No Disabled Souls: How to Welcome a Person With a Disability into Your Life and Your Church

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Summary: Can assist all of us in being reflections of God's kingdom.
Review: Is God prompting you to include a disabled person in your circle of friends? Are you uncertain of what to do next? Are you uneasy about perhaps offending the person by your interest? Dr. Jim Pierson, a speech pathologist, advocate, educator, and pastor, has used his years of experience to produce a slim, practical volume that will dispel your questions and give you the confidence to follow God's leading. No specialized education or professional skills are necessary to be a friend. The beginning of a life-enriching friendship between you and a disabled person is as simple as introducing yourself and asking, "What is your name?" Each chapter introduces the reader to another of Dr. Pierson's friends with his or her unique perspective on life and on the opportunities our God provides. Mental, physical, emotional, and learning disabilites are defined and illustrated, and very practical suggestions are given for working past difficulties in communication, mobility, and social behavior. Dr. Pierson emphasizes that whether a person's disability has been present from birth or acquired at a later time, each person must be included in a social and spiritual community. Friendship is an expression of love. The most lasting love ensures that each friend is included in God's kingdom. Begin with simple social pleasures: invitations to coffee or dinner at home or at a restaurant. Disabled people are people first, and they enjoy sports, hobbies, gardens, and festive events. However, unlike nondisabled people, their opportunities to enjoy these things are usually more limited. Once a relationship is established, there will be obvious opportunities for both of you to express faith and trust in God's promises. Be ready to exercise the spiritual fruit of patience as you begin to communicate and understand one another. Do not be afraid to admit when you don't understand immediately. After you have conquered these problems, you will share joy.Whether or not communication is easy, there is never a barrier to the work of the Holy Spirit. Every soul can learn God's loving care and intent for His people. When the friendship reaches spiritual levels, invite your friend to attend worship with you. If he or she is already involved in another congregation, attend their services occasionally. Dr. Pierson has developed easy, step-by-step procedures to assist church staff in expanding their educational opportunities to include disabled people. Of particular interest is a chart that explains the symptomatic behaviors of autism in terms that anyone can understand. This and other basic how-to information on each type of disability will make classroom inclusion of disabled students much less stressful. Disabilities rearrange the lives of family members too. They often need assistance to cope with the stresses of accepting diagnoses and making lifestyle changes. Ordinary family chores can become a burden when therapy sessions occupy a major part of each day. Befriend the family of your disabled friend as well. Intercessory prayer, practical assistance, and listening ears make waiting for the removal of every disability much easier (God promises that each one is temporary). Our God, who calls the lame his beloved remnant (Micah 4:6, 7), loves the diversity of each unique person. This book can assist all of us in molding our lives and congregations to be clearer reflections of His kingdom.

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Summary: A must handbook for every Christian.
Review: Jim Pierson has delivered a heart-touching book. This collection of vignettes from Jim's experiences present real people with disabilities who have come to faith because of the ministry of those who care. Each chapter concludes with helpful ministry hints. Pierson is eminently well qualified to write this book. An outstanding preacher, most of his professional life has been devoted to mininstry with those who have disabilities. For 17 years, he directed the East Tennessee Children's Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville. He has developed a minor in disability ministry at Johnson Bible College, also in Knoxville, and teaches courses in that program. He is a special consultant to Standard Publishing for the development of materials and services to churches interested in ministering to those with disabilities. He is currently the director of The Christian Church Foundation for the Handicapped in Louisville. His entire professional focus-and much of his personal interest-is involved with ministry to those with disabilites. The hints for extending friendship and ministry at the end of each chapter are invaluable resources for any individual who wishes to reach out to those who are disabled. The book is a must handbook for every Christian.

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Summary: The best book we've encountered in this field
Review: We have read numerous books on disibility ministry. Without a doubt, we would have to say that "No Disabled Souls" is the best book we've encountered in this field. It is easy and enjoyable reading, yet practical. It outlines bite size steps for individuals and churches to take as they enter the world of disability ministry. We are recommending this book to all.