So that Every Part of the Body Belongs..
Our Mission
We want to ensure that every person within the UPCA community, regardless of ability or circumstance, experiences belonging, dignity, and spiritual growth in the body of Christ, by equipping, educating, and empowering our churches, ministries, and departments to embrace and support individuals with disabilities, reflecting Christ’s love and the unity of His body.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see a national movement across the UPCA, its churches, ministries, and departments - where every believer is seen, valued, equipped, and empowered to contribute to the Kingdom of God. Where individuals with disabilities and their families fully belong and thrive in the body of Christ, spiritually, socially, and practically.
Behind the BELONG Ministries name, sits an acronym that reflects the ministry’s values and priorities, which also forms the BELONG MINISTRIES pathway and motto:
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B – BELONG: We create places where everyone is seen, accepted, and valued as part of God’s family. Every person has a God-given place in the body of Christ. Everyone belongs in the Body of Christ!
“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
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E – EMBRACE: We extend compassion by embracing every person’s story and circumstance. Everyone has a seat at the table. We reach out and make room for all, reflecting the heart of Jesus.
When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.” Luke 14:13
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L – LOVE: We love as Christ loves; unconditionally, sacrificially, and inclusively. Love is the defining mark of every believer, and we exemplify our Saviour Jesus, in how we love one another.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
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O – OVERCOME: Through Jesus, we overcome barriers together, live as conquerors by faith and through our testimony. It is through the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev 12:11) that we can be overcomers. And we also build the bridge and gap, to enable others around us to be overcomers through Jesus.
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37
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N – NURTURE: We disciple, care for, nurture growth, independence, and spiritual maturity in every believer, developing every person toward maturity in Christ.
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
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G – GROW: We grow together as a unified body,
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7
Wanting more Information for your Church?
Reach out to us today!