Organization: Meros Center & Kingdom Workers
Background/Context:
Organizational comfort or discomfort within church communities can influence the spiritual journey of people with disabilities and their families, which may differ based on cultural setting. By understanding the dimensions related to inclusion in Malawi, Grenada, Indonesia, and the United States we aim to understand and then enhance church practices, foster deeper spiritual belonging, and support the meaningful participation and leadership of individuals with disabilities in the local church and community.
Funded By: Donors Like You
Research Question:
The over-arching research question for this multi-year study is “What is the spiritual impact of a church-based disability ministry in the global setting?”
Study Aims:
- Describe the spiritual journeys of people with disabilities and their families, starting with Malawi, Grenada, Indonesia, and the United States.
- Determine how to measure spiritual growth and belonging for people with disabilities and their families at the family, church, and community level across cultures.
- Identify church or organization attitudes and practices associated with the positive impacts of a disability ministry in multiple countries, starting with Malawi, Grenada, and the United States.
- Provide practical recommendations to churches in the global setting that aim to strengthen spiritual support for individuals with disabilities and their families.
- Validate the use of AI to translate research tools into minority languages
Impact:
This multi-site project will provide actionable recommendations and an assessment tool churches can use to initiate ministries of belonging and improve overall congregational inclusion.
Open Positions:
No Open Positions
Timeline: MAY 2026 – APR 2029