A Church Extending Friendship Can Transform a Community

Listen: Unseminary Podcast featuring Gail Ewell

If you have spent time at our church, you know we are passionate about including people with special needs.

Much of the inspiration for our inclusive efforts comes from Gail Ewell, our Lead Women’s Ministry Leader and a parent of adult children with special needs. 

Through Gail’s passion for inclusivity, God has led us to build a groundbreaking Spiritual Resource Ministry that ensures every child and every family can experience church—which they might not otherwise be able to do. We also sponsor community programs like E-Sports and E-Life, which now span 20 locations across the Bay Area and serve hundreds of kids weekly.

Beyond that, inclusion has strengthened our congregation, helping us create the  respectful, spiritual, and interconnected friendships described in 1 Corinthians 12:

But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. [19] How strange a body would be if it had only one part! [20] 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 12:18-22 NLT

Gail was a guest this week on the unSeminary podcast, where she shared her personal stories of struggle and victory, and how God is working through our church to create life-changing inclusive ministries.

She also gave valuable and practical guidance for churches that are looking to build inclusive ministries or programs.

Tune in to hear Gail share how the simple step of a church extending friendship can transform a community!

Listen to the episode