Although most people acknowledge it would be great if their church is a community where persons of all dis/abilities can thrive as saints and ministers of the gospel, it can be practically difficult for people to know how to start becoming that kind of a community. This Commons Class offers foundational perspectives and practices to help your church start moving in this direction. It focuses on:
- Session One – Led by Krista Ewert: Past and present language used to describe disability
- Session Two – Led by Michael Morelli: What the Bible says about being human and what this means for us (people with and without disabilities)
- Session Three – Led by Greg Harris: Why people with disabilities are more than people who need care—they’re people who can disciple other people
- Session Four – Led by Kathy Dubbeldam: How we can take practical steps to become churches where everyone belongs and thrives
No prior experience or knowledge needed. Just your interest.
What are Commons Classes?
Commons Classes, which are designed and run by Fellowship Pacific, provide a range of learning opportunities relevant to pastors and church leaders. They cover a wide range of topics that are essential for the growth of churches, including leadership, management, evangelism, discipleship, and theological depth.
Each cohort runs for a period of around 6-10 weeks, composed of 2-3 sessions that are spaced 1-3 weeks apart. During these sessions, the expert guest speaker leads the participants through the cohort, providing them with practical insights, skills, and knowledge on the topic. In between sessions, participants will have the opportunity to interact with each other in a private affinity group where they will have the chance to discuss questions, ideas, and experiences connected to the topic.
In order to register for and take this class, you will need to get a Commons profile (it's free to register). If you run into any issues registering, email [email protected].
About Krista Ewert
Krista is storyteller and leader: a multi-hyphenate who thrives on creating and curating all things deeply connecting. Krista grew up attending South Delta Baptist Church and has worked in various churches in different ministry capacities. She was the Communications lead for the National Ministry Team at the Church of England where she had the opportunity to work with the National Advisor for Disability and the Diocesan Disability Advisors. She has also worked as a Marketing leader at Alpha Canada and World Vision. She has a degree in Theology from Prairie Bible College and a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities focusing on Dis/ability Language and Rhetoric.
Krista is married to Ben, who is the Director of Choral Activities at TWU and Director of Music at St. John’s Vancouver Church where she attends with her three children, Jakob (17), Ella (15), who was born with Down syndrome, and Audrey (10).
About Michael Morelli
Michael is Associate Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager, Life-Long Learning at Northwest College & Seminary. He holds a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland and is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (Lexington Books) and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and World: A New Essay By Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (Pickwick). He publishes and presents on a variety of topics within the fields of theology, morality, culture, politics, technology, and dis/ability. He has also worked in local church ministry and continues to serve the church in a lay capacity.
About Greg Harris
Greg Harris has served in pastoral ministry since 2010, and has been on the pastoral team at SouthRidge Fellowship since Fall 2022. He believes the church should be a place of mutuality, and he desires to see each disciple of Jesus - regardless of their dis/abilities - mature in Christlikeness. Greg received a Dip. in Biblical Studies and a B.A. in Worship Arts from Columbia Bible College; an MDiv from Northwest Baptist Seminary, and is a Doctoral candidate in Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College (with a research focus on the intersection of dis/ability and discipleship in the local church).
About Kathy Dubbeldam
Kathy Dubbeldam is the Capernaum Ministry Director for Young Life of Canada and has been serving with Young Life for 25 years. Young Life is a global faith-based youth mentorship program, and Kathy leads the Capernaum branch, ensuring that friends with disabilities are welcomed and included. She introduced Capernaum to Canada in 2014, starting in Edmonton, and has since helped expand it to 12 cities across three provinces. Over the past eight years, she has established Capernaum-specific clubs, trained staff in inclusive practices, and advised church pastors on creating welcoming spaces for individuals with disabilities. She is also developing accessible devotionals to support faith growth for all abilities.