Great promises in the Bible are often found in names. When God changed a person’s name, it was usually to establish a new identity. With the new identity came a new or expanded purpose. This was true for Jacob (Gen. 32:28), Abraham (Gen. 17:5), Sarah (Gen. 17:15), and Paul (Acts 13:9). Today baptism gives each person a new identity and purpose when they are baptized in “the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).

In 2015 the General Conference Disability Ministries was changed to Special Needs Ministries (SNM) because some were sensitive to being called disabled. Then in 2019, in recognition of an expanded and refocused ministry, SNM became Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM).

What Is in the Name?

The new name purposely focuses on the person’s potential rather than what they cannot do or do not have. A statement by Ellen White offers another way of thinking about this ministry. “I saw that it is in the providence of God that widows and orphans, the blind, the deaf, the lame, and persons afflicted in a variety of ways have been placed in close Christian relationship to His church.” She does not stop there, however. She then continues to explain that the purpose of this was “to prove His people and develop their true character.” Jesus saw more than a disability. He could see what they could become and why the Christian movement would benefit from them. In many ways, our ministry “with” individuals who have special needs provides greater opportunities to deepen our understanding of the nature of God’s kingdom.

The new name, Adventist Possibility Ministries, while not denying the reality of disabilities, opens the door to exploring the possibilities and strengths that these individuals bring to God’s mission. A fundamental principle is the belief that “all are gifted, needed, and treasured!”

Invest in people. People stay where they feel valued. For Jesus, the person mattered first regardless of scheduling issues, prevailing societal stigmas, or inconvenient requests.

Visualize a new future. All too often we are ready to write the “conclusion” to someone’s life when God is ready to add new chapters. Seeing beyond where the person is at the moment is a cherished leadership gift of the Holy Spirit.

Respect. Words and actions of affirmation are long-lasting.

Socialize. While general socializing can be helpful, Jesus mingled “as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. People with disabilities often feel isolated. Invitations to dinner or a drive to a special place can make a huge difference. Unless there is a sense of belonging, membership seldom holds those with disabilities in church fellowship.

Provide opportunities. Possibility leaders provide challenging opportunities. Jesus did this when He said simply, “Rise, take up your bed and walk” (John 5:8), and later said to take up your “cross and follow Me” (Matt. 16:24). Giving challenging opportunities encourages them to stretch and develop the potential God has given them.

Be an example. Nothing speaks as much to others as the leader being seen showing genuine care.

Everyone wants their life to matter. No one is insignificant, though many feel they are. Possibility thinking seeks to bring a unique meaning and purpose to individuals who have felt hopeless for far too long. It is an extension of the ministry of Jesus.

Adapted article by Larry R. Evans, Former Assistant to the President for Adventist Possibility Ministries  View Original Article here