WITH MINISTRIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BAYLOR UNIVERSITY PRESENTS
Equipping Leaders for Accessible Church Ministry
Reimagining Worship with Everyone in the Room
Central Commons (Dallas, Texas)
Thursday, August 21, 2025
2:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Too often, families impacted by disability find the church to be the least welcoming place they enter all week. In fact, 1 in 3 families of people with disabilities have left a church due to a lack of support or accessibility—not because they don’t love God, but because they couldn’t find a place where they truly belonged.
Not because they don’t want to know God. But because churches often aren’t built with them in mind—physically, spiritually, or culturally.
Worship As One is a one-day summit for pastors, church staff, and ministry leaders who want to change that.
Hosted by With Ministries, and grounded in years of research-based, theologically sound work in partnership with Baylor University’s Collaborative on Faith and Disability, this summit is built for real church leaders navigating real ministry challenges. With Ministries has worked with churches of all sizes and across denominations to help them move from good intentions to transformative action.
But this isn’t just a summit.
You’ll share a meal, worship, and learn alongside people with disabilities. You’ll encounter the richness of accessible ministry in real time—not just through theory or presentations.
This is a gathering rooted in research, shaped by theology, and brought to life by the people the church too often overlooks.
Together, we’ll explore:
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to come open.
Let’s build churches where all can Worship As One.
We are excited to welcome pastoral staff and church ministry leaders for this gathering. If you are not on a church staff but want future information about With Ministries equipping opportunities, click here to sign up for our newsletter.
What to Expect
Learning & Vision Casting
TIME
2:30 PM – 5:05 PM
PURPOSE
Ground the day in purpose, story, and strategy
Leadership Activation + Community Engagement
TIME
5:05 PM – 6:20 PM
PURPOSE
Equip, reflect, and engage lived experience
Worship WITH
TIME
6:20 PM – 7:30 PM
PURPOSE
Spiritual reflection and commissioning
Speaker:
Rebecca Wall
Executive Director, With Ministries
Rebecca Wall, the Executive Director of With Ministries, has spent over a decade in education and parachurch ministry where she catalyzes churches to become communities where all people are known, beloved, and belong.
Speaker:
Erik Carter
Executive Director, Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities
Erik Carter’s passion is helping churches and communities welcome and embrace people with disabilities and their families. At Baylor University, he serves as the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities and Executive Director of the Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities. His research explores faith and flourishing in the lives of people with disabilities, as well as the pathways to faithful belonging in our churches. He has published widely, including seven books and more than 300 articles and chapters.
FAQs:
Event Details
Helping you prepare for your time with us.
Is this event free?
No, Worship As One is a ticketed event. Each attendee must register in advance and pay a $25 registration fee.
Can I register at the door?
At this time, we are finalizing whether day-of registration will be available. We encourage all attendees to register ahead of time to secure their spot.
Is food provided?
Yes. Your ticket includes a casual, catered dinner.Coffee and espresso drinks will also be available for purchase at Westside Coffee, located on-site.
What should I expect when I arrive?
Upon arrival, you’ll check in at the registration table and enter the main gathering space. You’re welcome to choose any seat at a table. We encourage you to grab a cup of coffee on-site from Westside Coffee, settle in, and connect with others nearby.The event will begin promptly with a welcome and overview from our host, followed by three main portions of the summit:
Can I bring my staff team?
Absolutely. We encourage church pastoral leadership teams to attend together. Each team member must register individually and purchase a ticket.
Is childcare available?
No, childcare will not be provided at this event.
I’m not a pastor or on a church staff—can I still attend?
Worship As One is specifically designed for pastors and church leaders. This gathering is focused on equipping those who shape and lead church communities with the tools and perspective needed to foster true inclusion.We’ll definitely have other events down the line that are designed for a broader audience.
FAQs:
Accessibility
Will ASL interpretation be available?
Yes. ASL interpretation will be provided during the evening worship service. If you are a pastor who requires ASL interpretation during the teaching portion of the summit, please communicate this information on your registration form.
Will sensory-friendly spaces be available?
Yes. Sensory-friendly elements will be incorporated throughout the day. We will also highlight an example of how to create and offer calming spaces—like a sensory-friendly chapel break room—to support all participants.
Will the event be offered virtually?
Not this year. Because this is our first time hosting Worship As One, we will not offer a hybrid or virtual option. We hope to create future opportunities for virtual participation.
Are accessible restrooms available?
Yes. Accessible restrooms are available on the same side of the building where all teaching and programming will take place.
FAQs:
Venue & Parking
Where is the event located?
Worship As One will be hosted at:
Central Commons
4711 Westside Dr.
Dallas, TX 75209
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Please use the main entrance on the Westside Drive side of the building, which is fully accessible for wheelchairs.
Where should I park?
The most accessible parking is available in the lot near the Westside Drive entrance. Additional parking is available behind the building. Look for signage when you arrive.
