Welcome Beth !
We are thrilled to have Beth Rogers join us a Social Media Volunteer . Beth is part of the Manchester Roofbreaker Network and the Student Network . She ’ s currently on the New Wine Discipleship year and will be starting a Medicine Degree in September in Newcastle where she is also keen to see a Roofbreaker Network develop . When she isn ’ t studying , she loves to do wheelchair ballroom and Latin dancing !
As a full-time wheelchair user , Beth describes how inclusion for all in the church is something very close to her heart : “ Having personally had both positive and negative experiences of inclusion in the church and having also seen others struggling to access church because of their additional needs , I am passionate about working towards a world where there are no barriers in the church … God loves every person regardless of disability , so churches should reflect that by making the church inclusive for all ”.
Beth ’ s new role , producing content for TTR ’ s Facebook and Instagram pages and developing what we offer there , will help to spread the word about TTR ’ s work , and the message of inclusion to a younger generation .
Beth told us that it ’ s important for churches to have a Roofbreaker , “ to ensure that inclusion is a priority in each church , as it can sometimes be overlooked and all that might be provided is a ramp – true inclusivity is so much more than this ”, but that you don ’ t need to be an expert on disability to be an effective Roofbreaker . As Beth says , “ inclusion is not a one size fits all piece of work , so having a Roofbreaker allows each church to individually work on accessibility , which can make the most impact on creating an inclusive church community ”.
In her experience , she ’ s felt that disabled people can be nervous going to a new church not knowing whether the church will be welcoming and accessible to them . But knowing that there is a Roofbreaker at work
Beth will be helping out with TTR ’ s social media accounts
gives a point of contact to ease any anxiety and shows people that they are valued .
We are so thankful that Beth is taking on these new roles following our New Wine seminar earlier this year ‘ Leading from a place of disability ’ and look forward to serving God together to enable inclusion , participation and belonging in churches and Christian activities .
Find us on social media by searching for ‘ TTRchangeslives ’ on Facebook or Instagram , or @ TTRchangeslives on Twitter .
Joining Together To Transform Lives
Across the UK groups of Christians are joining together with the aim of making sure disabled people can be fully included in Christian life . These are Through the Roof ’ s Area Networks for ‘ Roofbreakers ’.
We believe every church needs a Roofbreaker , and the Networks are part of the support offered . We now have 14 Networks meeting in local areas across the UK , and 3 further UK-wide Networks for Roofbreakers in rural areas , for students , and for Roofbreakers involved in ministry to the Deaf community .
Have a look on our online map to find the Network nearest to you ( or if there isn ’ t one in your area then let ’ s talk about starting one !) You can get in touch with your local Network Co-ordinator or contact Through the Roof to find out more .
As well as these Networks , Through the Roof offers Church Disability Awareness workshops , a Church Disability Toolkit and a church audit document – all of which are FREE for churches with Roofbreakers . There ’ s also a Facebook group where Roofbreakers can share information and ideas .
Does your church have a Roofbreaker ? We ’ d love to encourage you to join us in this vision . Have a look at the ‘ Church Inclusion ’ section at www . throughtheroof . org to find out more .
Visit the map at www . throughtheroof . org and sign your church up
www . throughtheroof . org