Why Inclusion Is Essential to the Gospel

Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. [21] The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” [22] In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 

1 Corinthians 12:20-22 NLT

We all long for a life of impact and meaning, but so often we measure our worth by what we can do, how we perform, or what we produce. In a world that prizes ability and independence, it’s easy to forget that God’s community works differently. He doesn’t look for the most “capable” or the most “qualified” to move his mission forward; instead, he tells us that the members of the body that seem weaker are actually indispensable. When we start to see ourselves and the world through a lens of faith-fueled vision, we realize that true belonging isn’t found in being the best, but in being part of a family where every person is seen as a masterpiece.

Why inclusion is essential to the Gospel

This week, we are featuring a transformational conversation from the Truth Changes Everything podcast: “Why Inclusion Is Essential to the Gospel.” In this episode hosted by Dr. Jeff Myers, Executive Minister Russ Ewell shares the story of how his sons, who have special needs, reshaped his entire understanding of mission and leadership.

Why you need to watch this:

• A new way of seeing people. Russ shares the moment a geneticist reframed everything for him (“You have a baby boy who happens to have Down syndrome”), teaching him to put the person before the diagnosis, and the image of God before the label. It’s a small shift in words that changes everything about how we see one another.
• Inclusion isn’t charity; it’s transformation for everyone. Typical kids and adults who grow up alongside people with disabilities develop deeper empathy, stronger character, and a richer understanding of what it means to be human. Inclusion doesn’t just change the lives of those we welcome in, it also changes us.
• The quiet epidemic hiding in plain sight. 40% of adults with disabilities report being isolated and alone. That’s why Christians who seek to be inclusive are so important. Our willingness to simply show up, again and again, is one of the most powerful forces for healing in someone’s life.

We invite you to step into this conversation and let it challenge your heart. Let’s be a people who look past the surface to see the indispensable value in every face we meet.