VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 8/15/14)—Does your ministry include the people of God who are Deaf? More than 28 million Americans are considered Deaf or Hard of Hearing. This makes it likely that many houses of worship have members who are Deaf. Are they being served? Signs of Love: A Guide for Deaf Ministry by 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.
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, former pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf and episcopal leader of the Philadelphia area United Methodist Church, states, “This book gives numerous creative suggestions for ministry, not only in the context of the worship service but in the life of the church at large.”
In this unique resource, author Lori Buck takes you on a guided tour where you’ll discover:
- How to plan, structure, and implement a ministry with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Examples of real-world ministry models in diverse church settings
- The history of the Deaf in the church
This practical guide is essential for ministry leaders and congregations seeking to become more welcoming and inclusive of Deaf persons and culture.
To order contact Judson Press customer service at 800-458-3766 or visit www.judsonpress.com.
About the Author:
Lori Buck, DMin, has interacted with the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community for more than 15 years. Lori has presented various Religious Interpreters’ Workshops and consulted with churches to develop deaf ministries. An associate minister at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Washington, DC, Lori is the founder of Signing with Spirit, an interpreting company to religious, academic, entertainment, and governmental organizations.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, and cultures.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA)—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community, and justice.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with more than 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.