Friendly Church

More than 1.3 billion people – approximately one in six people worldwide – live with a significant disability. Every congregation has the opportunity to reflect the heart of Christ by intentionally removing barriers to participation and creating environments where people of all abilities can worship, serve, lead, and flourish together.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently affirms the dignity and worth of every person. Jesus welcomed people with disabilities with compassion, restored dignity, and invited them into the life of God’s Kingdom. His example continues to shape our calling today.

A Friendly Church for People with Disabilities and Special Needs intentionally seeks to ensure that people of all abilities experience belonging in every aspect of congregational life.

While every church’s journey will look different, a Friendly Church may:

• Set aside at least one Sunday each year to focus on disability awareness, inclusion, and prayer. This could be in alignment with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which is observed annually on December 3 to promote disability rights, inclusion, and awareness, or another day of your choosing.
• Ensure church facilities are as accessible as possible.
• Provide biblical, theological, and practical training for pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers.
• Establish strong safeguarding policies to protect people with disabilities and special needs from abuse and neglect.
• Create opportunities for full participation in worship, discipleship, fellowship, and service.
• Offer interpretation or other communication support for deaf participants and others with communication needs.
• Recognize, encourage, and celebrate the spiritual gifts and leadership of people with disabilities.
• Support individuals with disabilities who are called to ministry and mission.
• Foster meaningful friendships and authentic community.
• Assist with practical needs such as transportation, employment support, shopping assistance, medical care, or financial assistance when appropriate.
• Provide discipleship and spiritual growth opportunities designed for people of all abilities.
• Partner with denominational, educational, and community initiatives that promote disability inclusion.

People with disabilities and special needs are an indispensable part of the body of Christ, created in the image of God and uniquely gifted for ministry and service. As churches seek to embody Christ’s love through welcome, accessibility, and mutual care, this resolution calls the global Baptist family to renewed action, equipping congregations to become communities where every person is valued, empowered, and able to flourish. The 2026 Resolution adopted by the Global Council invites Baptists worldwide to unite in empowering and caring well for people with disabilities and special needs. Read or Download the Resolution.

In this video, Nabil Costa shares how Baptists in Lebanon are walking alongside people with disabilities and special needs through ministries of welcome, dignity, and belonging. He also invites Baptists around the world to join this shared commitment to create churches where every person is valued and welcomed to The Table of Christ.

As one global Baptist family, may we continue to remove barriers, celebrate the gifts of every person, and reflect the love of Christ in our churches and communities.

In this special conversation, BWA Historian Lee Spitzer and Katie Frugé, Chair of the BWA Commission on Faith and Technology, reflect on the biblical call to inclusion and the importance of recognizing the God-given dignity, gifts, and leadership of people with disabilities.

Drawing from their personal experiences as parents of children with special needs, they share honest insights, practical encouragement, and a compelling vision for churches seeking to become places where everyone belongs and can flourish.