“Thanks for not giving up on me.” These are the words Pastor Dave Wiist hopes to hear on the other side of eternity. Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries recently sat down with him to learn about how his congregation has been sharing the love of Jesus with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For the past 22 years, Pastor Wiist has served the congregation at Concordia Lutheran Church in Evansville, IN. His call to Evansville was an unexpected homecoming where he, his wife, and their four children share family dinners together with extended relatives. That same sense of community runs deeps within his congregation.
Soon after arriving, Pastor Wiist met Brian Pratt, a religious life staff member from the former Bethesda Lutheran Communities team. Brian invited him to join a visit to ResCare, which served people with IDD. Admittedly, he was initially apprehensive about how Bible stories, devotions and prayer could reach such an intellectually diverse group of individuals. Right away, Brian’s gift of connection shone through. With a short devotion, prayers and guitar-led song, the whole room was filled with praise. Through the participant’s God-given abilities, Pastor Wiist witnessed the Gospel’s power to overcome any obstacles and growth in faith.
Over the years, Pastor Wiist continued nurturing the spiritual needs of dozens of people through ResCare, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Arc, and Easter Seal programs. His congregation also launched a three-day day camp at Jacob’s Village, serving a community of people that includes seniors and people with developmental disabilities.
When Bethesda no longer offered religious life support, the mission carried on monthly at the ARC and Easter Seals. Pastor Wiist explained that the congregation remains engaged because of the relationships they build and the consistency the church offers. With frequent support staff turnover, people with IDD are constantly faced with accepting new people into their lives to help care for them. Offering consistent spiritual support became his priority. “It’s heartbreaking for me that many don’t have a church home they know or attend. If they have needs spiritually, they don’t know how to connect with their pastor.”
There is one person in particular whom Pastor Wiist calls “Jay”, who attended their outreach regularly. Although she was non-verbal, she was always very enthusiastic about prayer. Pastor Wiist sometimes felt he was failing her, but by working with her support staff, he sought to offer prayers that spoke to her life. Jay stays close to his heart as he pictures meeting her in Heaven, released from all earthly burdens: “I can only imagine the conversations we’ll have.” Since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, people with IDD need to understand the promise of salvation in Christ just as much as anyone. He thinks about her saying, “Thanks for not giving up on me.” In that moment, her words carry the weight of grace and redemption fulfilled.
Today, Pastor Wiist partners with Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries, an independent charity continuing the mission of the former Bethesda Lutheran Communities Auxiliary. Their focus remains on sharing Christ’s love with people who have IDD and equipping congregations to start or expand disability ministries.
How can a church begin an IDD ministry? Reach out to a congregation who is already engaged, like Concordia Lutheran Church. Or contact Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries for consultations and resources. The first step is simple: become a part of their lives. Build relationships with individuals, families, and caregivers. Offer consistent support. Before long, ministry becomes friendship and friendship becomes lifelong community.
Learn more about Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries: www.bethesdaldm.org
Pastor Dave Wiist can be contact via email: dave.wiist@gmail.com
