A conversation reminded me today how many choices the hearing has compared to the Deaf, especially when it comes to churches. Or how many translations of the Bible are available in our language compared to the Deaf. Just to have choices in what we do, where we go, and what our social calendar looks like is something the hearing like me take for granted.
There are ways you can help the Deaf feel like they belong:
- Livestream your interpreter and have an online host willing to engage with anyone who joins the Sunday service.
- Set up an interpreter and train them to communicate via email and social media with the Deaf (whether or not the interpreter will be there that Sunday and what time).
- Train your volunteer interpreter to understand the importance of showing up.
- Seat the Deaf in the front with a clear view of the interpreter. It’s tempting to think of the Sunday experience from the hearing point of view only.
- Make sure the interpreter is illuminated.
- Consider how the interpreter can lead a Deaf ministry rather than just offering a service. The Deaf need fellowship as much, if not more, than the hearing.
- Create Deaf events where the hearing serve the Deaf so the Deaf community can focus on connecting with each other rather than the dishes, the set-up, etc. This also allows the hearing to get a glimpse of the world of the Deaf and further learn their culture.
- Let your social media reflect all of your congregation, such as posting Deaf content.
- From the pulpit, when talking about the different ministries, don’t forget the Deaf. Recognize their value like you recognize the value of the hearing.
- Equip the Deaf to reach the Deaf and help in ministry.
It’s so important to understand and learn how the Deaf communicate, how they “hear” the Bible, and what they need. Today, I learned there are 300 Deaf in our area. The prayer becomes: How do we reach them all? How do we work with other church interpreters and create a para-church ministry that reflects biblical values and in-person and online fellowship so the Deaf can enjoy many of the activities the hearing take for granted at their church.