Center For Disability and Ministry
The Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary exists to support ministry leaders of all abilities in nurturing and receiving the gifts and contributions of persons with disabilities through formational opportunities, including theological education, consultation, forums, and publications.
LATEST RESOURCES FROM CDM
The Symposium on Disability and Ministry is an annual opportunity for pastors and ministry leaders to engage in issues related to disability and […]
While issues of class, race, ethnicity, and economic marginalization are beginning to be addressed by theologies of youth ministry, youth ministers have largely […]
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH CDM
The Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry
The GCDM program is a package of credit-bearing, transcripted courses available through WTS’s distance learning program that prepares women and men called by God to lead the church in mission by giving them the knowledge and skills that will enable them to lead congregations, ministries, schools, colleges and universities, medical practices and businesses to be inclusive of people of all abilities.
The Master of Arts in Disability and Ministry
The MA in Disability and Ministry offers specialized training for those who seek to work toward empowering all of God’s people in ministry and witness.
You can earn this degree online or by attending classes on campus.
Our courses always include the voices of people with disabilities and the teaching gifts of professors who are disabled.
Doctor of Ministry in Disability and Ministry
The primary focus of this program is to develop a better understanding of disability in the US, advance a contextualized practical theology of disability, and work out the implications of both for Christian ministry.
Applications for the Doctor of Ministry in Disability and Ministry will open soon!
Friendship House Fellowship Program
The Friendship House Fellowship Program is a six-year long ministry training program open to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are interested in exploring their ministry gifts within the supportive environment of a community of fellow Christian co-learners. It involves internships at local churches, taking classes with seminary students, and living together in a community while developing life skills. This program is continuously developing.
The Friendship house
In 2007, the Ralph and Cheryl Schregardus Friendship House opened, offering a unique co-housing housing option. This is the first residence of its kind among seminaries across the U.S. It now hosts an intentional Christian living community committed to mutual discipleship, engaging in theological education, and vocational discernment.
PAST EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
2019 SUMMER INSTITUTE
The 2019 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability was held in Holland, Michigan, May 20-23, 2019 in partnership with Western Theological Seminary. The Institute brought together academics, theologians, practitioners, and others to explore the inclusive intersections of faith and disabilities.
PAST EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
2019 OSTERHAVEN LECTURES
The 2019 Osterhaven Lectures featured Dr. John Swinton on the topics of Raging with Compassion and What does God look like? – Whose God? Which image? and Mental Health and Ministry.
PAST EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
2016 SUMMER INSTITUTE
The 2019 Summer Institute on Theology and Disability was held in Holland, Michigan, May 20-23, 2016. The Institute brought together academics, theologians, practitioners, and others to explore the inclusive intersections of faith and disabilities.
Lecture on Academic Ableism
Dr. Jay Dolmage
Commencement Day Lecture
Dr. John Swinton
Disability as an Aspect of Diversity
Dr. Lennard Davis
Becoming Friends of Time
Disabling Mission, Enabling Witness
Introducing the Nouwen Fellows
September, 2018
Don’t Disable Your Youth Ministry
July, 2023
CONTACT
have a question? contact us!
Center Leadership
Meet the Leadership of the Center for Disability and Ministry.
Become a Student!
Interested in becoming a student at WTS? Contact Admissions.
