Disability and the Great Commission | Disability Concerns Network Panel Discussion

How can the global Church become a place where people with disabilities are fully welcomed, built up, and sent out for mission? In this heartfelt panel hosted by the Lausanne Disability Concerns Network, leaders from around the world share lived experiences, theological reflections, and practical insights on how the Church can move from marginalization to full inclusion. Drawing on themes from the State of the Great Commission Report—bringing in, building up, and sending out—the panel challenges assumptions and casts a vision for churches that reflect the wholeness of Christ’s body.

Panelists

Louise Gosbell (Moderator, Australia)
Jackie Nyamutumbu Kimani (Zimbabwe)
Mael Sollberger (Switzerland)
Erik Carter (USA)
Daniel Kyungu (DR Congo)

Key Takeaways

Inclusion is not a program—it’s discipleship. People with disabilities are not just recipients of ministry but co-laborers in the kingdom.
The Church must intentionally “bring in” those who are often overlooked—creating spaces of welcome, not just access.
Mental health and invisible disabilities require compassionate theology and sustained relational support.
God uses weakness, limitation, and disability to reveal His strength—those with disabilities often minister out of a unique, powerful witness.
Small changes—like listening, asking respectful questions, and building friendships—can transform a church culture from charity to community.
By 2050, the Church should be the most inclusive and accessible place in society, modeling the beauty of interdependence in the body of Christ.

Watch now to be challenged and inspired to build churches where everyone belongs—and everyone serves.

00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions
02:46 Discussing Disability in Church Communities
03:31 Bringing People with Disabilities into the Church
05:39 Building Up People with Disabilities in Church
09:13 Sending Out People with Disabilities for Mission
12:06 Future Vision for Inclusive Churches
14:13 Key Messages for Christian Leaders
20:04 Practical Tips for Immediate Changes
26:40 Final Thoughts and Personal Experiences

Issue Network Panel Discussion

As part of the Fourth Lausanne Congress, these panel discussions feature leaders from Lausanne’s global Issue Networks engaging some of the most pressing opportunities and challenges facing the Church today. Covering themes such as justice, integrity, orality, disability, leadership, and mission to the least-reached, each conversation offers biblical reflection, contextual insight, and collaborative vision for the whole Church to bring the whole gospel to the whole world.

Reimagining Mission to the Least Reached Peoples | People Vision Book Discussion

19:28

Proclaiming the Gospel with Justice: Freedom & Justice Panel Discussion

22:58

Academic Ministry and Educators Network (AMEN) Panel Discussion

25:17

A Biblical Vision for Resourcing God’s Work: A Ministry Fundraising Network Panel Discussion

Speakers' Bios

Louise Gosbell

Louise is the Research Manager at the Australian University of Theology. Her research focuses on the intersection of disability and biblical studies as well as disability in church practice

Jackie Nyamutumbu Kimani

Jackie Kimani is passionate about the vulnerable and unreached receiving hope and life through the Gospel. God used that passion to send her back home to Zimbabwe to serve as a missionary after living in the US for almost a decade. She believes that God is raising a generation of disciples from the “Global South” who will participate in the missionary task - and knows that people with disabilities are co-laborers in that effort. She enjoys traveling and equipping ministries to more effectively reach and love unreached people, especially people with disabilities. Jackie lives in Harare, Zimbabwe with her co-laborer, husband, and best friend, Brian, and their two-year-old “miracle baby”, Spurgeon.

Erik Carter

Erik Carter, Ph.D., is professor and Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2023.

One strand of his research addresses the intersections of faith and disability. Dr. Carter’s work in this area addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with IDD and their families, the practices and postures of inclusive churches, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems. A second strand explores the pathways to inclusion and belonging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He is particularly interested in capturing the reciprocal and lasting benefits that come through friendships and life lived together in community.

Daniel Kyungu

Daniel Kyungu Tchikala has a doctorate in human resources management from the University of Liège in Belgium, with training certificates in theology. He is the bishop of the First Community of the Church of Christ: Africa Inland Church Congo, and an associate professor at the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo.