What we do
“Jesus’ healing ministry therefore sets a precedent for the church today to see the primary need of people with disabilities as being reconciled back to God and their community.” Jason Forbes. Advocating for those with a disability in a way that seeks justice and shows mercy is one of the passions of Jericho Road.
Our Disability Advocate, Rev. Jason Forbes, is wants to equip churches to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Jason’s own lived experience with a disability, as well as his theological training, provide him with insight and wisdom to help shape his powerful message: “The gospel is inclusive, therefore churches should be inclusive.”
We have a range of resources and articles that have been produced as a way for churches to begin engaging in this conversation within their own communities. Jason runs training workshops where these topics can be explored further and can also visit churches as a guest speaker.
We’d love to support our churches in the area of disability advocacy and ministry, so please get in touch.
Jason would love to visit your church and share his ministry. If you would like him to come to you email Jason at jforbes.disabilityadvocate.pss@gmail.com
Meet Jason
I was born in Darlinghurst in 1975 and grew up in Gosford. I enjoy cycling, travelling, motorsport, and deep conversation.
Cerebral Palsy affects my speech, fine motor and gross motor controls. Conversing and socialising with people I don’t know can be challenging, and is a point of anxiety. Not having good fine motor control means I can’t do up buttons, or tie shoe laces, or write with a pen. Not have good gross motor control means I don’t move as quickly or as efficiently as others – unless I’m on my bike.
None of this prevents me from enjoying an independent and active lifestyle.
Jesus’ healing of people with disabilities is often understood to be a reversal of the effects of the Fall. But I began to wonder, is this how those who witnessed the miracles understood them, or is this something that we as modern readers impose onto the text?
In Luke 7:22, six conditions are listed, and while blindness and lameness are readily associated with disability, leprosy, deafness, death and poverty are not. So, Jesus’ words are alluding to something that extends past modern concepts of disability.
What I discovered in the biblical narrative was a perceived correlation between an individual’s physical state and their spiritual state. Sometimes, this overlaps with modern concepts of disability while at other times it doesn’t. They key concern of Jesus was not to restore an individual’s bodily function, but to see the individual reconciled to God and their community. Within the culture of Jesus’ day, the restoration of bodily function was merely a sign of this spiritual restoration. Jesus’ healing ministry therefore sets a precedent for the church today to see the primary need of people with disabilities as being reconciled back to God and their community.
“His heart for churches and for including people that are different runs deep. Jason says, “The gospel is inclusive, therefore churches should be inclusive”. I’ve had the privilege of reading his articles and blogs and hearing him preach and speak several times. Each time I feel like I’m gain a little insight into the depths of the gifts that God has given Jason. I’m honoured to be his friend and am very thankful that he is journeying with churches on Jericho Road.”
Jon Flood
What motivates Jason to help churches?
By being involved in a church, I have had experiences and opportunities that have seen me grow not only as a person, but more importantly, in my relationship with God. I want people with disabilities to have the same opportunities that I have. I’m keen to help churches understand the needs of people with disabilities so that all people can become part of the church community and glorify God in their lives.
What is something about your daily work that you wish more people knew?
I would like people to know that the denomination’s disability advocate is here to support the Church in all matters relating to disability. Whether it’s a group discussion, a sermon on Sunday, or a full workshop, I am keen to come and have a conversation with any church.
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Disability Advocacy Visits
Jason will be visiting Presbyterian Churches across NSW and the ACT on his Disability Advocacy Visits. It’s a chance for churches to get to know Jason and find out why disability inclusion is so important.
It is our hope that every church will take the opportunity to hear Jason’s personal perspective, strong gospel message and his unique sense of humour.
Stories & Articles
Have a question? Click below to get in touch with the Partner Ministries team.