STRAFFORD (MBF) – Like many ministries, it began with prayer. Not a program or a plan, but a fervent petition for local families to find a church home. The burden that members at Harvest Hill Baptist Church felt soon became an opportunity when they welcomed one family with significant disabilities. The church embraced this family and cultivated a relationship that enabled them not only to attend, but to serve.
More than three years later, that single step of obedience has grown into a fully developed Disability Ministry, an intentional effort to equip Harvest Hill to meet the needs of people of all abilities in worship, fellowship, and discipleship.
“The goal of the Disability Ministry at Harvest Hill is to bring people to a closer relationship with Jesus,” explains Charla Holst, director of Disability Ministries. “People with disabilities need Jesus and the church, and the church needs people with disabilities. We are not complete without people of all abilities.”
As all parts of the body are essential, so are all members of the body of Christ. Seeing beyond a disability to the person created in the image of God has deepened the congregation’s understanding of biblical community. As awareness has grown, so has the church’s culture of accessibility.
“When a church is disability-friendly, that often means an entire family can attend when they may not have been able to otherwise,” says Holst. Whether someone has auditory sensitivity, a need for movement, physical limitations, or hidden disabilities like ADHD, diabetes, or PTSD, Harvest Hill has made intentional efforts to meet people where they are.
Last fall, Harvest Hill Baptist Church applied for a ministry grant from the Missouri Baptist Foundation and was awarded a $5,000 grant for its Disability Ministry, which enabled it to purchase practical tools, including sound dampeners, chairs with arms, an adult changing table, a sensory path, wobble stools, and adjustable tables, to serve its congregation better. Launched in 2022, the grant program allows Missouri Baptist Convention churches to overcome financial barriers and expand their outreach. To date, the Foundation has distributed over $235,000 for ministry projects across the state.
As God continues to bring families affected by disability to Harvest Hill, meeting physical needs is only the beginning. The heart of the ministry truly beats for belonging. “We ask people how we can help them and serve them, but also how they would like to serve. Belonging happens through real connection, friendship, and serving together,” says Holst.
That heart of service has expanded beyond the church’s walls. Harvest Hill now offers respite care for parents of children with disabilities, giving caregivers time to rest and renew. At the November 14th respite event, 14 volunteers from three local churches participated. Through these events, volunteers not only serve families—they also gain experience that prepares them to grow disability ministries in their own churches.
As Harvest Hill continues to invest in families and collaborate with neighboring congregations, the impact stretches far beyond their reach. Across the nation, more churches are recognizing the importance of disability ministry. Holst is helping cultivate that momentum through her work at Harvest Hill and at Overcomer Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping churches overcome obstacles to Jesus. Others around the globe share her passion.
What began as a prayer and a willingness to welcome one family has become a catalyst for broader kingdom work, cultivating a culture of belonging, equipping volunteers, and sparking disability ministry conversations throughout the region.
This kingdom-building ministry would not be possible without the faithfulness of local churches and strategic ministry partnerships. The Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) remains committed to empowering churches like Harvest Hill to build stronger connections with their communities so that we can Advance the Gospel, together.
If you are interested in launching a Disability Ministry at your church, Overcomer Ministries is here to support you every step of the way. Contact them at CH@overcomerministries.org. Learn more about Missouri Baptist Foundation grants at www.mbfn.org.