I wish I knew the answer, but I think being aware of the dilemma makes it a little more likely that we will move thoughtfully and prayerfully – and be willing to challenge some of our prevailing assumptions.

Yeah – the power question is a big one.

True – but is it wrong to serve others with an awareness that some things I do bring delight, others less so? And isn’t part of my maturing the willingness to accept that I don’t do some things as well as others, and so should step away from them? Or does my willingness to be vulnerable by trying what I am not good at a way to bless others? None of this is about earning my status as a child of God – but it is about trying to follow Jesus in tangible, everyday situations.

I like those 3 Priscilla: God’s gifting (and all is ultimately a gift from God), heart posture and teachability.

Those are important passages. Perhaps we think too much about individuals, instead of celebrating what we as a community can come up with when we work together.

Ah well – it’s a sensitive nerve for me as well. Our culture does shape so much of what we will applaud and what we back away from. For some cultures taking part is much more important than the standard of performance. I guess Christianity is a great leveller in that it insists that we are all in need of mercy and grace – but what a grace shaped community looks like can be hard to define.

I guess it’s not always about leading a ministry, but often about being able to participate in one. You are right, God often sees things in others that we don’t.

These are really good questions – probing, and without easy answers, but really helpful. The ableism dilemma is real – and in questioning it are we being patronising? It’s worth reflecting on? I think we intuitively know that what is excellent for one might be ordinary for another – and if so, how do we respond appropriately, albeit differently. Not easy. But perhaps an open posture and large heartedness is a good start. Thanks Ruth.

Thanks Ruth. Always lovely to hear from you.