Centred on Jesus
Our recent survey consulted about Through the Roof’ s future activities. The encouraging feedback from 68 people representing all areas of the charity’ s life will inform Trustees as they discern God’ s leading to plan ahead. Here are the key findings …
Encouragingly, supporters identified our top strengths as being focused on three aspects: Jesus, People and our Purpose / Mission, exemplified by the following quotes:“ I feel that Through the Roof is a family of people centred on Jesus and passionate about following the will of God”;“ Small dedicated team focused on the purpose of the charity”.
Although most people didn’ t highlight our weaknesses, a few themes were consistent. These were our:“ Need to raise the profile and reach more individuals and churches with core message”, alongside our‘ Financial sustainability’ – helpfully highlighted as:“ I’ d hate us to be too polite to point out to people that we need financial support to continue the good work!”
88 % of respondents said they fully agree with our vision, and 89 % fully support the mission statement. The following quote encapsulated people’ s sentiments:“ In a world where disabled people often are passive recipients of services, it is uplifting to have an emphasis within TTR on the value of blessings being both received and given by disabled people”.
82 % of those who responded agreed our values match how we do things at TTR. One comment noticed us:“ Refusing to cut corners where faith aspects are concerned”.
86 % of respondents fully agreed it was right to focus on our three strategic aims: Access, Belonging and Commission:“ As Roofbreakers( we) find these are memorable and workable aims, which we readily share with others”.
One key theme was overwhelmingly suggested as an opportunity: Equipping / mentoring summarised well by one response:“ Equip more facilitators with lived experience of disability to build( their) confidence and competence to enable more participation”. Others suggested:“ Developing the skills of disabled adults” and“ A mentorship programme”.
Responding to:‘ Where is God at work?’ it’ s clear that God is using TTR to make a real difference, as highlighted by two people:
“ You accept me. You talk to me. You value me. You support me. Jesus did the same with people who were socially excluded”; and,“ In my life especially when I went to India when I was nearly 18. Changed my life!”
One insightful comment exhorts us to continue the work:“ Please keep telling churches that, as disabled people, we can do things to enhance church life”.
We finish with a lovely comment that echoes my gratitude …“ Thank you to everyone involved with TTR for your hard work and commitment to the marginalised in society”.
For a full report, email: tim @ throughtheroof. org
Vital Link Summer 2025 | www. throughtheroof. org