Leo Yates Jr., Deaf Ministry: Ministry Models for
Expanding the Kingdom of God. Create Space, 2015. ISBN 978-151689993-7
Leo Yates Jr has put together a book that is a comprehensive
guide to ministry with Deaf populations. It also contains information for
ministry in groups that fall under the hard-of-hearing umbrella. And while
we’re at it, the principles in this book apply to ministry with any group of
people who live with disabilities.
To start at the beginning, we learn the difference of Deaf
and deaf, and the history of these groups in relation to the church, always
with an eye toward inclusion at all levels and with all kind of differences.
Here is also an example of how this book can apply to a variety of
disabilities. There’s an excellent section on the nature of Deaf cultures—an
inclination toward a visually-oriented culture, and how this differs from what
we’ll call “mainstream” culture as a term of reference. Having worked through
this, there is then a section on “audism,” which is a mainstream judgment of
the Deaf-visual culture. This line of thought brings out many parallels to
disability studies principles, and helps extend them to a wider use. The
cultures of physical disability often focus to a great extent on structural
layout of facilities (ramps, for example) in a way that many people do not
understand. But when we understand visual culture or ramp culture, our perception
is expanded and we begin to think in new ways. These new ways of thought
critique both audism and ableism (the term used to refer to mainstream judgment
of physical disability culture) so that those within the group understand
better what has been happening to them, and those on the outside understand
better what “the other” is dealing with. Perhaps allies are gained, or
understanding furthered, toward the goal of inclusion as this process works
out.
There are, of course, many differences and problems. For
one, Deaf culture is largely invisible, placing it in an often-misunderstood
and often-challenged group. Those who live with invisible disabilities are
often challenged by others as “not disabled”—especially when they park (even
with appropriate credentials) in those spaces near the front of a lot that are
reserved with the wheelchair symbol. For better or for worse, that wheelchair
figure is a symbol for anyone who needs an accommodation, whatever device (or
none) may be required. But a bigger problem is that to be out of sight is to be
out of mind. Several times I have asked at places of worship or public assembly
about assistive sound systems or the lack of ASL interpretation. The answer is
generally along the lines of “I never thought about that.” It’s remarkably
similar in process to the “no one who uses a wheelchair has ever been here”
defense that I receive when asking about ramps. Raising visibility is
necessary, but it’s difficult when we lack role models, or when some focus on
medical cures rather than an abundant life.
An important point along the way through this book include
the nature of using a minority language. In such a culture, storytelling takes
on increased importance. Today, many don’t think of the power of stories to
bring us together and form groups, but Deaf communities still bind together in
this manner. As they do, it is important to understand the ethics of these
groups. For one example, an interpreter is not a judge, nor is she a
translator. Confidentiality is expected when interpreting, and so is clear
expression. Sloppy speakers should not expect an interpreter to clarify for
them! These kind of details are examples of the thoroughness of the book’s
coverage.
As the author notes, in reaching out to others, we must be
sensitive to the receiving culture. Far too often, mission has been an exercise
in extending authority and conformity, not in expanding the reach of divine
justice, whose expectations and implementation were so confounding to the
audience of the Gospels, as well as today.
Where does that leave us? The book concludes with answers to
what seems to be the most-asked question in our e-mail: how do we get started? We
all know about prayer, teams, and so on, but are reminded to start small and
build well. A solid foundation built on rock will last! Beyond that, we are
reminded that a ministry with requires inclusion on all sides, an
inclusiveness which requires education as well as change.
With that very Wesleyan observation, Yates reminds us that
the goal of all this is more than inclusion, as important as that is. The goal
is to bring all of us together into the kingdom of God. Everyone has a place,
everyone has a different gift, and we all remain individuals. The kingdom of
God does not subsume differences, but celebrates them as examples of God’s
creativity and love. As we encourage, welcome, and set examples to follow, we
advocate for the day when the true meaning of God’s rule comes, on the earth as
in the heavens.
Tim Vermande
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