Date
4-29-2026
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD)
Chair
Arlynne Gail Perley-Huebscher
Keywords
Southern Baptist Convention, disability ministry, belonging, inclusion, Great Commission
Disciplines
Christianity | Leadership Studies
Recommended Citation
Kim, Minsoo, "The Impact of the Application of Disability Ministry and Discipleship Within the Southern Baptist Churches of Virginia" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8307.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8307
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study examined how individuals with disabilities serving as church leaders and congregants experienced belonging within Southern Baptist churches in Virginia. The researcher framed the study using Baumeister and Leary’s (2017; 1995) need to belong theory, which posits that human beings possess an innate drive to form and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships. The researcher examined how belonging was expressed through physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions within congregations engaged in disability ministry and contributing to fulfillment of the Great Commission. The researcher employed purposive sampling to recruit 11 participants from Southern Baptist congregations in Virginia who self-identified as individuals with disabilities and actively served in disability ministry (Creswell, 2013; Creswell & Creswell, 2018; Dukes, 1984). Semi-structured interviews provided insight into participants’ lived experiences of belonging and inclusion within congregational life.
Findings revealed that belonging was shaped through relational engagement, opportunities for meaningful participation, and recognition of individuals with disabilities as contributors to ministry rather than recipients of care. Participants identified barriers including social exclusion, limited leadership opportunities, and congregational attitudes that constrained participation. Findings also indicated that inclusive leadership practices, intentional discipleship, and relational connection supported stronger experiences of belonging within Southern Baptist congregations.
The study contributes to understanding how churches can align theological commitments with inclusive practices to support belonging, leadership development, and participation for individuals with disabilities.
