Disabling the Church from the Center for Disability and Ministry
Disabling the Church is a podcast by the Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary. This series amplifies the voices, giftedness, and perspectives of disabled people, challenging ableist biases and reimagining the church as a space of true belonging. Through conversations with scholars, ministers, and community members, the podcast explores how the church can dismantle barriers—physical, theological, and cultural—to create a more inclusive and enriched faith community.
Learn more about the Center for Disability and Ministry at Western Theological Seminary at westernsem.edu/cdm
Disabling the Church from the Center for Disability and Ministry
An Introduction to Disability Theology
In this episode, Dr. LS Carlos Thompson explores the foundations of disability theology, tracing its connections to the disability rights movement and broader theological discussions. He unpacks key models of disability—the medical, social, and hybrid models—and considers how they shape our understanding of inclusion, belonging, and the body of Christ. Listeners are invited to rethink assumptions about disability, normalcy, and human limitation, as well as how the church can move beyond inclusion to embrace a deeper sense of belonging. This episode lays the groundwork for future conversations that challenge and enrich our faith communities.