By Alexander Ogheneruemu
In these lines I hope to cast a vision of “inclusionary revolution” within the fold of Christ. Yes, Inclusion – “by all means”. What does that mean? While I hope to explain that in another piece, I trust to my readers of deep scriptural persuasions and proclivities to readily get my drift.
Presently, it should be borne in mind that this “inclusion” charge for a neglected minority within the fold has been a long time (spanning decades) in coming. The vision is for an appointed time. However I sense a witness within, – reinforced by happenings without, that the appointed time is here. “Nothing can stand in the way of an idea whose time has come”.
THE GLOBAL YOUTH CONVOCATION
With announcement of the Global Youth Convocation tagged: “IMPACT”, there has been palpable excitement in the air.
This unusual prioritization of young people by Pa Kumuyi at the dawn of a New Year clearly depicts a marked departure from the old guard. In the Invitation letter to the global event which was widely circulated in soft and hard copies, Kumuyi wrote: “This year, I am prioritizing young people. I believe that your positioning in 2022 is pivotal to the growth and development of the nation and the world at large”.
A careful analysis of the foregoing – and the observant mind may readily discern a refreshing sync between Pa Kumuyi’s evolving “new order” vision of the youth and what they represent with the words of scriptures at Joel 2:28-29.
For those who have been following recent trends of Kumuyi’s person and ministry, one thing is evident, namely: Deeper Life is on the threshold of a great paradigm shift – socially, technologically, diplomatically, etc. Of course, this is most commendable! However there are some questions: Is everyone being carried along in this new wave? Is everyone benefitting as should from the impact of Pa kumuyi’s dynamic ministry? What’s Deeper life’s score card from an “Incusive” standpoint?
These questions form the core of this piece.
THE MAN KUMUYI
I don’t know about the reader, however for this writer there’s a deep sensing and resonation with the uncanny aura exhibited by the person of Kumuyi. The man, his calling, his commitment, his discipline, his passion – and yes, his methods and mannerisms constitutes a strong inspirational force. Needless to say, Kumuyi is one minister for whom this writer holds a profound respect. And it isn’t because I’m a deeper lifer. Those who know me better sees someone apt at independent thinking, and quite argumentative. Granted, Kumuyi is human too, with blindspots and human failings. Still the sheer impact of his life’s work has been nothing short of the phenomenal.
Journalist Alan Isaacson, testifying to the exceptionality of the man and his calling, remarked: “the story of how there are pastors and there are pastors is best told by Kumuyi himself”. At 80, Kumuyi is evolving like never before. He shows no tell-tale signs of tiring yet. In recent times, he’s been driving home by words and example, a new brand of gracious, yet uncompromising leadership that is a clear departure from the old norm of rigidity and controversial dogmatism for which Deeper Life is known. And the positive IMPACT is being felt multi dimensionally. The grouse however, is that a minority is being left behind
DEEPER LIFE AND INCLUSION
Based on this writer’s experience with deafness, the subject of full inclusion of hearing challenged persons in a predominantly hearing society (I’m zeroing on the church in this piece) becomes one very dear to heart. There are a number of angles to this subject of inclusion, however I’d here limit my focus to the hearing impaired cluster. At this point, salient posers begin to pop up.
What is Deeper Life’s score card, inclusion wise?
As the church makes remarkable strides in things of eternal significance and otherwise, how much of the impact is being felt by this neglected/under-represented minority?
Are these people being factored in the big picture (let the reader understand) as ought be?
Are we applying the correct combination of progressive mindedness, spirituality, and professionalism in ensuring that this minority feel valued, included, and carried along in the ministry’s scheme of things?
The list goes on – with the answers overwhelmingly stacked against us.
Verdict? Weighed and found wanting.
Granted, this subject of inclusion constitutes a blind spot and leadership is largely in the dark. Even so, there are those who know something of the subject but – citing one reason or another are proving inflexible and resistant to change. Notwithstanding, the excuses do not pass litmus test why the inclusion vision should not be realized.
Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins”. The big question is: “will they hear and do the needful”? One hopes.
As I write this, it’s a couple days to the “IMPACT Global Youth Convocation” and I am not oblivious of the tremendous potentials of this program. The humongous resources involved, as well as caliber of guest speakers are evidences. But I dread!
I dread being cheated of experiencing full impact of such highly powered gathering owing to “mediocre inclusion arrangements for the deaf brethren”.
I am indignant at the all too common, veiled insults on human dignity of the deaf minority suggested by questionable attitudes, words and actions of those who should know better.
I dread the unprofessional approach to the manner of handling the challenges of this minority. I will be blunt – such approach is suggestive of subliminal notions of these deaf brethren as second rate humans. I kick against this notion as is!
Yes, I hurt to think about the limited impact this great convocation will have on this minority because the needful wasn’t done!
And so we must do the needful! Acts 6:1-7 provides a template. To the understanding of this writer, Luke 12:12-14 reveals the mind of God on the subject. And for those with the warped notion of deaf persons as subpar humans incapable of prodigious feats, I have got scriptures too, Exodus 4:11, 2Kings 7:3-10, 1Cor. 1:25-28, 2Cor 12: 7-12.
A warning! The inclusion I talk about isn’t the beggarly one of giving “hand outs”, staging “pity parties”, or relating with special needs persons as “hapless dependents”. No, by inclusion I mean doing all it takes to ensure a level playing field for these auditorily disadvantaged brethren to profit to the maximum possible of Pa Kumuyi’s ministry vis-à-vis:
- Access to and assimilation of information (specific emphasis on soul edifying content) as do their hearing counterparts. Engaging technology and innovative thinking are key factors here.
- Discovering and developing themselves and their unique gifting.
- Having a healthy sense of belonging and involvement in the ministry
- Taking active part in decision making processes on issues that affect them.
ARE WE READY?
The current wave of inclusion advocacy in the country isn’t limited to the secular. The church has key roles to play. Indeed, it is high time due diligence is given to redressing this lingering injustice. Now is the time. “…write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it”
Alexander Ogheneruemu is a hearing-impaired young adult and inclusion advocate.
He welcomes comments, interactives, criticism, questions and opinions on 08062397128 (WhatsApp/SMS).