Bridges to Belonging: Helping Congregations Embrace Youth with Disabilities
In 2023, Truett Seminary proudly announced that Baylor University received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to launch Bridges to Belonging, an innovative project led by Angela Reed, PhD, Truett Seminary’s associate dean for academic affairs and director of spiritual formation, in collaboration with Erik Carter, PhD, executive director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, and Gaynor Yancey, DSW, Lake Family Endowed Chair in Congregational and Community Health, director of the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3I).
The Bridges to Belonging project is equipping congregations across Central Texas to more fully welcome youth and young adults (ages 13–25) facing disabilities, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses. In its first year, the project has begun sparking dialogue and fostering new relationships among local churches, all aimed at making congregations more accessible, inclusive, and truly representative of the body of Christ.
Congregational Learning Community Launches
A core component of the Bridges to Belonging project is the newly launched Congregational Learning Community (CLC). This is a two-year long cohort of churches passionate about serving young people with disabilities. Eighteen churches joined this CLC and represent nine cities, 11 denominations, and include nearly 80 team members, creating a diverse, rich environment for shared learning.
“We are amazed at the diversity and vitality of the congregations that responded to our initial invitation,” said Reed. “It is clear that they sense a calling from God to welcome young people and their families, and they readily acknowledge that it can be difficult to do this well. I am so grateful for the interdisciplinary team we have gathered at Baylor that is already coming alongside this first group of churches to listen together for stories of life and faith among young people with disabilities and to begin responding in faithful practice.”
A Gathering for Reflection and Community
The Bridges to Belonging team recently hosted a kickoff gathering for the CLC at Truett Seminary. With the theme “Stories of Belonging,” the event focused on listening and storytelling as a means of understanding each congregation’s unique dynamics. Churches reflected on questions like, “What is going on in our congregation?” and considered what “belonging” feels like for young people with disabilities.
Elyse McMullen, program manager for Bridges to Belonging, shared, “As we have begun working with these church teams, we are quickly learning that they are animated by the call to serve, each bringing their own unique background and interest. Some are seasoned in disability ministry, while others are just beginning this journey.”
Participants were also introduced by Carter to ten dimensions of belonging—a framework that guides churches in creating inclusive environments. Rev. Bill Gaventa, author of Disability and Spirituality, offered insights from his work, enriching the gathering with a thoughtful discussion on faith and inclusivity.
The event allowed church teams to worship together, share meals, and build relationships in a supportive community. The CLC members left feeling inspired and equipped to take concrete steps toward fostering belonging in their congregations.
Looking Forward and Flourishing Together
Over the next two years, the Bridges to Belonging team will work closely with each church, offering coaching, collaboration, and resources tailored to support inclusive practices. Each church will have the opportunity to pilot initiatives that invite youth with disabilities to participate more fully in congregational life.
“I know I speak for the team when I say that we are growing together as we listen with prayer and discernment to the wisdom and expertise that each team member brings,” continued Reed. “We take this same approach in our gatherings with the churches – we want to watch for God’s presence and calling, learn from the wisdom and experience of those gathered who are ministering to young people, and then help to support relationship-building, ministry practices that are a fit for each context. I hope and pray that this two year journey will encourage the first 18 churches and shape our team’s vision for this work in the years to come.”
Beyond the CLC cohort, Bridges to Belonging is in the process of developing resources and learning opportunities accessible to any church interested in this mission. A second CLC cohort is planned for fall 2026, further expanding the project’s reach and impact.
Stay connected with the Bridges to Belonging project as it continues to offer resources and updates for churches eager to cultivate welcoming, accessible communities.