People who experience disabilities are important and valuable. We need to get better at understanding and including people with disabilities. For this episode, we tackle various themes related to disability, the Church, the Bible, and theology.   

The special guest for this episode is Dr. Lamar Hardwick. Dr. Hardwick is a father, husband, pastor, and author. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Divinity Clergy Scholar Program and a 2017 graduate of Georgia Forward’s Young Gamechangers Program, which included 50 of the state of Georgia’s top thinkers, innovators, and leaders under the age of 40. He is currently working on a PhD at Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.   

Dr. Hardwick is a contributing writer to multiple blogs and magazines including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. He is the author of Epic Church (2017) as well as his best-selling book, I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor (2017). He is the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Atlanta, GA. His most recent book, which we dive into in this episode, is called Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (IVP 2021).  

To connect with Dr. Lamar Hardwick, the Autism Pastor, check out his website with links to his books, social media, and much more: http://autismpastor.com/ To buy the book mentioned in this episode, "Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion," click the following links: 

In the U. S.: https://amzn.to/3yfTrzA

In Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Disability-Church-Lamar-Hardwick/dp/0830841601/ 

In our discussion on the role of priests and those with disabilities, an important passage dealing with that theme is Leviticus 21.   

Theology Breakdown is a ministry of Josh P. S. Samuel, PhD. Josh completed his PhD in Theology at McMaster Divinity College, and is a Professor of Bible and Theology and Director of Worship and Creative Arts Ministry at Master's College and Seminary.  

To follow Theology Breakdown with Josh Samuel on Social Media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LovingGodandPeopleTV or http://www.TheologyBreakdown.comWebsite: http://www.JoshSamuel.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheologyBreakdownInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheologyBreakdown 

Want to have Josh Samuel speak at your next event? Contact him at: http://lovinggodandpeople.com/contact 

To get a copy of Josh's book, "The Holy Spirit in Worship Music, Preaching, and the Altar": 

In the U.S.: https://amzn.to/3mlw9Cc

In Canada: https://amzn.to/3kLsDQ1