God's Glory Church

“God arranged the members in the body, each of them, as he wished.” — 1 Corinthians 12:18

In his essay “Ministry and the Spectrum,” Professor Daniel Bowman Jr. writes about the complexity of making decisions about how to serve a person with autism in the church. He explains, “People with autism have to forge a new path each time, a unique path that takes into account…mental, emotional and physical energy…time to be alone/recharge; sensory capabilities and comfort level…time of day; whether we are valued for our strengths and accommodated to our needs rather than excluded because of perceived shortcomings; and so much more.”

Bowman believes that the proper solution to the situation can be mutual assistance, which the Apostle Paul talks about in the 12th chapter of the 1st Epistle to the Corinthians. In verses 4-6, Paul describes how God uniquely gifts each believer “for good” (v. 7). Everyone is a “necessary” member of the body of Christ (v. 22). If churches understand the uniqueness of each person’s calling and gifting, and do not demand the same ministry from everyone, they will be able to support their members in ministry according to their gifts.

Therefore, each person can find prosperity and wholeness in the body of Christ, as well as be confident in their own worth (v. 26).

How have you been blessed by the unique gifts of others? How can churches encourage Christians to serve in different ways?

Dear God, thank you for making us all unique. Help me to appreciate every member of Christ’s body.

Author: Monica La Rose