United States (MNN) — The Christian Institute on Disability will open its doors for coursework March 2008.
The initiative of Joni and Friends is aimed at higher education and providing answers to hot topics on disability. Their focus will be on social and policy issues. "We want to speak to the secular world, and we want to give them another perspective–a Biblical perspective, a Christian perspective—and re-engage medicine and technology with the understanding of theology so it's a more balanced view and perspective," said Steve Bundy, the managing director of the CID.
They have created a board of theologians, ethicists, educators, doctors, and attorneys to help answer these questions.
They are also providing higher education on disability; ministering to as well as empowering the disabled. "Twenty percent of our population is affected by disability, and yet seminaries are not preparing ministers to go out and welcome them into their churches," said Bundy. The CID is praying for open doors in seminaries and universities where they can train people in all fields to deal with disabilities.
Currently there are no other seminaries offering training for disability ministry.
Those who would like to dive deeper into hands-on education are invited to take part in their internship program. It is a hands-on learning experience, and credits earned from the CID will be transferable.
"The enemy is not going to like this, so we need God's protection upon our ministry as we really move into his territory," said Bundy.
