Christian Social Constructions of Disability

Abstract

In an effort to identify the pervasiveness of selected social constructions about disability, a sample of church leaders for the National Organization on Disability's “Accessible Congregations Campaign” list was identified and surveyed. The results at times were nearly unanimous in stating that persons with disabilities (1) were not expensive to the church, (2) do not drive potential members away, and (3) do not take excessive time away from other potential areas of service. However, taken together, there appears to be confusion across church leaders about some of these issues, particularly in relation to areas of why a person has a disability, and the life experience of persons with disability. On the basis of the responses received, the authors recommend that persons with disabilities be a focus for evangelism and ministry within the Christian church, and that more research of a theological nature needs to be done in the area of disability.

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