Jesus Accepts Me Program: Helping Churches Become More Inclusive
Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Mission
Bringing about change starts with education and equipping communities with the necessary tools. Often, it takes someone confronting a situation to realize that a change is needed.
At JAM Agency, our purpose is to inspire and facilitate transformative change within the church. The church is a place where all can gather to worship our Lord and Savior; yet, we recognize that not all churches fully embody this inclusivity.
Through the Jesus Accepts Me Program, we partner with church leaders to educate and equip their congregations, fostering an inclusive environment that welcomes and accommodates people with disabilities.
Our Goal
Fear. It is the fear of the unknown, the fear of the misunderstood, the fear of what is different. Fear is what makes it hard, makes it difficult, and silences us. Fear is what causes individual churchgoers to make a comment or give a side eye. This fear is what discourages our brothers and sisters in the community of people with disabilities from participating. I am here to tell you that there is hope, and with hope, we can come together to defeat the fear and embrace the love.
God does not call us to fear, but rather to love. In the letters John wrote to the early church, John discusses God’s love for us and how we are to love one another. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear”. This perfect love, this divine love, is a force that can empower us to overcome our fears and embrace the unknown, the misunderstood, and the different.
Our hope in developing this program is to help bring people together. We hope to equip the church to alleviate the fears of both the congregation and the community of people with disabilities, and to enable us all to embody the love that God calls us to share.
Why it Matters
The community of people with disabilities is a testament to selflessness, involving more than the individual with the disability; it includes the parents, caregivers, and their families. These dedicated families offer endless hours to their loved ones with disabilities and seldom ask for anything in return. Their actions are not driven by a desire for recognition or a trophy, but by a deep, selfless love for the precious individuals in their lives.
Yet, it can be a tiresome and lonely road. These families face a higher financial burden and experience a more substantial emotional and psychological impact. They also may feel more isolated due to people's lack of understanding. Who do these families have to turn to when times are hard or when they need a break? This is the reality they face, and it's a reality that calls for our immediate attention and support.
All the more reason for our fellow Christians to rise and let this community know that we see them and we are here to help them. We must remind them of God's love and show them the compassion that is missing. We are here to provide a safe space for them to come when they are lonely, weary, or need rest and reassurance of God's word.
Are you Equipped?
Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences, your home church, and your interactions within the community. Are you ready to help bring the change needed to reach the community of people with disabilities? We are here to help you and your church! Book your consultation meeting with us today to find out if you are ready to be equipped.
“Brooke recently worked on an article for our church newsletter discussing the perception of disability in the church. The article was well-received and brought awareness to a situation that is often overlooked. She was a pleasure to work with, always prompt, and received feedback well. She communicated effectively and kept us up to speed on the process. We look forward to working with her more closely in the future.”