A Unique Ministry
- Hope Gibbs
- Nov 10, 2022
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 27, 2022
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests
but also to the interests of others.”
—Philippians 2:4
It’s human nature to selfishly focus on and care for one’s own needs, often before thinking of others. In fact, people are repeatedly urged to take care of themselves, so they can take care of others—like first putting an oxygen mask on yourself before trying to help the one sitting beside you on a plane. But when self-care becomes the focus of one’s existence, it develops into an “all-about-me” mentality, and others’ needs are ignored. The Apostle Paul recognized this human character flaw. Hence, his letter to the Philippians intended to inspire others to, like him, center their lives on Christ, mirroring the Lord’s selflessness, thoughtfulness, and love for all people—filling their lives with true joy in service to others.
Still, the expectation for people to be more than human is misplaced, as are expectations for what they and others think they should do (Rom 3:10, 7:15).[1] As Issler writes, “The willing-doing gap is a universal human problem we all face. It’s not unique to Christians.”[2] Paul’s ministry was exceptional because he lived vicariously through Christ, seeking out those who most needed to hear the gospel and, in turn, grow God’s kingdom. Like Paul, Mary Marshall Ministry reflects the commitment to delivering God’s Word and transforming lives to be lived to the fullest. As part of the Volunteers of America (VOA) Ministry of Service, this unique program brings the church fellowship experience to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues to their home at Mary Marshall Assisted Living Residence in Arlington, Virginia—meeting people where they are.
Misconceptions & Barriers
Sadly, misconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues often lead to exclusion, which this group has experienced in their past public and private lives and still experiences today. Often these misconceptions add more bricks to the wall creating a more significant barrier that results in a
“them and us” mentality. One of those bricks is the misconception that their spiritual needs differ from non-disabled people. As Senette notes, “[People think] that they don’t
have the same needs. . . .That they are somehow lesser than.”[3] Thus, to debunk this myth, finding creative ways to educate and introduce people with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues to the community at large is a high priority.[4] People must see that “people with disabilities also have abilities.”[5] Building on that perspective, Senette adds, “You know, we talk a lot about education, but really it’s about friendship,” something everyone needs.[6] Friendship is an integral part of Mary Marshall Ministry. It is a beautiful experience to see how people come together and friendships develop and grow in a group that glorifies God. Differences disappear, and unity is formed and fostered through this weekly worship experience.
In a VOA Greater Baton Rouge research project titled “Supporting the Expression of Spirituality for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities: A Spiritual Expression Research Report and Resource Guide of Volunteers of America,” Senette and Snowden state, “[The Volunteers of America] mission statement, calling us to ‘reach and uplift ALL people,’ makes no distinctions about the level of intellectual or emotional functioning or conscious expression in helping our fellow human beings to reach their full potential physically, mentally, and especially spiritually.”[7] This statement also reflects Philippians 2:4’s theme of looking beyond one’s interests to those of others. Referencing Erik Carter, the researchers note, “People with disabilities have the same dreams, hopes, and aspirations as their non-disabled neighbors. Every person should have the freedom and supports to pursue the life they envision for themselves.”[8] This observation engages two Volunteers of America principles of faith: “We are diverse individuals, drawn together as a ministry of service,” and “We believe that every individual deserves to be lifted up to the glory of God.”[9] The latter is precisely what Mary Marshall Ministry strives to do.
In their 2017 article, “The Inclusion House: Where Pastors Learn to Minister to Individuals with Disabilities,” Finn and Utting write the following:
"The National Organization on Disabilities (2001) estimated that 47% of people with disabilities report that they attend church once a month and 85% percent of people with and without disabilities say that religious faith is an important aspect of their lives. There is a wide discrepancy between those individuals with disabilities who can go to a worship service [and those] who want to go to the worship service. These individuals simply do not attend church as much as they may wish. Individuals with disabilities may need advocates within the faith-based communities who will explore different ways of incorporating individuals with disabilities into the church, thus breaking down the barriers of communication, attitudes, and misunderstanding."[10]
An Ardent Advocate
An ardent advocate for those with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, Mary Marshall Ministry directly responds to Finn and Utting’s observation that “individuals simply do not attend church as much as they may wish.”[11] This unique ministry brings church to those who cannot attend each week for personal or logistical reasons, providing an invaluable service to those most in need to meet people where they are. By offering a weekly worship service and welcoming anyone who wants to attend, this unique ministry provides spiritual freedom for this marginalized group, supporting the inclusion of this demographic within a faith community.
Reflecting chaplaincy’s work with diverse populations in pluralistic settings, Mary Marshall Ministry welcomes all those from various faith belief systems without compromising its Christian foundation. Inclusion and acceptance of all people are at the heart of Christian love. It is a transformative love that changes lives. Yong writes, “If love is the central characteristic of ecclesial life rather than knowledge, then it is the most important ‘language’ that the church should deploy in its interface with the world, including the world of those who live with intellectual disability.”[12] Love is the language of Mary Marshall Ministry and the Volunteers of America family.
Founded more than a century ago, Volunteers of America, a church without walls, has “sought to represent God’s love, grace, and redemption through both service and ministry.”[13] Mary Marshall Ministry’s commitment to this calling continues to define its work today, reaching and uplifting America’s most vulnerable, answering God’s call to transform communities through a ministry of service that demonstrates to all people they are beloved.[14]
In an interesting article titled “Does Inclusion Save Us All?” Schaeffer and Tamminga address the need for local church communities to be transformative, writing, “For Christian communities to contribute to God’s ongoing plan to save this world from distortion and fragmentation, then we need to attune to the speed, content, and scope of the mission Dei. This salvific process includes the transformation of both world and church and comprises at least a corporate theological reflection that embodies the inclusion aimed at.”[15] Distortion and fragmentation occur when others are viewed as “less than others,” resulting in exclusion. As Shaeffer and Tamminga suggest, Mary Marshall Ministry has attuned its speed, content, and scope of God’s mission by prioritizing the interests of others. It is committed to delivering a weekly worship experience to those who otherwise may not be able to attend outside church services. This ministry cannot single-handedly, globally change the culture of today’s churches regarding inclusion for those with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Still, it does what it can locally with enthusiasm and joy.
Called to Care: A Personal Recount
Not everyone will have the Damascene experience Paul had, ultimately becoming a great apostle, contributing thirteen books to the New Testament, and living a life committed to spreading Jesus’ teachings. However, after his encounter with the Lord, the Apostle’s insights and unwavering faith demonstrate that one can change and become something more significant than ever imagined. People can surprise themselves. This observation is true for people today, and it happened to me.
I was ordained as a Volunteers of America minister in June 2012. I felt compelled to put that education and title to work as soon as possible. Where and how exactly that would happen was a mystery, but I had faith that God would make my place known in His good time. Four months later, He did.
As a VOA communications and marketing professional, I was covering the opening of a new assisted living residence, Mary Marshall, in Arlington, Virginia. It was a unique residence designed to serve adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues, a demographic I had little interaction with and less knowledge about than other marginalized groups. Up to this point, my job had taken me all over the country, sitting and talking with homeless individuals, veterans, at-risk youth, previously incarcerated men and women, those dealing with substance use disorders, and other vulnerable populations.
Entering the facility, thinking I would take some good photos, interview a few folks, and be on my way, I had a strange feeling. It urged me to speak to the Life Enrichment Director (LED), a facility position that focuses on providing life’s joyful needs for the residents, including art and music events, field trips, and all things that make life fulfilling. Before I realized what I was saying, the following words came pouring out: “I would like to start a weekly ministry here.” I startled myself with those words, and the insecure voice in my head shouted, “What are you doing? You don’t know anything about ministering to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues! Take it back! Now!” The LED smiled and said I needed to speak to Mary Marshall’s Executive Director, but she thought it would be a welcome idea. Soon everything was in place, and the Mary Marshall “Monday” Ministry began.
No doubt, the early days were filled with trepidation about how I would interact and share God’s Word with this group. I made many mistakes they forgave, like talking louder and slower, thinking they could not grasp my words—delivering simpler messages instead of tackling some of the complex Scriptural issues that left theologians scratching their heads. I was blind to who my “congregants” were. Mary Marshall residents are eager to learn. They are willing to talk and discuss social issues, world events, and life in general. They are keen to share their faith and grow together spiritually. My biggest mistake was underestimating their need for the same level of conversations I would have with friends and family. I quickly learned that my cognitive deficit, not theirs, needed to be adjusted.
There are many lessons Mary Marshall Ministry has taught me over the years. Still, the biggest lesson is discovering I have more in common with the residents I minister to than differences. Their insecurities are the same as my insecurities. Their fears are my fears. Their need for love and acceptance is the same as my need. Their concern for others is as deep as mine, and their passion for the Lord even deeper. Mary Marshall Ministry is indeed unique. If you are ever in the Arlington, Virginia, area, please visit this extraordinary assisted living home, talk with the staff and residents, build relationships and friendships, and witness our commonalities. You’ll soon find your fears and misconceptions dissolving and looking for ways to contribute to this ministry or one in your community. We are all called to care and “to look to the interests of others.”
Mary Marshall Ministry invites you to come and experience the joy of sharing your faith with adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Visit or call us today. Learn how to become a part of your community’s ministry serving Jesus’ “least of these.”
____________________ [1] Hope J. Gibbs, “Micro-Project II Culmination Phase: Justification, Peer Review, Implementation, and Analysis of the Micro-Project,” submitted October 2022, accessed November 9, 2022, https://www.dropbox.com/ home/Interviews%20%26%20Transcripts?preview=Hope+Gibbs+-+852+Culmination+Phase.docx. [2] Klaus Issler, Living Into the Life of Jesus (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2012), Chapter 1, “Change As Realistic,” para. 5, Kindle. [3] Gibbs, “Culmination Phase,” 17. [4] Ibid. [5] John M. Frame, The Doctrine of the Christian Life (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2008), 268, Kindle. [6] Gibbs, “Culmination Phase,” 18. [7] Senette and Snowden, “Supporting the Expression of Spirituality,” https://www.dropbox.com/home/ IDD%20Resources, 5. [8] Ibid., 8.
[9] Volunteers of America Church, “The Complete Guide to Volunteers of America Ministry of Service.” voa.org, 2019.” https://www.voa.org/pdf_files/the-complete-guide-to-voa-a-ministry-of-service, 10.
[10] Jane Finn, and Allison Utting, “The Inclusion House: Where Pastors Learn to Minister to Individuals with Disabilities,” Journal of Research on Christian Education 26, no. 2 (2017), 172, https://doi.org/10.1080/10656219.2017.1331777. [11] Ibid. [12] Amos Yong, “Disability from the Margins to the Center: Hospitality and Inclusion in the Church,” Journal of Religion, Disability & Health 15, no. 4 (2011): 346, https://doi.org/10.1080/15228967.2011.620387. [13] Volunteers of America Church, “The Complete Guide," 2.
[14] Ibid. [15] Hans Schaeffer and Koos Tamminga, “Does Inclusion Save Us All,” International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church 22, no. 1 (2022): 13, https://doi.org/10.1080/1474225X.2022.2049502.
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