The beauty of worship can be so powerfully realized in the graceful formations of the language of sign. This is a basic handbook for people who want to develop or improve a ministry to and for the deaf in the local church and includes a foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada.

In this unique resource, author Lori Buck offers a thorough introduction to Deaf culture and practical guidelines for developing a deaf ministry that goes beyond learning American Sign Language and interpreting Sunday morning worship.

The entrance into deaf ministry was a challenge for Rev. Peggy Johnson, but her fascination and spiritual calling provided her with perseverance, which enables her to have a future in deaf ministry. A truly inspirational and educational reading.

Deaf people have the right to read, study, pray, worship, serve, discuss, and meditate on God's word. Ayres calls for the rediscovery of the spiritual legacy of the Deaf-World as he explores the history of ministry programs and proposes a definitive plan for the future. Deaf ministry patterns over the past forty years are highlighted and a description is given of the New Culture of Deafness--brought about by the radical changes in Deaf-World. Each chapter concludes with useful discussion guides for students or small groups. Ayres calls for the rediscovery of the spiritual legacy of Deaf-World as he explores the history of ministry programs and proposes a definite plan for the future. "An invaluable contribution to the field of Deaf ministry..." --Rick McClain, Deaf Pastor for College Church of the Nazarene, Olathe, Kansas "An unusually keen knowledge of the past, a strong sensitivity with the present, and a proposed plan for the future..." --Duane King, Founder/Executive Director, Deaf Missions, Council Bluffs, Iowa "God has clearly inspired Bob to write this book for precisely 'such a time as this.'" --Mary J. High, PhD, Associate Professor, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, North Carolina "Deaf Diaspora is a 'must read' for anyone who is active in or serving a Deaf Christian ministry..." --Mark Seeger, Pastor, Jesus Lutheran Church of the Deaf, Austin, Texas Included are inspirational personal narratives by Chad Entinger.

With its various ministry models, Deaf ministry offers faith communities ways to grow and make disciples. Diving into these ministry models, readers are introduced to Deaf ministry and its different aspects that includes accommodations, ways to build your Deaf ministry, and considerations of hospitality and inclusion, to not only help you grow your church, but to help expand the Kingdom of God. A one of a kind resource, this book provides insight from ministers serving in both Deaf ministry and disability settings. The second edition includes best practices and strategies, how to implement a family ministry and a music ministry, an expanded disability ministry chapter, guidelines for a Deaf ministry committee, typical responsibilities for a Deaf ministry coordinator, and much more! This is a great resource for any church library.