Matthew's church in Louisville, KY is a beacon of hope for people with disabilities. The church has taken the necessary steps to ensure that everyone can participate in regular worship activities, regardless of their physical abilities. An elevator provides access to the main and lower levels, allowing individuals with disabilities to join in the same environment as others. The Christian church has always been compassionate towards those with disabilities, but it is time to go further.
The local Christian Care Communities can provide assistance to those who need these services. Ted Verseput from the Disability Affairs Committee of the Christian Reformed Church can be contacted at 2850 Kalamazoo SE Grand Rapids, MI 49560 or 616-246-0837 for inquiries on architectural design and accessibility checklists for churches. God has designed the church in such a way that it honors those with disabilities and creates a sense of unity among its members. Labels that separate people with disabilities from the rest of society should be avoided, as they create distance between people.
Christians must learn that the weak and the strong are needed together in the church, and that those who are incarcerated, hungry, or disabled have precious gifts for us. Matthew's church in Louisville, KY is a shining example of how churches can be made accessible to people with disabilities. By taking the necessary steps to ensure that everyone can participate in regular worship activities, regardless of their physical abilities, Matthew's church is setting an example for other churches to follow. With the help of local Christian Care Communities and Ted Verseput from the Disability Affairs Committee of the Christian Reformed Church, churches everywhere can make sure that everyone is included in their worship services.