Three Christian Reformed churches in British Columbia are concluding a one-year learning cohort focused on accessibility and belonging in their congregations.
In May 2024, Nelson Ave Community Church in Burnaby, Cornerstone CRC in Chilliwack, and Telkwa (B.C.) Community Church began meeting monthly to learn and share together. The initiative began after Johannes Schouten, a pastor at the Nelson Ave church, connected with Thrive disability consultant Lindsay Wieland Capel, who had led a similar cohort in Iowa.
The cohorts are a way to encourage learning and connection between churches, pastors, and leaders, said Schouten, who has a daughter with Down syndrome. “I’m not an expert. I’m just realizing how big this is and how much the church can do.”
Each month, the three CRC churches gather on Zoom for a one-hour meeting led by Wieland Capel. These sessions include church updates, discussion, and education. Each church also meets with their cohort coach, Caroline Short, to pursue specific goals related to disability inclusion. The coaching helps them stay accountable, seek support, and grow in ministry.
At Nelson Ave, the team surveyed their congregation and hosted follow-up gatherings. Schouten said those meetings were a highlight. He said they were surprised by how many people came and how many had a personal connection to someone with a disability.
Schouten co-leads the church’s disability ministry with his wife, who is an inclusion director in a school community. He said more churches should lean into this work, “Little things are big things. They send a strong message when we intentionally remember people.” He recognizes how it can be overwhelming for churches to know where to start, “I want to encourage our church and other churches to just do the next thing, do what you can, and see what happens after that.”
“I think a lot of it is being sensitive and empathic and just really thinking about others. It can take a lot of effort because it’s not always our default way of being but it’s so important,” said Schouten. He said the cohort has been a positive experience. “I’m thankful the denomination is willing to put effort into this.” He said there’s a lot to learn and that he encourages other churches to do something similar.
The three B.C. churches have their final cohort session in June, with an expectation that the disability ministries in each congregation will continue.
About the Author
Kristen Parker is a freelance writer. She has a passion for words and creativity. Kristen and her husband Chris, enjoy board games and thrift shopping. They attend Stratford CRC in Stratford, Ont.