Meet Bec Baines – Accessibility Ministry Advisor
We are delighted to have the Rev Bec Baines join Youthworks Ministry Support Team. Bec is the first ever Accessibility Ministry Advisor for the Sydney Anglican Diocese. We had the opportunity to speak with Bec and find out more about her role and its purpose. She says,
“My role is the first ever Accessibility Ministry Advisor for the Sydney Diocese. Essentially this means that I will help churches work out in their ministry context how best to remove barriers for people attending church, particularly in the field of disability. My aim is to help kids and youth ministries as well as Church gatherings to be places that are welcoming for those with disability and their families…”
Bec’s own personal journey with disability, motivated her to apply for the role and help others connect with God’s word. She says,
“I have grown up with lived experience of disability, including my own personal experience of hearing loss, adoptive and foster brothers with disability, learning Auslan, being connected to the Deaf community, working in the field of disability support work, and doing some theological study in disability and ministry. In all these various moments in my life, God has put on my heart the desire to share the Gospel with people who might not be able to connect with God’s word in a way that is accessible to them and to also reach out and support family members, who may, at times, feel like they won’t be accepted in the church gathering.”
Bec is excited to visit various churches this year and hopes they will discover new ways of creating a welcoming space for individuals with disabilities and their families. She says,
“I’m hoping that churches will feel confident and joyful as they consider how to make their spaces accessible for all people, including those with disability. I’m excited to see new ideas and new ways of bringing God’s word to those who don’t yet know Him, and that people with disability and their families feel welcome at church and to be able to actively participate.”
Please pray for Bec
That she will be able to help churches, even in complex cases, to see and address various needs.
That God will use her to enable effective ministry to children and youth to people with disability.
That she will produce and provide resources to support churches and families.