Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 6
Price: $125
CEUs: 3.0
Required books?: Yes
Live video session?: No
Part of a certification or series of courses?: Yes (IFD Certification in Ministry with People with Disabilities)
New to BeADisciple?
Read how BeADisciple courses work
This course will explore how the Bible provides us with examples of people with disabilities were viewed in the Old Testament and then we will take a look at how those with disabilities were welcomed in a community.
As you prepare for the course, please reflect on these questions:
- What does it mean to be created in the image of God?
- What is the blueprint that the Old Testament outlined for us regarding those with disabilities?
- What changed in the New Testament in the way those with disabilities were viewed? Were they welcomed or marginalized?
Since we are studying the Bible and disabilities, one of the required books for this course is the Bible. I listed several different ways below that you can use the Bible. Please use The Bible in the form that is best for you. I do welcome you to try another source for learning the Bible. (For instance, if you like reading from a book, try the audio version of the Bible). Those with learning disabilities learn differently. So, it is good to consider other ways of learning from the text. We will go into this more in the courses being provided in the certification of Ministry with People with Disabilities.
Students are required to have the following book for this class:
- The Bible (please try to use a different format than you are used to: hard copy, online access or audio)
- The Bible, Disability and the Church, by Amos Yong
- Disability Studies and the Hebrew Bible: Figuring Mephibosheth in the David Story (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies), by Jeremy Schipper
This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.
About the Instructor
Harriet Wilkin has been called into ministry to be bring the Gospel message of love, hope, peace, and joy. She knows what it means for a community of faith to come together to support one another and to support the local community. Harriet has served both rural and urban congregations. Harriet believes that through community and through inter-generational ministry the Holy Spirit is working to bring the message of Christ’s redeeming love to all.
Harriet has two bachelor’s degrees and a Master of Divinity degree. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/ Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Critical Communications. Upon completing her Master of Divinity degree from Claremont School of Theology in 2015, Harriet was appointed to her first church as solo-pastor in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. Harriet has been studying Spiritual Formation, and she continues to study a variety of topics that include religion, leadership, business, and communications.
Harriet’s early days in ministry revolved around Christian program/ ministry development for children, youth, and young adults. She has experience of nearly 20 years working as a volunteer or staff person in the local church. Harriet has also worked at an Easter Seal camp working with various age groups with disabilities.
God has given Harriet the following skills: organizational skills, administration/ business skills, teacher/ preacher, building or re-building programs/ ministries, visitation ministry, small group facilitator, writing ministry resources for all age groups, passion about inter-generational ministry, developing ministry support for those with disabilities and their families, support group for Caregivers, support for First Responders, Veterans, and their families, organize/ plan worship services, and researching for materials that can be used in a ministry setting. She enjoys being creative with ministry and trying new and exciting ministries that offer support and outreach to all who are searching for a deeper connection with Christ.
Harriet’s website is: https://hwilkin.wixsite.com/hwministries
