05/13/2026
What would your church do?
If a mom walked through your doors with her two boys (one with Down syndrome and one without) would her family feel truly welcomed? Would they feel embraced? Would they feel like they belong? Or would they, in fact, be ushered into separate spaces, resulting in two very different experiences of church?
Recently, Nakoa Merritt, WITH Ministries’ Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator, joined a powerful conversation exploring disability, inclusion, and what it means for churches to create spaces where families can fully participate and flourish.
Through storytelling and lived experience, Nakoa shares both the challenges many families impacted by disability continue to face and the hope that emerges when communities choose intentional inclusion.
Because families impacted by disability are not simply looking to be accommodated. They are longing to be known, embraced, and desired as part of the community.
Belonging is not built through programs alone… it’s built through relationships.
We’re grateful for conversations like these that continue moving the Church toward deeper understanding, accessibility, and withness.
Watch the full conversation →
As a mom of twins, one with a disability and one without, I’ve spent years searching for a church where my children could worship and grow together. Many fam...