Disabling Leadership: A Practical Theology for the Broken Body of Christ

by Andrew T. Draper, Jody Michele, Andrea Mae

People with disabilities are often excluded from full participation in church communities. Accessibility is a key component of the biblical ministry of reconciliation―but it's not enough. To truly work toward reconciliation, churches must both consider the theological implications of disability and also become places where people with disabilities lead . Disabling Leadership presents a practical theology of disability for thoughtful church leaders and congregants. Written by practitioners and a scholar-pastor who are engaged in ministry together, this book encompasses cutting-edge theological ethics as well as stories of how such commitments are embodied in a real church community. The authors equip readers to explore key themes such Disabling Leadership moves beyond paternalistic views of disability that seek to extract "inspiration" from another's story without engaging in the difficult work of just and dignifying relationships. When we foster genuinely inclusive leadership teams, the authors contend, our churches will be less likely to treat anyone as a "project" and will better reflect God's love as the body of Christ.

Genres: Theology, Disability

208 pages, Paperback

Published December 12, 2023

About the author

Andrew T. Draper (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is founding teaching pastor at Urban Light Community Church, a multicultural community committed to ministries of reconciliation, justice, and community development. He is the author of A Theology of Race and Place and Christian Mission and Poverty, co-author of Disabling Leadership, and has written numerous articles and book chapters on race, disability, and the church. He has served as visiting and adjunct faculty of theology at several institutions, including Anderson School of Theology and Winebrenner Theological Seminary, from which he earned his MDiv.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and practical guide to offering accommodations for people with disabilities. I appreciated learning about the MANY forms of disability beyond the physical disabilities that I first think about. It's helpful to be reminded of the importance of listening to the person with the disability to hear a first hand description of the impact of a decision.

[Stephen Bedard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic introduction to disability theology for the church. Each of the authors have some first hand knowledge of disability and they wrestle with the challenges of being more than just welcoming on a surface level and to move toward being truly inclusive, including providing roles in leadership. This book is a gift to the church, one that will give leaders the insight they need to make real changes.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unique book shares theological insights and practical ideas for how churches can empower people with disabilities to take leadership roles in the church. The authors reflect on how well-meaning disability ministries often end up segregating the body of Christ, and they explore different definitions and elements of what leadership means. They argue that instead of thinking about Christian leadership through the lens of charisma and familiar, immediately recognizable capabilities, we should recognize and honor all of the ways that members of Christ's body honor him and share gifts of grace with their communities. The authors share helpful short histories of disability rights and disability theology, and they highlight ways that Christians can learn from people with disabilities, instead of seeing them as a group that needs to be cured or rescued.

Andrew T. Draper, Jody Michele, and Andrea Mae each write from their own vantage points, based on their experiences with the church and with different forms of visible and invisible disabilities. Although this book is academic in its overall content and tone, their personal perspectives engage readers and will help this reach a broader audience. Also, even though the book has a very academic feel when they are laying groundwork by reviewing previous literature, defining terms, and exploring theological concepts, the second half of the book includes lots of practical reflections about church life and leadership, sharing stories and ideas for how churches can become more inclusive and balance different needs. The authors also share advice for how leaders can present this issue to their congregations in ways that encourage buy-in and participation.

Although I agreed with most of the theological reflections in this book, I took issue with some of the authors' arguments about the nature of disability. They argue that disability isn't a result of the fall, but is part of God's original design for diversity in the world. As a result, they believe that even though people will not experience pain or suffering in their resurrected bodies, disabilities may persist in the new heaven and new earth. At times, they present this as a thought experiment, and they point out how some common beliefs in Christian culture are based in assumptions, not clear biblical evidence. Other times, they take a stronger stance against disability being a consequence of the fall.

One of the authors cites Jesus's words from when he healed the blind man, believing that since Jesus said that this man wasn't blind because of his own or his parents' sin (John 9:3), this means that blindness isn't a consequence of the fall. That doesn't fit with the text at all. Jesus was simply teaching that disability isn't a form of karmic retribution. Overall, I felt that the authors never presented a clear biblical argument for their belief. They mainly base this idea in pragmatism and personal feelings, and they don't engage with the best or most Bible-based arguments for the opposing view.

I can certainly see why someone who was born with a certain disability may feel that it is an inextricable part of who they are, and I can go along with the thought experiment of some disabilities and differences persisting in resurrected bodies, but it is absolutely not necessary to take the authors' view in order to love, honor, and receive leadership from people with disabilities. Also, I think that their argument sidelines people who have become disabled due to illness or tragedy, and who look forward to regaining lost abilities in their resurrected bodies someday. Since the authors base so much of their argument in people's feelings and self-perceptions, I thought they should have better acknowledged this side of it.

Even though I was disappointed with that element, I found this book very thought-provoking, and it was helpful for me to think through and process what I agree and disagree with. More importantly, the authors share a wealth of wisdom about how churches can better reflect the body of Christ in its fullness, fully including disabled people in the life of the church without segregating them or treating them as projects. There are lots of helpful ideas here for how churches can become more accessible and have more welcoming and inclusive attitudes, and I especially appreciated the insights into how churches can bring disabled members into decision-making processes and leadership teams. Despite my areas of disagreement with the authors, I greatly appreciated the majority of this book and would recommend it for the unique perspectives, theological encouragement, and practical advice that it offers.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[James-Michael Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly convicting book that EVERY ministry leader and team should read. There were a few places where I disagreed exegetically with some points, but overall this is a needed and prophetic corrective within the Body of Christ.

[Matthew Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book reviewed for Eleutheria, Liberty Divinity Journal (Volume 8, Issue 1)

In Disabling Leadership: A Practical Theology for the Broken Body of Christ, Dr. Andrew Draper, Jody Michele, and Andrea Mae call on churches to increase disability inclusion by both educating leaders and empowering people with disabilities to lead. The authors ground their vision in a “practical theology of leadership,” distinguishing between “leadership” (the formal study of leadership qualities) and “leading” (leading in the manner of Christ). Guided by Northouse’s ethical leadership principles—respect, service, justice, honesty, and community—they develop a theology that respects and amplifies the experiences of people with disabilities.

Throughout the book, the authors highlight first-person accounts of living with disability, underscoring how the church can support and learn from these stories. They emphasize that effective leadership should use power to serve and welcome diverse voices, including disabled individuals, into leadership roles. This ensures that marginalized groups are not only cared for but are also integral to congregational decision-making and spiritual growth.

Practical suggestions appear in the final chapter, focusing on accessibility in worship, preaching, and Christian education. The authors advocate for physical accommodations, alternative communication methods, and diverse preachers—including disabled individuals. They also warn that certain theologies have been used to harm marginalized groups, urging leaders to remain vigilant and open to correction.