The Role of the Church in Caring for the People with Disabilities: Lessons from 2 Samuel 9:1-10

Abstract

Disability refers to a physical, sensory or mental limitation that interferes with a person’s ability to move, see, hear or learn. Disability is a phenomenon that can be witnessed by anyone and can be found in every nation of the world. The seemingly awful neglect of the ministry to People with Disabilities (PWDs) by some churches in Africa and Nigeria in particular is a pertinent issue which must not be glossed over. This is the concern of this paper. The Church and Christians at large need to arise to the responsibility of seeing to the welfare of PWDs. However, some churches see the ministry as worthwhile; others look at it with disdain based on misunderstanding of some scriptural passages. Nevertheless, as exemplified by David in 2 Samuel 9:1-10 and, mandated in Matthew 28:19-20, the Church (apart from the government) and Christians all over the world have roles to play in caring for PWDs. This study therefore, examines the roles of the church in caring for the people with disabilities with a view to challenging and encouraging the 21st Century Church to be mindful of the physically challenged people in all their programmes and activities. The study employs historical and textual approaches. It is discovered that many churches are yet to come to term that ministry in a properly defined context is not for a selected few members of the church, but to all and sundry. It is recommended that the Church should avoid the temptation of discriminating against people with disabilities but rather accept them just as Jesus did to all irrespective of status during his earthly ministry.