IFDC1220 – Theology of Ministry with People with Disabilities

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)

This is the second of four courses in the Ministry with People with Disabilities. In this course we will expand on what we began learning in course one of this certification process. Through this course, students will be provided a theological foundation for the practice of ministry, relating theology to relevant issues of disability and faith development. Students will be engaged in theological reflection relating to tradition, experience, and exploration of the theology of disability. Students will study various theologies and will be asked to incorporate their own denominational theology into the conversation and into their weekly papers. Focus will be on a theology of hospitality towards those with a variety of disabilities. Students will be engaged in theological reflection relating to tradition, experience and exploring the theology of disability.

Students are required to have the following book for this class; a list of additional resources will be provided.

• A Gentle Touch, by David A. Pailin
• The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability, by Nancy L. Eiesland
• Vulnerable Communion: Theology of Disability and Hospitality, by Thomas E. Reynolds

This course is eligible for 3.0 CEU.

You will need a password to enroll in this class as a proof of pre-requisites.

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