Certificate in Disability, Inclusive Ministry and Christian Faith
Are you a congregational leader striving to create a more inclusive church community? Do you support people with disabilities in a faith-based setting? Luther’s Certificate in Disability and Christian Faith will provide you the opportunity to explore the intersection among disability, spirituality, mental health, and caregiving, with the specific goal of creating more diverse and welcoming communities.
Increasingly pastors, church leaders, and community workers, are called to welcome and support people of all ages with disabilities and mental health challenges, as well as family members who provide care (parents, spouses, adult children). It can be challenging to know how to respond. This certificate program explores the practical, theological, and ethical challenges many faith communities face as they strive to be inclusive and equitable. Together, along with experts in the field, we will explore ways communities of faith can welcome and celebrate the full participation and leadership of all members, particularly those who live with disabilities and mental health challenges.
Together we will:
- Discuss the practical and theological reasons behind why faith communities may struggle to welcome people with diverse abilities.
- Explore disability in the Bible.
- Review the current research in the fields of disability theology, ethics, and inclusive ministry, and consider their relevance in the daily work and life of faith communities.
- Identify the important ways people with disabilities and mental health challenges contribute to the life and work of faith communities.
- Rethink worship and ministry to celebrate the participation and leadership of all members.
- Identify practical strategies to create more inclusive faith communities that welcome the contributions and leadership of all members.
- Consider our personal calling in terms of the ongoing conversation and work of disability theology and inclusive ministry.
Certificate Courses
Course Description
Drawing on the work of contemporary disability theologians such as Nancy Eisland, Amos Yong, Thomas Reynolds, Deborah Creamer and others, this course explores how disability and the Christian tradition intersect.
In this course you will:
- Explore embodiment and disability in light of the imago Dei.
- Consider the interrelationship between Trinity and disability.
- Discuss Christian rituals with respect to disability.
- Examine Christian communities and their role in creating welcoming spaces for all bodies.
Type: Remote
Total Hours: 24.0
Location: Online
Course Fee: $575.00
Discount: Laurier/Luther Alumni 10%
This class is eligible for a T2202 tax receipt.
Course Description
Questioning Ability is an introductory course that surveys themes related to disability and ability as they engage theology, faith communities, accessibility, the body, and community. Students will identify barriers to the full participation and leadership for people with disabilities and explore how faith communities can improve access and inclusion.
In this course you will:
- Critique the term “disability”, and “normal”.
- Discuss how a deficit-based understanding of disability impedes the full participation of people with disabilities in society, and church communities in particular.
- Explore our calling as Christians to create radically welcoming communities.
- Identify strategies to create communities that allow people with disabilities to fully participate.
- Listen to the lived experience of people with disabilities.
Type: Remote
Total Hours: 24.0
Location: Online
Course Fee: $575.00
Discount: Laurier/Luther Alumni 10%
This class is eligible for a T2202 tax receipt.
Course Description
This course critically explores the spiritual challenges and care needs of people with mental health challenges, as well as their caregivers.
In this course you will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of mental health conditions and their impact on the daily lives of congregants.
- Explore how mental health challenges impact spirituality.
- Identify meaningful strategies to support the mental wellness of all members of a church community.
Type: Remote
Total Hours: 24.0
Location: Online
Course Fee: $575.00
Discount: Laurier/Luther Alumni 10%
This class is eligible for a T2202 tax receipt.
Course Description
The certificate program concludes with the capstone project. The capstone project provides students the opportunity to liaise with an expert in the field of disability, theology, and inclusive ministry to integrate their cumulative learning within the context of their specific professional environment or personal interests. Students registered for the capstone project will work with a faculty advisor to identify and complete a self-directed project. Possible projects could include a sermon series, Bible/book/film study, accessibility audit, proposal for a community initiative, support group, or service project, or another student initiated project. Students will be invited to present their completed project at the annual Luther Centre for Disability and Spirituality conference.
