Church Member Resources

Reaching the One

Guidelines for Members and their Leaders

Be careful to not overload willing teachers who receive the most challenging classes simply because they cannot say no. Consider whether or not parents are able to attend church or if they having to spend their Sundays at home or in the hallways of church with a child with disabilities. What could be done by a ward family to help relieve their burdens?

Excerpts from the Scriptures

Job 38:7

When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Isaiah 54:13

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Matthew 18:12

How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?

John 9:2-3

And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

2 Nephi 26:28, 31:3

Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.
For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men.
For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

3 Nephi 17:6-11

And he said unto them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you.
Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither.
Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

Moroni 8:17

And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation.

D&C 18:10

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

Conference Talks and Resources

The Moving of the Water Boyd K. Packer
Like a Broken Vessel Jeffrey R. Holland
Special Lessons Ronald A. Rasband
Encircled in the Savior's Love W. Craig Zwick
The Works of God James E. Faust
"Come Home, Felila" John H. Groberg
My Joy is Full, 3 Nephi 17: 5-11 Video

Other Resources for Members with Disabilities

The LDS Church's Disability Resources Website

This website has been created to answer questions individuals may have regarding how to offer support, comfort, and an increased understanding and acceptance toward persons with disabilities. The site contains information on general disabilities and some of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, families, and church leaders.

The Young Church Service Mission Website

The LDS Church has done an excellent job of providing wonderful opportunities for young adults to serve as service missionaries. They have now organized these opportunities onto an easy to navigate website. This site provides guidance with questions like: "Am I eligible to serve?" "Where can I serve?" and "How do I become a missionary?"

Handbook 2: Administering the Church, "Members with Disabilities"

"Church members are encouraged to follow the Savior's example of offering hope, understanding, and love to those who have disabilities."

The LDS Newsroom Topic on Disabilities

"The First Presidency urges increasing awareness, understanding, acceptance and appreciation of those with disabilities, for 'it is [the members'] opportunity and ... responsibility to follow the example of Jesus in loving our neighbors, and that includes those with disabilities.'"

Helping Congregations Care for Members with Disabilities

Reaching the One

Resources