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Designing Leadership
Disability enriches ministry at Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church

by Dan Longmore
Page Image
Picture of a microphone on a bible
Image Caption
​                                                                          I​mage licensed under Creative Commons​​​​​​​​​


Opening paragraph
​Dan Longmore has been pastor of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church for nearly twelve years. In this interview, Dan reflects on how his ministry and congregation has been shaped by his vision disability. Dan and Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church provide a wonderful example of how leadership positions can be structured to draw out the gifts, talents, and experiences of pastors with disabilities. 

Page Content
​​How is your pastoral leadership shaped by vision loss? 
Early on in my ministry, I tried to minimize my limitations and resisted extra attention given to my disability. When a few years ago my condition worsened and I lost sight completely, I was forced to recognize and accept my limitations and challenges. Since then, I’ve come to see these challenges as ordained by my loving Heavenly Father. 

In pastoral leadership, I’m learning the value of leading from a point of weakness instead of strength. It’s a rather uncommon leadership style, but -- imagine that -- it’s a Biblical concept! The Apostle Paul reminds us, “For in my weakness His strength is made perfect,” (2 Cor 12:19).  Marsh Creek was aware of my disability when they called me to ministry. Because of their acceptance of my disability, I’ve been candid about my limitations. At times I’ve even become emotional with church members while discussing my eyesight loss. I believe this openness about my struggles has freed others to be at ease around me and helps people express their questions without fear of offending me.   

How is your congregation enriched by your experience with disability?



Members of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church

My own experience over the years has given me a greater appreciation and understanding of those who experience some form of physical or intellectual disability. When appropriate, my messages and teaching include illustrations, humorous or serious, about my disability and the daily challenges it brings. I hope this enables others to experience, explore, and accept their own disabilities and limitations.

I believe an upside to my disability is that it creates opportunities for other members of the church body to get involved in serving the Lord. Some traditional pastoral responsibilities assigned to a sighted pastor have been passed along to other individuals in my congregation. Church leaders assist me in serving communion, and when necessary, help by reading materials that I haven’t been able to scan and read prior to a meeting. Property maintenance and yard work are handled by a group of trustees. Can you picture me mowing the church lawn? Scary! Involving the congregation in these ways isn’t a burden, it’s a blessing. 

Oh yes. There have been difficult and frustrating experiences in performing my role as pastor with low vision and now, blindness. But even these difficulties have turned out to be opportunities for me to learn, trust, and depend on God. 

How do you recommend fostering a church climate of sensitivity to disability? 

Learning to be sensitive to the needs of those with disabilities takes time, alertness, and compassion. A first step toward being a sensitive congregation is to observe and listen. Often out of fear, a person may attempt to hide their disability. It takes a gentle and observant community of people to draw a person out of their fears and into participation. 

So what can your church do? First, form a small, trusted group to attend to the extra needs of the individual with a disability. Providing them a natural source of support will help to integrate the individual in a non-threatening way. Second, incorporate activities into congregational life that sensitizes the whole church to disability awareness. For example, try an activity that simulates the experience of someone with a disability by using blindfolds, earmuffs, crutches or a wheelchair. Foster sensitivity by creating understanding and compassion for the experience of disability. Third, as much as possible, find ways to include individuals with disabilities in your worship services, leadership teams, and planning committees. Allow your services and gatherings to be shaped by their input and gifts.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid of a member/attender who has a disability. Treat them as you would anyone else within your congregation. Personally, I am not offended when people ask,” Did you see this” or “Watch this”. Awkward words or encounters are far less harmful than leaving a person out of a conversation, activity, leadership, or church community.  




Dan Longmore has been a pastor for over twenty years and has been at Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church of Howard, PA, for nearly twelve years. Dan welcomes your comments, questions, and thoughts. Please visit the Contact Us page to be connected with him. ​


​We'd love to hear your comments and questions! 
Leave us a message below or visit the Contact Us page .​

 In this issue

  • Universal Design...for Congregations!
    One size does not fit all. This edition of Connections features stories of congregations that have used creativity and ingenuity to design congregational life to fit the unique needs and styles of participants with disabilities.
  • Designing Worship at Expressions of Love and Praise
    Expressions of Love and Praise creatively redesigned worship into an experience that is participatory, meaningful, and vibrant for those with intellectual disabilities.
  • ADN at Summer Conferences/Conventions
    ADN is participating in denominational conferences in June and July. Read more about how you can be involved.
  • Designing Communications
    Columbus Mennonite created an Icon Bulletin in addition to their regular bulletin for those in the congregation that are non-readers Check it out!
  • Hand in Hand With God
    When Flora Williams found herself trapped in a Mexican tour bus, her terrific get away turned into months of hospital stays, doctors appointments, and a life-changing disability. Flora's book Hand in Hand with God is reviewed.
  • Becoming More Accessible Summer 2017
    ADN Executive Director Kathy Nofziger Yeakey calls on us to use divinely inspired creativity to break down barriers and promote accessibility.
  • Designing a Welcoming Space
    Most steps towards becoming a more accessible church are simple and easy to do. Dan Longmore, pastor of Marsh Creek Brethren in Christ Church gives tips to making people with disabilities feel more at home.
 

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