Our Mission
Through advocacy, education, and empowerment the Disability Ministries Committee of the United Methodist Church will lead the denomination in creating a culture where people with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of worship, leadership, ministry, and mission.
Our History
The United Methodist National Task Force on Developmental Disabilities started in 1992. Reverend Kathy Reeves and the Health & Welfare unit of UMCOR responded to a request from Pat Cook of Leavenworth, Kansas. Their goal was to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families were included and nurtured in the worship community.
In 2009, the committee expanded to include partnerships with people affected by all types of disabilities. In 2012, the UM General Conference voted to make it a standing committee. The Committee was renamed “Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church,” and was placed under the umbrella of the General Board of Global Ministries until 2018. In 2019, Bishop Peggy Johnson represented the committee at the Council of Bishops. On January 1, 2020, the committee became a partner ministry with the General Commission on Religion and Race.
What We Do
The Committee is a ministry partner of the General Commission on Religion and Race and participates in the equity, vital conversations, and intercultural competency work. Our mission includes:
Providing practical resources through an up-to-date and accessible website, newsletter, and social media
Equipping annual conferences, general boards and agencies, and camping and retreat ministries
Consulting with churches and members regarding accessibility, advocacy, resource needs, Disability Awareness workshops, and trainings
Awarding seed grants for church ramps, lifts, automatic door openers, accessible restrooms, sensory spaces, and equipment for children’s inclusive ministries, and innovative disability ministry programming