With Ministries

10/16/2026

When our family was looking for a church, one of the things that made a difference was the church's website. We saw a statement about a commitment to families with disabilities and seeing them as a gift who need to be a part of the church.

And we were like, We don't see that every day. Here we go.

What does it actually look like for a church to welcome families experiencing disability? And how do families find faith communities where everyone can participate, contribute, worship, and belong?

Nakoa Dantzler Merritt of With Ministries has practical advice for us!

1. Belonging begins with being considered.

Churches can ask families affected by disability what they need and invite them into the process of shaping ministries, so that inclusion is part of the plan from the beginning rather than an accommodation added later.
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2. Inclusion requires flexibility.

A welcoming church makes room for children who need to move, eat a snack, or take a nap, and for people who worship with streamers or egg shakers rather than singing. The goal isn't to make everyone participate in the same way, but to help everyone know they belong.
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3. Start with conversation, not assumptions.

Parents and church leaders can work together to understand what helps a child participate and what might get in the way. Sometimes, a cup of coffee and a willingness to listen can accomplish more than a carefully designed program.
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4. Come with grace, and look for a willingness to meet you halfway.

Parents can extend grace to well-meaning people who are still learning while also asking whether a church is willing to listen, learn, and change. Families shouldn't have to carry the entire burden of making a community welcoming, especially when they're already stretched thin.

“A worship service could look a little bit more colorful. It could look a little bit more rowdy… The life of the church is so much more robust with us all in the room.”
- Nakoa Dantzler Merritt (With Ministries)

Hear more on Take the Next Step:
How to Find a Church That Welcomes Disability https://amyjuliabecker.com/church-disability-inclusion-accessibility/
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[image description: Penny leading our church in the Lord’s Prayer during the worship service]

10/07/2026

What does belonging look like when we experience it through someone else’s eyes?

This month, we’re introducing you to Sunita, one of our WITH Ambassadors.

In her own words, Sunita shares her perspective on what true belonging looks like for disabled and neurodivergent people in the church and why the work of creating communities of belonging matters to her.

Our Ambassadors help bring WITH’s mission to life by sharing their experiences, perspectives and voices with their own churches and communities.

We’re grateful for Sunita and for every Ambassador who helps remind us that belonging isn’t something we create for people.

It’s something we create with one another.

10/05/2026

One year ago, I stepped into the Praxis Nonprofit Accelerator expecting it would be a catalyst for WITH and it was. It also gave me something I didn’t know how much I needed: people to walk with.

15 founders who started as strangers became family. They prayed with me, challenged me, and reminded me why with matters in the first place. Building something new can be lonely. It was never meant to be done alone.

Read the full reflection at the link: https://withministries.org/what-praxis-taught-me-about-building-with-others/

None of us were meant to build alone. Come see why.

One year ago, I stepped into the Praxis US Nonprofit Accelerator believing it would be a catalyst for WITH Ministries. I knew there would be mentors who would challenge our thinking, conversations that would sharpen our strategy, and opportunities to imagine what might be possible as WITH continued....

09/30/2026

“𝐈𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝. 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐝.”

That’s what one attendee shared after REFRAME and we couldn’t imagine a better reflection of what this gathering was meant to be.

Yesterday, we gathered mothers around the table for an honest conversation about disability, parenting and belonging.

We listened as moms generously shared their lived experiences; the joys, the challenges and the things they wish other families understood about their children.

We learned from experts who helped us ask better questions, challenge assumptions and think differently about how we talk to our children about disability.

And, most importantly, we made space for conversations that we hope will continue far beyond one afternoon.

Because creating communities where people of all abilities truly belong starts with us. It starts in our homes. In the conversations we have with our children. In our churches. In our schools. And in the way we choose to see, welcome and include one another.

To every mom who shared her story, every expert who shared their wisdom, and every woman who showed up ready to listen and learn: thank you.

And to everyone who helped bring REFRAME to life, thank you for believing in the power of this conversation.

The luncheon may be over, but the work of reframing has only just begun.

Keep asking questions. Keep having the conversations. Keep making room. Everybody belongs. 🤍

09/23/2026

Belonging is the Church living out the Gospel.

09/21/2026

For Bobby, becoming a WITH Ambassador was a “no-brainer.”

And in his Ambassador story, he shares why.

Supporting WITH isn’t simply about supporting an organization. It’s about believing in a vision for the Church, one where people with disabilities have opportunities to worship, participate, serve, lead, build relationships, and use the gifts God has given them.

Our Ambassadors help carry that vision into their own churches, communities, and circles of influence. They remind others that creating belonging isn’t work reserved for disability ministry leaders.

All of us have a role to play.

09/18/2026

“When I think of WITH, I think of REST.”

I can’t think of anything more wonderful to hear today! Katie has shared this with us more than once— how the work of WITH matters immensely to her family, her friends, and her church.

The ripple effect of our work at WITH Ministries goes far beyond pews and classrooms. It impacts the entire family. It impacts the moms who tirelessly advocate for their child to be welcomed and accepted Monday- Saturday.

WITH is calling the church to greater faithfulness so that Sunday is a day of rest for entire families because the church throws its doors open wide and ushers everyone- regardless of ability- into the full life of the church.

Y’all, there is so much to celebrate today!

We are seeing movement.
We are seeing changed hearts, practices and postures.
We are seeing people with disabilities thought of first in Sunday preparation.

Moms ( and dads and grandmothers and siblings) have hope and rest because WITH is walking alongside their congregation.

Your partnership and support makes this possible.

As we near the end of North Texas Giving Day, we are inviting you to join us and give toward our work of congregational inclusion. Your gift can make this ripple effect reach more churches and families across the country.

Please give a gift to help us reach more communities! Link in bio.

09/17/2026

So far, thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised $4,450, which means we’re 30% of the way to our $15,000 goal.

Let’s keep this momentum going - all across the country, lives are being impacted because of you.

Click the link to donate and make an impact: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/Friendship-Ministries 🙏🏼