Assessing and Shifting Congregational Perceptions Regarding Worshipping with Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Janssen, Denise L.
Virginia Union University
2020
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D.Min.
Virginia Union University
2020
The paradoxical disconnect in religious and spiritual formation between the church and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is the impetus for this research project. I suggest a paradoxical disconnection because of the ironic relationship that unfortunately exists between the church and persons with IDD. The overall state of affairs between the church and persons with IDD reveals a protracted breach of the foundational Christian precepts that embody love for God and neighbor, unity in oneness, and an impartial posture of inclusivity. I opine that there remains much grassroots work that needs to be undertaken towards rectifying the breach with the hope of becoming the one flock with one Shepherd that Christ envisioned (John 10:16).