Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church Equips Members to Build a More Inclusive Ministry

DeLand, Florida — On Sabbath, July 25, 2026, members of the Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church in DeLand, Florida, participated in an engaging and transformational presentation entitled “Disability Inclusion: Diverse Abilities, Many Possibilities,” presented by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., Health and Possibilities Director. The training was made possible through the leadership of Pastor Alex Williams and First Elder Corban Robinson, who recognized the importance of equipping the church to intentionally welcome and involve individuals with disabilities in every aspect of church life.

More than 30 members attended the interactive ministry event, where they discovered that disability inclusion is not simply about accessibility—it is about recognizing the God-given value, dignity, and abilities of every individual giving them equal opportunity to participate in ministry and social activities. Additionally, creating a welcoming environment from the parking lot to the pew, platform, potluck, and to the parting from the church property.

Using 1 Corinthians 12, Dr. Sankey-Battles reminded participants that the body of Christ is made up of many members with diverse gifts and abilities. Just as every part of the body has an important function, every person has unique abilities that contribute to the ministry and mission of God’s church. Participants also examined examples from the life of Jesus, who consistently demonstrated compassion, acceptance, dignity, and inclusion toward individuals with disabilities. His ministry showed that every person deserves to be seen, valued, loved, and given opportunities to participate in the community of faith.

Throughout the presentation, attendees actively engaged in demonstrations, simulations, discussions, and practical application exercises designed to strengthen their understanding of disability inclusion. Members learned disability etiquette that describes how to accept, respect support, and intentionally involve individuals with disabilities in worship services and in reach and outreach ministry.

One of the highlights of the training was a church accessibility assessment. Members worked in pairs and were assigned various areas of the church property to evaluate existing accessibility features and identify physical barriers that could limit participation. Teams carefully observed entrances, walkways, restrooms, classrooms, parking areas, and other facilities before reporting their findings to the larger group.

The assessment generated meaningful discussion as participants identified both accessible and inaccessible areas of the property. Together, members developed practical recommendations to remove barriers, improve accessibility, and create an environment where individuals of all abilities could safely and comfortably move within the environment to participate in worship and church activities. The exercise emphasized that accessibility extends beyond American Disability Act (ADA) compliance—it reflects Christ’s love by preparing places where everyone is welcomed and can belong.

Another memorable component of the training was a blindfold simulation exercise. Several volunteers agreed to be blindfolded while youth and young adults served as their guides around the church property. The activity was designed to help participants experience some of the emotions and challenges that individuals with visual impairments may encounter, while highlighting the importance of compassionate guidance, patience, trust, safety, and support.

Following the exercise, participants reflected on their experiences.

Among the comments shared were:

· “It felt good to help someone who needed me.”

· “I was nervous and afraid.”

· “I trusted my guide.”

Many participants naturally connected the experience with their walk of faith, offering spiritual insights such as:

· “Walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

· “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

· “Call on the name of the Lord in times of need.”

· “Trust God even if you cannot see Him.”

· “Remove obstacles from life so we can walk the straight and narrow way.”

These reflections reinforced that disability inclusion is both a practical ministry and a spiritual calling. Just as believers depend upon God for guidance, the church is called to guide, support, and encourage one another so that every member can fully participate in the body of Christ.

As Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church continues its journey toward greater accessibility and inclusion, the congregation serves as an example that embracing diverse abilities creates many possibilities for ministry. At the conclusion of the presentation, members committed to being on the lookout (BOLO) for individuals with disabilities—not merely noticing their presence, but intentionally preparing welcoming, accessible environments where everyone experiences belonging. Participants pledged to remove barriers, extend invitations to serve, and recognize the many abilities individuals with disabilities bring to the church family.

Dr. Sankey-Battles emphasized that disability inclusion is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing ministry that reflects the heart of Christ. Churches are encouraged to provide annual disability inclusion training for pastors, ministry leaders, and church members to increase awareness, clarify responsibilities, and strengthen their ability to foster congregations where every person are given equal opportunities to worship, fellowship, grow spiritually, and advance God’s kingdom. For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, 352-720-5206 or Jennifer.sankey@secsda.org

HIALEAH, Fla. — August 1, 2026 —The Southeastern Conference members and leaders from South Florida Hispanic Community gathered at Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hialeah, Florida, for a dynamic Discipleship Conference designed to equip believers to become more effective leaders and followers of Jesus Christ. Hosted by Pastor Ruber Alvarez, senior pastor of Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church, and organized by Dr. Juan Gonzalez, Stewardship Director for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SEC), the conference provided practical, biblical, and inspiring messages on discipleship from multiple ministry perspectives.

Throughout the day, four Southeastern Conference ministry directors challenged attendees to deepen their commitment to Christ while discovering practical ways to disciple others within their churches and communities.

One of the morning highlights featured Pastor Olinto Groce, SEC Sabbath School, Children’s, Personal, and Prison Ministries Director. With Spanish interpretation provided by Esmeralda Harris-Guzman, Pastor Groce presented a compelling Bible study on discipleship using the account of the demon-possessed man in Mark 5:18–20.

Pastor Groce reminded attendees that the transformed man first ran to Jesus, experienced complete restoration, and was found “in his right mind.” Although the man desired to follow Jesus physically, Christ commissioned him instead to return home and share with his family and friends the wonderful things God had done for him. This biblical example illustrated that every believer is called to be a disciple by sharing their testimony, introducing others to Jesus, and mentoring them in their spiritual journey.

To reinforce the lesson, Pastor Groce engaged participants with an interactive handout, encouraging them to identify practical ways they could become intentional disciple-makers. His presentation emphasized that discipleship is more than church attendance—it is a lifelong commitment to leading others into a relationship with Christ and nurturing their spiritual growth.

Conference organizer Dr. Juan Gonzalez delivered a powerful sermon centered on obedience and sacrifice, drawing from the story of Abraham and Isaac. He highlighted Abraham’s unwavering willingness to obey God’s command to offer his beloved son and Isaac’s remarkable trust and submission. Dr. Gonzalez then pointed the congregation to God’s provision of the ram as a substitute sacrifice, reminding listeners that this event foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, whose sacrifice secured salvation for humanity.

His message challenged attendees to consider whether they are willing to surrender everything to God in faithful obedience, trusting Him even when His plans are difficult to understand. The sermon deeply moved the congregation and set a spiritual tone that carried throughout the remainder of the conference.

Following the morning sessions, the church’s hospitality ministry served a nutritious and delicious lunch that provided fellowship and renewed energy for the afternoon presentations. The warm fellowship reflected the welcoming spirit of the Pilgrims church family and encouraged participants to remain engaged throughout the day’s activities.

During the afternoon, Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Possibilities Ministries Director for the Southeastern Conference, presented “Your Health Matters,” emphasizing that caring for the body is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship and faithful stewardship. With Spanish interpretation provided by Esmeralda Harris-Guzman.

Using Scripture and practical health principles, Dr. Sankey-Battles reminded participants that the body is God’s temple and that honoring Him includes making healthy lifestyle choices. To reinforce this message, she taught the congregation an engaging song entitled:

“My body is the temple of God; whatever I eat, drink, and do, do all to the glory of God.”

The congregation enthusiastically joined in singing, creating an atmosphere of joyful participation while reinforcing biblical principles that attendees could easily remember and share with others.

The conference concluded with another informative presentation by Dr. Gonzalez, who introduced participants to the wealth of ministry resources available through the Southeastern Conference website. He also provided practical instruction on important stewardship topics, including Living Wills, Trusts, estate planning, and other resources that help individuals become faithful stewards of the blessings God has entrusted to them.

Throughout the conference, attendees expressed appreciation for the practical nature of each presentation and the opportunity to gain biblical tools that could immediately strengthen ministry within their local churches.

The gracious hospitality extended by Pastor Ruber Alvarez and the members of Pilgrims Seventh-day Adventist Church, combined with the congregation’s enthusiasm, thoughtful participation, and eagerness to learn, created an atmosphere where faith, fellowship, and discipleship flourished.

By the close of the conference, the South Florida Hispanic participants departed encouraged and equipped with valuable spiritual, health, and stewardship resources to strengthen their personal walk with Christ and expand their ministry to others. Through inspiring messages, interactive learning, heartfelt worship, and Christian fellowship, the 2026 Discipleship Conference proved to be a God-blessed success, reminding every attendee that true discipleship involves following Jesus wholeheartedly while helping others do the same.

The Southeastern Conference Office of the President joins our Conference family and the global community in expressing our heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the people of Colombia following the devastating earthquake that struck the western region of the country on August 10, 2026. The loss of life, injuries, displacement, and destruction have brought tremendous grief and hardship to families and communities across the affected areas.

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