By Rev. Dr. Leo Yates, Jr.
December 12, 2023
“When the (Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Ministries) committee provided the micro-grants for Deaf Awareness Month, I had no idea the number of new Deaf ministries it would start,” says Mary Ann Deters, the president of the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf, a United Methodist Deaf caucus. Deters is referring to Deaf Awareness Month in September.
But this is what occurred. In fact, God has a way of redirecting our ministries for a higher purpose. Paul even points to this in Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In fact, the number micro-grants that were dispensed, nearly half of the churches started a Deaf ministry or are exploring how to expand their Deaf ministry. Grants were dispensed in multiple states around the U.S., including Hawaii, along with churches in Nigeria and Mongolia.
Bryan Branson, the president of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Ministries Committee, a committee that partners with the General Board of Global Ministries, said during their recent committee meeting, “We are glad to see the fruits of the micro-grants support the inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing United Methodists.” “These are signs of grace – after all, sign language IS a means of grace,” said Rev. Dr. Tom Hudspeth, whose Doctor of Ministry dissertation was on this very subject. Hudspeth is also the committee’s consultant. Kathleen Griffith, the director and team lead for the Global Health Unit of the General Board of Global Ministries, and who oversees the committee’s work, simply said, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
What started as a creative endeavor by Rock Church North Shore, located in Amesbury, MA, to invite Deaf and hard of hearing people from the Deaf community for a “Paint Night” event led by a local Deaf artist (to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month), sparked a new interpreting ministry where ten or more persons are now attending the church. “What a blessing to see this happen. Deaf ministry is near and dear to my heart,” says Bishop Peggy Johnson, the episcopal leader of the New England Conference.
The micro-grant received by Northwest UMC in Peoria, IL was used to host a Deaf Awareness Sunday service where Caleb Wanless, a deaf youth, shared his testimony. A luncheon followed the special service; moreover, the church is applying for a regular grant to begin an interpreting ministry so Caleb and others can continue to worship at the church.
On a more grandeur scale, Deaf ministries can also be seen in the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference where Pastor Samuel Audu described a first of its kind, inviting 44 Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons from the local Deaf community to come and participate in a day of evangelism and sharing of meals. Along with this, persons from various Deaf ministries in the Baltimore-Washington Conference and the Pen-Del Conference gathered for a day of celebrating, networking, and worship on September 30th. “Be sure to share my blessings with them, Leo,” said Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, the episcopal leader of the two affiliated annual conferences.
The Deaf ministry at McKendree-Simms-Brookland UMC in Washington, DC also hosted a Deaf Awareness Sunday service, inviting testimonies, a signing choir, and advocacy for Deaf inclusion. Ministry leader, Nikki Dobyns gladly shared, “we’re starting a new sign language class so hearing people can communicate with our Deaf members.”
Though The United Methodist Church is going through a transition with disaffiliations we see God is still pouring out grace so churches and ministries can continue to be a place of worship and inclusion of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
* Reach out to Rev. Leo Yates if your church is interested in starting a Deaf ministry or learn how by emailing him at [email protected].
