Departments

Possibility Ministries

About the department 

Adventist Possibility Ministries seeks to inspire, equip, and mobilise those who have a disability, suffered a loss or are a caregiver so they may serve God and their community as expressed in the mission statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The 3 A strategy – Awareness, Acceptance and Action – provides a roadmap for all individuals and churches to implement the reasonable adjustments required by the Equality Act and embrace active ministry, including all.

If your church not accessible, it is not acceptable and requires action. 

We encourage you to include different abilities at all levels through active participation, including but not limited to representation in the church board and the team of elders, worship and Sabbath school leaders, and building planning committees.

How does the ministry support local Churches and members across the Conference?

The North England Conference has identified the lack of disability awareness as one of the seven big issues to tackle this term. We're committed to becoming an inclusive church to all, which requires cooperation at all levels: members with pastors, pastors with the Conference department, the Conference department with the possibility ministries church officers, and church officers and members with each other. Possibility Ministries is a movement which requires constant communication and care, mentoring and active involvement.

Department objectives

The first step towards becoming an inclusive church is to assess where we are. All churches should undergo an accessibility audit, which will enable them to address any outstanding issues. The Church Building and Program Accessibility Questionnaire is intended to be an educational tool and a practical aid in communicating acceptance to all who attend your church. The Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) leader of the local church may wish to give the entire questionnaire to their members at once or over a period of time. Furthermore, they can present a summary report by a representative of each group to the whole church. In most cases, change takes time, but what a difference it can make for some members and visitors. By becoming aware of needed changes, a plan can be developed to help bring a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Recognising that some of our buildings are old, rented or even listed, implementing everything may not be possible. However, the completed form helps to signpost individuals to accessible churches. It is not meant to single out any church or serve as a competition.

You can access the audit sheet online here: https://forms.gle/jgZ446HSEB59ct7h9

Once the audit is completed, we will discuss strategies for improvement.

The NEC is also committed to ensuring that all significant events are accessible for hard-of-hearing individuals by providing BSL translators. BSL interpreters are scarce, which is why we aim to improve our database of professional and lay interpreters. Please get in touch with health@necadventist.org.uk if you have been trained in BSL at any level.

Director's role

The departmental director is responsible for supporting church officers and members to raise awareness and advise with accessibility and inclusion strategies at the grassroots and leadership levels.

Dr Beatrice Kastrati interprets and reports the audit findings to the NEC administration to develop strategies for improvement. She also supports church information programmes and holds events and training sessions for churches and pastors.

Helpful links 

Braile resources

Free resources in braille can be mailed directly to your door. For more information, please contact health@necadventist.org.uk.

NEC Counselling Service

The Counselling Service is available for all members of the North England Conference – both young and old – who would like support with their mental health. Counselling is available face-to-face, online or by telephone. We often help individuals struggling with depression, anxiety,  abuse (physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual), anger, guilt, shame, interpersonal relationships, marital difficulties, sexual addictions, bereavement and loss, and issues relating to faith. For more information, click here.

Fostering and adoption

If you interested in fostering and adoption and seek advice and resources, please get in touch. We can connect you with foster carers who can share their experience and advice.

Resources

  • The 3-A Strategy of Adventist Possibility Ministries
  • Seven Ministries of Compassion, Purpose and Hope
  • Protecting Our Ministry’s Identity: Who Are We and What Do We Do?
  • Keys to Special Needs Ministries
  • Christian Record: Services for the Blind
  • How to Equip Your Church or Venue for People With Hearing Problems
  • Hidden Disabilities
  • Is anyone listening – Part 1
  • Is anyone listening – Part 2
  • Is anyone listening – Part 3

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Beatrice Kastrati

Dr Beatrice Kastrati

Director

Department: Health, Community Services and Possibilities Ministries

Phone: +44 115 960 6312

22 Zulla Road
NG3 5DB
Nottingham
United Kingdom (GB)