Redefining Inclusion: How Churches Can Live Out the Gospel Through Disability | with Tim Wood
In this episode, Anthony Delaney engages with Tim Wood of Through the Roof to explore how disability inclusion is a gospel issue, not just a practical concern. They unpack how churches can more intentionally embody Christ’s love by welcoming and integrating people with disabilities—highlighting that inclusion is about access, belonging, and mission.
00:00 - Why inclusion around disability is central to the gospel02:24 - The story behind "Through the Roof" and its biblical roots04:22 - Disability as a major unreached people group in gospel outreach05:22 - The biblical example of Jesus befriending those with disabilities06:24 - Tim’s personal journey and calling into disability ministry12:33 - Attitudes that foster safe, genuine engagement14:42 - Practical church frameworks: access, belonging, and commissioning16:42 - The importance of community and diversity in the body of Christ17:10 - The role everyone plays in building God's kingdom21:10 - Celebrating gifts of those with disabilities, like the example of Ellen22:05 - Creative adaptations and involving disabled people in ministry roles23:39 - Messiness and authentic expressions of faith in inclusive churches26:33 - Challenging narrow notions of fitting people in vs. reshaping church to include all30:07 - The distinction between healing and wholeness, hope in God's timing31:32 - The living tension of miracle and mystery in faith and healing33:44 - Living as a community that reflects God's inclusive nature34:31 - The transformative joy of diverse, integrated fellowship36:52 - The importance of spontaneous expressions of faith and community moments46:52 - The impact of leaders' personal and family sacrifices in inclusion work44:25 - How encountering the face of God is deepened through diversity and disability46:53 - The importance of working alongside rather than over those with disabilities
