Christian disability charity calls for more church advocates
Christian disability charity Through the Roof, signed up its 100th "Roofbreaker", and is calling for other volunteers to become “Roofbreakers” in their own church
A Roofbreaker is someone who helps to ensure that disabled people can belong and participate in the life of the church; and assists their church to fully involve disabled people and their families. Through the Roof hopes eventually to have a Roofbreaker in 1,000 churches.
Lisa has just become Through the Roof’s 100th Roofbreaker. When asked why she signed up for this role, she said, 'I signed up because my husband has a condition called Charcot Marie Tooth and uses a wheelchair. Our youngest daughter has also inherited the condition and has mild learning difficulties too.
'Over the years we've had experience of some of the challenges people with disabilities face in churches and also at large Christian events, as well as in day to day life. We also have friends with various conditions within their families ranging from autism to arthritis.
'I am currently training for ordination and one of my interests is in making church fully accessible to all and allowing everyone to develop their God-given gifts. For a start, I'd like to make theological colleges accessible.'
When someone signs up to be a Roofbreaker in their church, Through the Roof sends them a free starter kit and thereafter a monthly email full of information, ideas and inspiration. They are linked to a network of other Roofbreakers in their own area with whom they can meet from time to time for fellowship, prayer and to share ideas.
To find out more about becoming a Roofbreaker go to https://throughtheroof.org/forchurches/roofbreakers/
Baptist Times, 04/08/2017