With Ministries Quarterly Update
Flourish – Winter 2026
A Letter From Rebecca
Happy New Year!
As we enter our third year of ministry, we remain deeply and wholeheartedly committed to inclusion, belonging, and discipleship for individuals and families impacted by disability within faith communities. As I reflect on this past season, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—for this community, for the stories we steward together, and for the faithfulness of God and His people.
Lately, I have been wrestling with a difficult question: Why has the church so often failed to be a place of extravagant and genuine welcome for families impacted by disability? Why do I continue to hear stories of deep pain from parents who have tried church after church, only to leave wounded and unseen? Why are one in two families leaving the church because their child was not welcomed or included? Why do budgets remain unchanged, hearts unmoved, and comfort prioritized over belonging?
Perhaps the hardest truth for me to confront is this: society is leading the way in disability inclusion—when it should be the church.
Our churches should be the blueprint for the world to behold unconditional love, radical welcome, and a willingness to make space in our classrooms, pews, and community groups.
Theme parks are intentionally designing experiences for children with disabilities. Police officers, theatre ushers, and museum docents are trained to support individuals with diverse needs. Community centers, libraries, grocery stores, and businesses are employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Entire cities are becoming “Autism Certified Cities.”
And yet, the church often remains unchanged and behind.
Through our research with Baylor University, we discovered that while 60% of pastors feel called to ministry with individuals with disabilities, only 14% feel prepared to do so.
That gap—between willingness and readiness—is exactly where WITH operates.
As we step into 2026, our staff is more emboldened than ever to educate, empower, and compel church leaders to lead the way. We are already seeing the fruit: churches embracing accessible worship and family-centered inclusion are transforming into places of healing, discipleship, and long-term belonging.
We are just getting started. Thank you for continuing to pray, invest, and live out the faithful call to mutual, life-giving relationships with individuals and families impacted by disability.
Let’s lead the way, Church, in 2026.
Rebecca Wall
Executive Director
Stories of Transformation
Over the past two years, 18 churches have deepened their understanding of disability inclusion and expanded their welcome to more fully embrace families experiencing disability. Through our Worship As One cohort, churches receive individualized training, coaching, practical tools, and a research-backed framework that guides them away from separation and toward true integration. We have witnessed faithful, inclusive steps and small shifts in practice spark meaningful transformation—creating communities where believing and belonging flourish together.
TEXAS
“One child and her family helped shape the growth of our ministry. As we created a safe, welcoming space, God used their presence to prompt us to expand our space, invite more volunteers, and welcome additional families. Her joy and love for church are evident each week, and we are deeply grateful for the way God has used this family to remind us how much we need one another.”
MISSOURI
“Redesigning our Wednesday night programming based on cohort learnings and family input has helped our volunteers grow in understanding and confidence specifically around hidden disabilities. Our volunteers have new awareness and insight, bringing fresh energy and understanding to our ministry.”
MICHIGAN
“Walking alongside one child as she grows in her faith and life skills has been an absolute gift.
Knowing that she and her family leave each Sunday feeling loved, seen, and valued is what makes my Sundays so special.”
GEORGIA
“This cohort has had a tremendous impact on me. I’ve learned more than ever that we are incomplete without everyone fully included.”
NORTH CAROLINA
“We have been incorporating sensory activities into our Family Worship services, and it has been wonderful to see the impact on the kids. Families have shared that these hands-on activities help their kids stay focused and engaged, while also making worship enjoyable. It has been a joy to see learning, faith, and fun come together in such meaningful ways.”
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We are proud to share our acceptance into the 2026 Praxis Nonprofit Accelerator, a highly selective program that equips redemptive ventures with world-class mentorship, strategic guidance, and a global community of leaders committed to shaping culture for good. The Accelerator supports nonprofits who are building mission-driven, spiritually grounded, and culturally restorative solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.
“WITH Ministries is doing critical and innovative work at the intersection of theology, accessibility, and community transformation,” said Sara Miller, Partner, Non-Profit Portfolio at Praxis. “Their commitment to creating spaces where every person can participate fully is exactly the kind of redemptive imagination we look for in our Accelerator fellows. We’re thrilled to support their growth in 2026.”
This marks an important milestone for the organization as we continue to equip churches across the nation through training, consulting, digital resources, and its forthcoming online learning platform. Needless to say, we are honored, humbled, and grateful to God for His provision!
Celebrate this incredible opportunity with us and stay tuned for a remarkable year ahead!
Read full press release:
Every gift makes a meaningful difference—supporting church leaders and reminding us that we are not alone, but surrounded by a strong community standing with us. Thank you for choosing to invest in hope, dignity, and belonging.
We are eager and expectant for an impactful 2026!
