At Bethesda’s fall leadership conference, two speakers from the Lazarus Centre at Trinity Western University, reminded us of the deep theological and historical grounding of Bethesda’s mission. Together, Dr. Krista Ewart and Dr. Michael Morelli, offered a powerful perspective on why our work matters, not just in practical terms, but as a participation in God’s vision for humanity.
The History of Care
Dr. Krista Ewart explored the history of care for people with disabilities, tracing how society’s understanding has shifted over millennia. For much of history, people with disabilities were marginalized and misunderstood. In ancient times, disability was often viewed as a sign of sin or impurity, something to hide or fear. Communities excluded those who were different, denying them the full experience of belonging. Jesus, however, reversed that paradigm. He demonstrated that disability is not sin and that God’s presence and purpose are expressed in every person. He welcomed those on the margins, showing that the kingdom of God is built on inclusion, not exclusion.
As the early church grew, leaders emphasized love, support, and empowerment for people with disabilities. Yet over the centuries, this care sometimes became superficial charity rather than true inclusion. By the medieval period, society categorized people according to ability. Some were cared for in hospices, others were isolated, but people with intellectual disabilities were largely integrated in communities with their families. They often lived quietly or sometimes as “fools”, as they were commonly referred to, with specialized roles within their communities.
The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution brought further change. Society began to value productivity, efficiency, and intellect above all else, and governments stepped in. People who did not meet defined standards of “normal” were often institutionalized. Overcrowded and under-resourced, institutions frequently became places of neglect and abuse, separating people from community and belonging.
In Canada, faith communities initially played a leading role in care, and while governments gradually took on more responsibility, churches and Christian organizations continued advocating for dignity, inclusion, and innovation. By the mid-20th century, institutional abuses came to light, inspiring a movement rooted in human rights, community living, and belonging. L’Arche, Christian Horizons, and ultimately other service providers like Bethesda, became models for homes and communities where people could contribute, thrive, and live lives of purpose. Today, our understanding continues to evolve, reminding us that the journey from exclusion to belonging is ongoing.
The Theological Meaning of Care and Community
Dr. Michael Morelli, who also holds the position as vice-president of Bethesda’s board of directors, complemented Krista’s historical perspective by inviting us to look deeply at Scripture and the theological meaning of care and community. The Bible presents life as interdependent from the very beginning. Humans were never intended to exist in isolation; we are designed to rely on God and on one another. Yet modern culture often elevates independence above all else, valuing productivity, intellect, and self-sufficiency as the ultimate measures of worth. This perspective can leave those who do not fit the societal definition of “normal” marginalized, even if unintentionally, in our communities and churches.
Michael reminded us that every person is created in the image of God. Difference is not sin, and disability is not a result of the Fall. In Jesus, described in Colossians as the image of the invisible God, God’s likeness is expressed in diverse ways, not only through ability, intellect, or productivity. Serving people who are vulnerable is, therefore, not merely an act of charity; it is an encounter with Christ himself (Matthew 25). Dependence, far from being weakness, is a core part of God’s design, calling us into mutual care, compassion, and authentic community.
The insights from both talks converge on a single truth: our work at Bethesda is deeply theological. It is more than supportive care; it is active participation in God’s vision for humanity. Every person we serve is an image-bearer, deserving of dignity, respect, and belonging. Moving from exclusion to inclusion, from charity to true relationship, and from institutionalization to homes filled with life and purpose, we reflect the kingdom of God in tangible ways.
This dual lens, historical and theological, offers us a powerful reminder: people we support are not objects of pity or charity. They are fellow image-bearers, partners in community, and integral members of God’s kingdom. Our mission is to create spaces where every person can flourish, contribute, and be celebrated for who God created them to be. In doing so, Bethesda continues a legacy that stretches back to Jesus Himself; a legacy of welcome, dignity, and belonging that transforms communities and furthers the kingdom of heaven.
