Enabling Church by Gordon Temple with Lin Ball

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 May 2012 20:12:20

Enabling Church subtitles itself as "a Bible-based resource towards the full inclusion of disabled people". This description is somewhat dry and whilst technically correct it fails to convey the richness of the book. Reading through Roy McCloughry's foreword it is clear that this book is seeking to (i) engage with the theology of disability and (ii) it is designed for a popular rather than academic audience. As the title suggests "enabling" is a theme which runs through the text, as is an ongoing engagement with what it means in practice to understand that disabled people are made in the image of God. The enabling model employed within the book seeks, according to the author's introduction, to position itself between the medical model and the social model. In using this model the writers appear to seek to disassociate themselves from the more radical forms of disability action which have emerged over recent year. DAN - the Disabled People's Direct Action Network - are not mentioned by name, but they are the group who have most vocally defined the social model in opposition to the medical model, which is an approach the author is critical of. The enabling model described becomes a moderate version of the social model over-laid with a theological discussion. Readers familiar with the way Christian/ biblical/ evangelical feminism is very similar to liberal feminism in form but is ideologically underpinned with theological arguments - particularly Genesis 1:26 - will see a parallel in the approach to disability which this book takes. The way Gordon Temple describes this enabling approach is by describing it as based upon relational ideas of interdependency as opposed to either dependancy or independancy. Whilst the instructions within the section "How to get the best from this resource" say "the book is written for any church, home-group or individual" it is clearly primarily designed for use within small group settings. One of the things I really liked about the design of the book was the way it is set out in a way which encourages flexibility. There are questions, exercises, prayers and discussion starters but these are clearly designed and signposted to be worked through according to what is right for the group rather than rigidly. The book is designed to be worked through in seven sessions but again flexibility is encouraged by the authors. Another plus point is the writers make no assumptions about the level of theological literacy readers will have. The wording reflects this and unlike alot of Christian resources the aim is achieved. Chapter 1 "Knowing we're made in his image" is laid out in the form of opening prayer points, a series of bible verses described as "Bible briefing" followed by a very brief exegesis. The section "Bible briefing notes" raises some profound questions related to how views of being made in the image of God sometimes become related to ideas of normality. The book points out "If physically able is 'normal' then is disabled 'abnormal'? This strange logic is offensive to say the least". The book then gives some brief comments by disabled people followed by slightly longer outline "Real life" stories. There is then an icebreaker followed by "questions for individual study or discussion". Within this section one question asked is, "what does being made in the 'image of God' mean to you? And what do you think it means for society, with all its diversity?" This is one example of how the book, whilst focusing on disability seeks to subtly address inclusion issues more widely. Beyond this initial discussion there is a "Taking it further" section which has a selection of activities to facilitate personal reflection entitled "My story". "In my locality" is designed to encourage small groups or congregations to engage practically with their local community. "WWJD" encourages groups to engage in practical theological discussion linked to Christology. The prayer section gives both exercises and responsive prayer. This responsive prayer takes a form which worship leaders would be able to use/ adapt for corporate worship. A similar, but slightly varied format, is followed in each of the other six sessions. Session 2 "Fearfully and wonderfully made" also includes a "DIY psalm" activity. Session 3 "Standing up for justice" has a particularly interesting spiritual exercise called "Junk or jewels" which involves the use of candles to beautify a junk installation. Session 4 "Experiencing God in togetherness" gives an exercise to reflect on how communion can be celebrated in an inclusive manner. Session 5 "Entering the Gate called Beautiful" has a drama which could be used independently within a service. Session 6 "Living with diversity" raises the important question of how we honour carers. Session 7"Going to the great banquet" focuses on mission as well as concluding the course. At the end of the book there is a checklist to help congregations, preachers and worship leaders to conduct an accessibility audit. Overall this is a somewhat unique book in the current marketplace. Couldn't find a direct link for you to be able to buy it. Think the copies they were selling at the Christian Resources Exhibition may have been pre-publication. The details of this book which I think should be highly valued are: Enabling Church by Gordon Temple and Lin Ball, published by SPCK May 2012, 112 page paperback, price £7.99. ISBN: 978 0 281 06649 0 I would recommend it to small groups looking for something to study for the autumn. Not only is a great new resource it will also be topical due to the para-Olympics. I would also recommend it to lay or ordained preachers or worship leaders as a valuable addition to your toolbox. In addition to providing prayers, activities and relevant biblical comment on the subject of disability it also provides a resource which helps our reflection on our current practice. The only draw back to small group use is the cost. At £7.99 Perhaps a book some groups may find it difficult for all of their members to afford a copy. Perhaps this could be used as a leaders guide and in the future it could be produced in a different format, at an appropriate price, which would allow for the photocopying of readings and exercises as appropriate - to be given out to the group. Alternatively perhaps an abridged version could be produced for small groups which would have a lower price.