Embracing Disability in the Church with Greg Harris

Embracing Disability in the Church with Greg Harris

Embracing Disability in the Church | Presuming Competence, Belonging & the Body of Christ with Pastor Greg Harris    How can the Church become a place where people with disabilities are not just welcomed, but fully included, valued, and equipped to participate in the life of the body of Christ?    In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie Beerda sits down with Pastor Greg Harris to discuss disability, discipleship, and what biblical inclusion looks like in the local church. Drawing from his experience as a father, pastor, and doctoral researcher, Greg shares how his understanding of disability has been shaped through raising a son with disabilities and studying the intersection of disability and discipleship.    Together, they explore the assumptions many of us make about cognitive ability, why we should presume competence when interacting with people with disabilities, and how churches can create spaces where every person is treated with dignity as an image-bearer of God. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be the body of Christ and offers practical encouragement for building communities that reflect the heart of Jesus.    In This Episode: * Greg's journey as a father of a child with disabilities  * Presuming competence and respecting a person's internal life  * How to engage meaningfully with people with disabilities  * Why age-appropriate communication matters  * Common misconceptions surrounding disability  * What Scripture teaches about serving vulnerable people  * The significance of 1 Corinthians 12 and the body of Christ  * Creating churches where everyone can participate and belong  * Embracing interruptions and diversity within worship gatherings  * The work of the Lazarus Center and disability theology in Canada    About Greg Harris:  Greg joined the team at SouthRidge Fellowship Baptist Church in 2022 and became Lead Pastor in 2025. He has been married to Sarah since 2011, and together they have three children: Benjamin, Emily, and Oliver. Greg holds a Diploma in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts from Columbia Bible College, a Master of Divinity from Northwest Baptist College and Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. His research focuses on the intersection of disability and discipleship in the local church.    Resource mentioned: The Lazarus Centre  Website: https://www.thelazaruscentre.org [https://www.thelazaruscentre.org] Instagram: @thelazaruscentre  [https://www.instagram.com/thelazaruscentre]   Connect with Greg:  Instagram @gregharris7  [https://www.instagram.com/gregharris7]   Connect with Rekindled Faith:  Instagram: @rekindledfaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith]    Connect with Melanie:  Website: melaniebeerda.ca [https://www.melaniebeerda.ca/] Instagram @melanie.beerda  [https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr]

Welcome to the Rekindled Faith Podcast

Welcome to Season 5 of Rekindled Faith: The Wilderness. Have you ever felt distant from God, stuck in a season of waiting, or unsure of where He is leading you? Throughout Scripture, the wilderness is not a place of abandonment—it is a place of preparation, dependence, and transformation. This season, we'll explore how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty, isolation, and spiritual dryness, teaching us to trust Him more deeply and become firmly rooted in His Word. Through biblical teaching, honest conversations, and practical encouragement, you'll discover how the wilderness can become the very place where your faith grows strongest. Join us as we learn what it means to follow Christ faithfully and emerge from the wilderness with deeper roots, renewed hope, and a stronger foundation in Him.

Season 4 Finale: Looking Back, Looking Forward

Join Melanie and Andi for the Season 4 finale of Rekindled Faith as they reflect on the conversations, lessons, and guests that shaped this season. From spiritual growth and prayer to evangelism, community, and trusting God through uncertainty, they share how these discussions impacted their own faith and the lives of listeners. In this special episode, Andi shares an exciting personal announcement, and together they celebrate God's faithfulness throughout their time hosting the podcast. Melanie also offers a preview of Season 5: The Wilderness—a season focused on finding God's presence and purpose in seasons of waiting, isolation, and uncertainty. In This Episode: • Highlights and lessons from Season 4 • How the podcast has impacted Melanie and Andi's faith • Encouraging listener stories and feedback • Andi's exciting life update • A look ahead to Season 5: The Wilderness Thank you for joining us this season. We pray these conversations have encouraged you to follow Christ more deeply and remain faithful in every season. Resources:  Book Melanie mentioned: "Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters" by Carmen Imes Connect with Rekindled Faith: Instagram: @RekindledFaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith] Connect with Andi: Instagram: @AndreaWallins [https://www.instagram.com/andreawallins] Substack: @SacredlySourced [https://substack.com/@sacredlysourced] Connect with Melanie: Instagram: @MelanieBeerda [https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr] Facebook: @MelanieBeerda [https://www.facebook.com/melanie.beerda/] Website: MelanieBeerda.ca [http://melaniebeerda.ca] Substack: @MelanieBeerda [https://substack.com/@melaniebeerda]

Resilient Faith Through Generations with Zlata Zolotarova

In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie sits down with Zlata Zolotarova to explore a powerful family legacy shaped by faith, sacrifice, and resilience in Ukraine. Zlata shares remarkable stories passed down through generations—stories of believers who remained faithful through hardship, persecution, and uncertainty. Their unwavering trust in God's provision and commitment to serving others became a lasting spiritual inheritance that continues to influence her life today. Together, Melanie and Zlata discuss the importance of preserving a spiritual legacy, living out faith with courage, and trusting God even when circumstances seem impossible. This conversation serves as a reminder that our faithfulness today can impact generations to come. Whether you're navigating a difficult season, seeking to deepen your faith, or wondering what kind of legacy you're leaving behind, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom for living boldly for Christ. In This Episode * The rich spiritual heritage of faith in Ukraine * Stories of perseverance through persecution and hardship * How family legacies shape future generations * Lessons on generosity and serving others * Trusting God's provision in uncertain circumstances * What it means to live out faith courageously * The lasting impact of everyday acts of obedience * Building a legacy that points others to Christ Key Takeaways * Faithfulness often leaves a greater legacy than success. * God's provision is not limited by our circumstances. * The sacrifices of one generation can strengthen the faith of the next. * Serving others is a powerful expression of God's love. * Courageous faith inspires hope in times of uncertainty. Connect With Rekindled Faith Instagram: @RekindledFaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith] Connect with Zlata Instagram: @zlata_zolotarova [https://www.instagram.com/zlata_zolotarova] Website: Trinity Church - Kelowna  [https://www.trinitychurchkelowna.ca/] If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps spread stories of hope, redemption, and renewed faith. Follow Rekindled Faith for more conversations that inspire listeners to draw closer to Christ and live out their faith with confidence. #RekindledFaith #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #SpiritualLegacy #Ukraine #GodsProvision #ChristianTestimony #FaithJourney #HopeInChrist #GenerationalFaith

Imprisoned for Jesus: The Reality of Christian Persecution

In this powerful episode of Rekindled Faith, host Andi Wallins sits down with Ghebrezghi Berhane, whose story will challenge and deepen your perspective on faith and freedom. Growing up in Eritrea—one of the most restrictive countries in the world for Christians—Ghebrezghi shares his firsthand experience with persecution, imprisonment, and the constant threat faced by those who actively live out their faith. With family members still imprisoned for their beliefs, his story reveals the real cost of following Jesus in a place where faith must often be practiced in secret. From a dangerous escape to Ethiopia to ultimately finding refuge in Canada, Ghebrezghi’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering trust in God. He highlights his encounter with Jesus that transformed his life—and why that transformation made him a target. This conversation is a sobering reminder not to take religious freedom for granted, while also pointing to the hope, boldness, and deep conviction that can only come from a life rooted in Christ. Takeaways: * Freedom of faith is not guaranteed and comes at a cost for many * Christians in Eritrea face intense persecution and surveillance * Living out your faith boldly can come with real consequences * God’s protection and presence remain even in dangerous circumstances * True transformation in Christ changes every part of your life * Religious freedom in countries like Canada is a gift not to be taken lightly * Faith can grow stronger through trials, not weaker * Sharing the gospel can require courage and sacrifice * The global Church is more connected than we often realize * Hope in Christ remains, even in the darkest situations Additional Resources: Subscribe to the Rekindled Faith [https://pod.link/1723210330]Podcast   Mentioned in this Episode: Grace Literature and Media Ministry [https://www.facebook.com/share/1ELQjXpqax/?mibextid=wwXIfr] Voice of the Martyrs Connect with Rekindled Faith Instagram: @rekindledfaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith] YouTube: @rekindledfaith [https://youtube.com/@rekindledfaith?si=9tKNODlPiR25arCF] Connect with Andi Wallins Instagram: @andreawallins [https://www.instagram.com/andreawallins?igsh=MTE0NGgyendraTRreA==] Substack: @sacredlysourced [https://substack.com/@sacredlysourced?utm_source=top-search]   Rekindled Faith is all about helping you get back to the foundation of your faith in Jesus. Follow the podcast for more conversations that will strengthen and encourage your walk with God.