service. By 2031, we would love to see sustainable disabilities ministries established across local conferences and churches throughout the Union.
Be Part of What We Do
If you are interested in supporting Disabilities Ministries, consider:
- Volunteering
- Advocating for accessibility in your local churches
- Participating in training events
- Raising awareness about inclusion
- Praying for the work
- Contributing financially
- Partnering with us
How to Connect
We would love to have you become part of our efforts to help our members with disabilities discover opportunities to use their gifts publicly in music, testimony, teaching, and service. Contact us today to find out how you can contribute to the work! You can reach us at wdavis@churchstate.org
About the Director
William “Bill” Davis is an experienced ministry leader, educator, and advocate with decades of service in leadership development, public affairs, and inclusion ministries, and he has worked extensively to promote full participation and accessibility for people with disabilities within the life and mission of the church. Davis’ work emphasizes dignity, belonging, advocacy, and practical ministry solutions that empower local congregations to become more inclusive communities of faith.