Category: philosophy/religion topics
Hi Everyone, I was wondering, as a visually impaired person, how do you fit into your church family? Are you very involved or are you just there? Do you attend church functions? Do you take part in functions? Does the church include you or do you just stay to yourself? Would you be interested in a group that was geared toward you? Do you have access to such a group? What is your circumstance?I'm interested because the Lord has led me to minister to others who are disabled as well as those who are not. I currently run a Bible Study group out of my home for some blind friends and teach a Bible Study group to the kids at the local School for the Blind. I do these things on top of teaching Sunday School to the adults in my church and singing on the Worship Team. I feel the Lord is leading to become more involved with the disabled population than I ever have before and would love to know of other people's circumstances. I've tried not to allow my blindness to get into my way when it comes to doing God's work. Let me know what's up with you. Donna (djmom)
Well I am involved in my church family by being inthe choir. I sing in the choir and belong to a small group, but some times the choir members especially 2 ladies in particular want to treat me as though I shouldn't be there. I do wish there was a group geared towards me some times yes. I did how ever volonteer in a church in my home town of Albuquerque 3 and a half hours from here doing a special needs vacation bible school. I have done that on and off since 1996 when I was 12 years old.
I'm not super involved in my church, but I have done stuff on the worship team for young adults, and been involved with youth ministry in the past. There are times I feel kinda left out in my peer group, but that's partly because I live so far away from them. I'm moving closer though :)
As far as I know I'm the only blind person/member of my church. I belong to a singles group which consists of all sighted people in their 20's. I fit in very well with them and they give me a lot of support and accept me for who I am and have ever since I joined them in september of 2004. I really enjoy hanging with them and we have a bible study every Thirsday and sunday school every Sunday. I feel that people at church should accept you blind or sighted.
Troy
I'm our church's minister of music, so I suppose I fit in quite well. Lol
Well, i will say it depends on the sort of people you are with though. I have attended several churches. Here in Belgium, we have the NATO headquarters and many americans are here as they are stationed in Belgium, so they have churches. I attended one of them and the population was chaning frequently. Most of the time, I was included very well, singing in the choir or solos, taking part in other activities. I must say i was welcomed by the vast majority. However, some people were different. not those in the military though, but those who were there only for the church itself. The pastors changed alot and one particular one was not comfortable with me at all, not knowing how to approach me. Now, where i go, i am one of the worship leaders.
I'm like that child the family has, but doesn't want to admit exists.
i'd say i fit in very well in my church. I'm a part time receptionist there. I work 3 times a week for now. I attend church each sunday, and partake in whatever activities i can. I love working there and everyone accepts me for who i am, no judging, or any of that stuff. I feel they treat me very good and I'm very glad to be there.
I am just trying to find a church here so far no luck.
It sounds like the majority of you are doing very well. that's great! I thought that mosrt of you would have problems. but that just goes to show I'm wrong. I'm so glad to hear that you are all doing so well. I'm running a Bible Study group out of my home for blind adults and I haven' found too many interested in even wanting to learn about the Lord. I hope it will change as time goes on. Donna (djmom)
Um, I am in a high school group called the edge. I don't feel too welcomed, but...They Don't seem to want me there. I feel like it's nothing to do with mhy blindness though. I know a couple of friends from there. I was going to try out for our Christmas program the Christmas Joy next year. I both greet and usher. The pastor in charge of ushering took me on quite merrily and so did the lady named randi who took me on for greeting. I love those, though I get people that just past me like I am a extra piece of wood at the door.