🎥 Video 10B Transcript: What Not to Do: Treating Inclusion Like a Side Project

Hi, I am Haley, a Christian Leaders Institute presenter.

In this lesson, we are looking at what not to do when helping churches and ministries become more inclusive.

One of the most common mistakes is treating inclusion like a side project.

That happens when a church says, “We care about this,” but only thinks about it occasionally. Maybe there is one disability event each year. Maybe one kind volunteer carries the whole burden. Maybe the church assumes that because no one is complaining, everything must be fine.

But inclusion cannot stay a side project.

Why?

Because adults with disabilities are not a side group in the body of Christ. They are part of the body.

A wise Adults with Disabilities Chaplain helps churches understand that inclusion is not a bonus ministry added onto church life. It is part of church life.

Another mistake is confusing friendliness with readiness.

A ministry may be warm, smile often, and still be unprepared. The room may be too loud. The group may move too fast. No one may know how to make room for communication differences. Volunteers may not know how to address the adult directly. Caregivers may be welcomed but never supported. Leaders may have good hearts and weak practices.

That gap matters.

Another mistake is assuming physical access is the whole issue.

A ramp matters.
An elevator matters.
A clear path matters.

But inclusion is bigger than that.

Can the person follow the service?
Can they join a Bible study without shame?
Can they build friendships?
Can they serve?
Can they receive spiritual care in ways that fit their needs?

If the answer is no, then the ministry may be accessible in one sense while still excluding in another.

A Chaplain for Adults with Disabilities must also avoid helping churches in a way that becomes mostly guilt.

If leaders feel accused, they may defend themselves instead of learning. A wise chaplain should be truthful without being harsh.

You do not need to say, “You have been failing these people.”

You can say, “There may be good next steps that would help more adults participate with dignity.”

That kind of language opens the door.

Another common mistake is tokenism.

A church may place one adult with disabilities in a visible moment and quietly assume the problem is solved. But token inclusion is not real inclusion.

A person should not be displayed to prove the church is welcoming.
They should be supported because they are a necessary member of Christ’s body.

A non-reductionist posture matters here.

Adults with disabilities are not ministry objects.
They are not proof of the church’s kindness.
They are not one-dimensional needs to manage.

They are whole people with dignity, gifts, struggles, faith, and potential contribution.

A wise Disability-Aware Chaplain also avoids trying to fix everything at once.

Some chaplains see many barriers and then push a whole ministry system too hard, too fast. That may overwhelm leaders and create resistance.

Usually it is wiser to help churches take meaningful next steps.

Maybe one group needs clearer structure.
Maybe one volunteer team needs training.
Maybe one sensory adjustment would make a real difference.
Maybe one family needs better support.
Maybe one adult needs a clearer participation pathway.

Small faithful steps matter.

Ministry Sciences helps here because it reminds us that belonging is shaped by repeated experiences. Inclusion does not happen only through statements. It happens through rhythms, habits, tone, and structures that people encounter over time.

The Organic Humans framework helps too. Whole-person inclusion means thinking about body, emotions, relationships, communication, spiritual participation, and service opportunities together. If a ministry addresses only one part, it may still miss the person.

So what should you avoid?

Do not treat inclusion like an occasional side effort.
Do not confuse friendliness with readiness.
Do not reduce inclusion to ramps and seating.
Do not shame leaders into defensiveness.
Do not use token participation as proof of success.
Do not try to solve everything through one dramatic change.
Do not forget that adults with disabilities are full members of the body, not a ministry category outside the main life of the church.

A good Adults with Disabilities Chaplain helps churches grow with truth, patience, and practical wisdom.

That is what not to do.
And that is why thoughtful inclusion work matters so much.