Our History

Association of Ministers with Disabilities (AMD), a United Methodist caucus in The United Methodist Church was first founded in 1990 as the Association of Physically Challenged Ministers though there were groups of activists who pioneered this disability justice work for the accessibility and equality of people with disabilities. We changed our name in 2009 to reflect a wider mission, encompassing all disabilities and both representative of clergy and congregational (lay) ministry.

The focus of the AMD continues that of the former APCM: to alert the denomination and others in faith communities to the ways attitudinal barriers have discouraged such ministry. AMD supports the work of disability justice that sometimes overlaps with Disability, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) work.

More specifically, AMD serves:

Clergy with disabilities (including candidates for ministry, local pastors, deacons, elders, chaplains, and retired clergy) by providing encouragement, mentoring, advocacy, networking, and support throughout the ordination process and ministry.

Laity with disabilities who exercise leadership and ministry within congregations and the wider church which can also include Certified Lay Ministers, Deaconesses and Home Missioners.

People discerning a call to ministry who have disabilities and may face barriers in candidacy, theological education, accessibility, or appointment.

Annual conferences, seminaries, and local churches by offering education, consultation, and advocacy on disability inclusion, accessibility, and equitable ministry practices.

The wider denomination by advocating for policies and practices that remove barriers to the full participation and leadership of people with disabilities.

Today, AMD’s work generally falls into four areas:

1. Support – building community among ministers and candidates with disabilities.
2. Advocacy – addressing discrimination and promoting equitable access in the ordination and appointment processes.
3. Education – helping churches and church leaders understand disability as an issue of justice and inclusion.
4. Witness – reminding the church that the gifts and leadership of people with disabilities are essential to the Body of Christ.

Our Purpose

Our main purpose is to encourage and support men and women who sense the call to ministry, who exhibit the gifts and graces for ministry, but also live with a disability. A current concern is that while the number of people with disabilities is increasing, the number of persons with disabilities in the United Methodist Church who are either in professional ministry or preparing for professional ministry seems to be decreasing. The task of the AMD continues that of the former APCM: to alert the denomination and others in faith communities to the ways attitudinal barriers have discouraged such ministry.

Our AMD caucus advocates for and supports disabled people called to ministry in all its forms, including ordained, licensed, and lay leadership. While rooted in supporting those called to ministry, AMD welcomes clergy, laity, deaconesses & Home Missioners, Certified Lay Ministers (CLMs), allies, and people from a variety of faith backgrounds who share its mission of disability justice, accessibility, and inclusion.

AMD BOARD

Our current board is made up of clergy and lay people with disabilities and advocates that bring different backgrounds and perspectives to this work. When contacting the board please email both co-chairs.

Executive Committee

Co-Chair: Leo Yates (Elder) – leoyjr@gmail.com

Co-Chair: Russell Ewell (Deacon) – ncommunity1@gmail.com

Secretary: Sarah Hassmer (laity / seminarian for Dn)

Treasurer: Greg Edwards (Elder)

Communications Director: Sunny Ahn (Elder)

Bishop: Bishop Williamston 

Extended Board

Past Chair: Jonathan Campbell (Elder)

At-Large Member – DMC: Mimi Luebbers (Deacon)

At-Large Member – UMCD: Tom Hudspeth (Elder)

At-Large Member – Disability Justice Consultant: Sarah Hassmer (laity)

At-Large Member – Accessibility Consultant: Mimi Luebbers (Dn)

At-Large Member – Mental Health Consultant: Leo (LCPC and a Elder)

At-Large Member – Neurodiversity Support Consultant: Sarah Chambers (laity & seminarian)

Membership Coordinator: Sarah Shepherd (laity)

At-Large Member – Dementia Support Consultant: Malcolm Frasier (Elder)

At-Large Member – Queer Clergy with Disabilities: Julie Wilson (Deacon)

GC / Legislation Consultant: Leo (Elder)

Fundraiser Coordinator: TBD

International Connections Consultant: Sharon McCart (Deaconess)

Theologian in Residence: Kevin Lazarus (Deacon)