Why Does Representation Matter Theologically?
Representation is more than presence. It signals recognition, trust, and shared power. This page invites churches to examine how disabled people are portrayed, included, and invited into leadership across worship, governance, and community life.
Imago Dei
“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them.”
(Genesis 1:27, NRSV)
Every person carries the image of God, which means the church is most faithful when it reflects the full diversity of that image. Disability representation reminds communities that God’s likeness is not limited to one kind of body or mind but is revealed through many forms of human experience.
Incarnation
“Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side.”
(John 20:27 NRSV)
The incarnation shows that God chose to live a fully embodied human life, including the limits, needs, and vulnerabilities that come with being human. This reminds the church that holiness is not tied to physical perfection but to God’s presence within real bodies and real experiences. Disability representation matters because it helps communities honor the truth that God meets people in every form of embodiment.
The Body of Christ
“For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body… and the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.”
(1 Corinthians 12:13, 22, NRSV)
Scripture teaches that the Body of Christ needs every member to function well. When disabled people are absent or unheard, the Body loses gifts, perspectives, and wisdom that are essential for its wholeness and health.
Hospitality & Justice
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed.”
(Isaiah 1:17, NRSV)
True welcome goes beyond politeness and moves toward justice, where everyone has access to participation, leadership, and belonging. Representation ensures that disabled people are not simply guests but full partners in shaping the life and mission of the church.
Who Holds the Microphone?
Who Makes Decisions?
Churches benefit from pausing to notice whose voices shape worship, decisions, and community life. Leadership patterns often form quietly, so it helps to ask reflective questions that reveal who is centered and who is missing.
Who is quietly present but never asked to share?
Reflecting on this can help communities broaden whose wisdom is valued and create space for disabled people to contribute, lead, and help shape the future of the church.
Avoiding Tokenism
Tokenism happens when a community includes one or two disabled people in visible roles without giving them real influence or support. It creates the appearance of inclusion while leaving the deeper culture unchanged. Tokenism is harmful because it reduces people to symbols, places unfair pressure on them to represent an entire community, and prevents churches from learning from the full breadth of disabled wisdom and experience.
Practical ways to avoid tokenism:
- Invite more than one disabled person into leadership and storytelling so no one feels isolated.
- Make sure roles come with real authority, not just visibility.
- Ask for input early in planning and decision-making rather than after plans are already set.
- Provide the access, support, and accommodations leaders need to participate fully.
- Build long-term relationships instead of one-time invitations.
- Welcome a range of disabled experiences rather than relying on a single perspective.
These steps help churches move from symbolic representation to genuine shared leadership that values people as whole participants in the life of the community.
Take Action Toward Representation
Learn
- Key readings from disability theology and ministry practice.
- Scripture resources for teaching and small groups.
- Guides from faith-based disability ministry organizations.
Reflect
- Who is represented in our leadership, worship, and communications?
- Whose absence goes unnoticed?
- What stories need space at the table this season?
Act
- Update nomination and hiring pathways to invite disabled leaders.
- Budget for access features that support visible participation.
- Plan regular testimony and story sharing from disabled members.
Share
- Invite congregations to submit examples of inclusive representation.
- Celebrate models and mentor teams that want to learn.
- Build a growing gallery that reflects many contexts.
Reimagining Representation as Justice
Representation is an act of love. It shapes who we listen to and who we follow.
Representation helps the church live as one body where each person’s gifts matter.