Barriers to Church Involvement: Exploring the Experiences of Parents of Children with Disabilities

Although participation in a faith community can be a source of formation and flourishing, families of children with disabilities can encounter substantial barriers to congregational life. Yet, little is known about the prevalence, breadth, and predictors of these barriers. In this study, 330 parents of children and youth with disabilities reported on the obstacles that impacted their family’s church participation. Parents identified a wide range of barriers related to accessibility, attitudes, awareness, sensory issues, support, and views of their children’s abilities. More extensive support needs and perceived behavioral challenges among children were associated with a greater number of reported barriers, whereas an established disability ministry was associated with fewer. These findings illustrate the breadth and cumulative nature of barriers families of children with disabilities may face. They also prompt churches to move beyond broad gestures of welcome by developing intentional structures of support, equipping volunteers, partnering with parents, and ensuring meaningful access to the formative life of the church.