Disability Ministry Conference

Russ Duncan, Ministry Relations Manager with Joni and Friends will be guiding us through what the Bible tells us about people with disabilities and how we can open the doors to engage them in the Church.

This is what every Church needs to  begin connecting their friends, family, and neighbors with disability into the body of Christ!

We are committed to removing barriers—both physical and social—and building a culture of inclusion where everyone experiences God's love and the fellowship of believers.

We want to thank our dear friend Teresa Williams for her great love for all God's children and her resilient dedication to be the voice for the voiceless.  It is because of her that we are offering this conference.  It is because of her helping us to understand disability better that we are praying for every body of Christ to open their arms to people with disabilities of any kind.

DISABILITY MINISTRY CONFERENCE

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

9a - 1p

with JONI and FRIENDS; Russ Duncan, Ministry Relations Manager

Sign Up:  Click the Registration link below.

Meals (No Cost): Continental Breakfast 8:30a / Lunch 12:00p

Speaker:  Russ Duncan, Ministry Relations Manager, Joni and Friends

Church Contact:  Kevin Schwartz, 828-505-6116

Conference Contact:  Teresa Williams, 828-243-1643

Conference Itinerary

9 - 9:45a             God's Heart for the Disabled in Scripture

9:50 - 10:35a      Barriers to the Church for People with Diability

10:45 - 11:30a    How to Care for People of All Ability

11:40a                 Lunch and Panel Discussion (Local Churches with Disablity/Friendship Ministry

                            MC:  Nick Honerkamp

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Russ Duncan Bio

I’m Russ Duncan, the North Carolina office Ministry Relations Manager. I’m a native of North Carolina and graduate of NC State (go Pack). I now live in Rock Hill, SC with my wife Kate and 5 of our children. Before coming to Joni and Friends, I taught high school math for 24 years. I have also served as a church elder for 15 of those years. That time as an elder gave me a great love for Christ’s Church. I am blessed to be able to provide churches with resources and training, allowing them to fulfill their mission as it includes people living with disability. I also get to connect churches and like-minded disability ministries to each another through disability networks. These networks allow for collaboration, encouragement, and support in the area of disability ministry. Feel free to reach out at russ.duncan@joniandfriends.org with any questions. I would be glad to serve you!