Beyond Suffering: A Christian View on Disability Ministry, Second Edition

Beyond Suffering is the foundational training program of the Christian Institute on Disability at Joni and Friends. It is designed to equip and empower Christians for transformative disability ministry in their sphere of influence. Whether you are a pastor, professional in disability services, volunteer, student, or caregiver, with or without a disability, this course will help you to do the following:

• Advocate for the importance and necessity of inclusive disability ministry in the church
• Interact confidently with people with various types of impairments, including physical, intellectual, sensory, and learning disabilities
• Identify the challenges and discriminatory practices that people with disabilities experience around the world
• Articulate a biblical worldview on disability as it relates to sanctity of life, dignity, and justice
• Articulate how God’s sovereign power is present and active in the lives of people with disabilities
• Identify and remove barriers that hinder the full participation of people with disabilities in the church
• Develop and execute steps for creating a healthy disability ministry in your context
• Practice advocacy skills and strategies that promote the full belonging of people with disabilities in the church and broader society

This course takes approximately 75 hours to complete and can be cited as 7 CEU credits to your organization. Upon completion of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion issued by Joni and Friends. 

For course-specific questions, email training@joniandfriends.org.

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