In My Shoes: Finding a Place to Call My ‘Church Home’

For many years, I’ve tried to fit into other congregations, looking to serve as well as be served.

CRC Regional Disability Advocate Elizabeth Schultz belongs to the Church of Benjamin’s Hope in Holland, Mich. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and teaches group home aides how to treat people with disabilities. Find her online at tinyurl.com/5f65web6.

Finding a Place to Call My ‘Church Home’

AS SOMEONE with a physical disability who’s been in the church since college, I never thought I’d join an all-abilities church—one where, no matter one’s disability, every person is included fully.

In Holland, Mich., that’s the Church of Benjamin’s Hope.

Until two years ago I was doing mental gymnastics. I was haughty; I placed myself above people with intellectual disabilities and emotional disabilities. Until recently I thought of Ben’s Hope as for people whose outbursts are considered disruptive in other churches. I now understand those outbursts differently. I’ve grown to appreciate and understand and relish how my fellow congregants praise God, audibly and in physical activity, and I have heard God’s voice in the men and women there.

My heart breaks for each one of them who couldn’t find a place in any other church. I have had a taste of what they must go through.

For many years, I’ve tried to fit into other congregations, looking to serve as well as be served. I have cerebral palsy, which affects my movement and speech. That hasn’t been a barrier to me having a part-time job teaching and being involved in Toastmasters International. But recently, in a typical congregation, my speech became a barrier. Some people find my speech difficult to understand. I was no longer allowed to read Scripture or lead prayer in front of the congregation. This was a big letdown because in so many ways I have to be a taker because of the care I need to live. Every Christian is called to give of their talents, and mine are my writing, my teaching, and my voice.

I have found solace at Ben’s Hope, a place where my speech is never an issue and I’m free to be me—disability and all! The fight is over. I have found my home. I wish the same for every person with a disability, whether in a mainstream church or an all-abilities one. It’s a shame that for someone with a disability finding a church congregation is this hard. Jesus said, “Let the children come to me!” (Mark 10:14, CEV). If the church doesn’t start accepting people with disabilities or founding more all-abilities congregations, we are lacking in our mission. This is why I’m excited that in October City Hope, another all-abilities congregation associated with the Christian Reformed Church, opened in Grand Rapids, Mich. All are welcome, all are served, and all serve.