ALL-ABILITY MINISTRY
WHAT IS ALL ABILITY?
All Ability refers to coaches and athletes who compete with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. “All ability” means the inclusion of all categories within the disability community, and it emphasizes the biblical message of in God we are all able.
All-Ability Camp
Cowlitz County FCA
For the past two years, Cowlitz County FCA has hosted an All-Ability FCA Camp designed to provide modified sports experiences to All-Abilities campers with a focus on valuing every athlete the way Jesus does. This camp seeks to provide faith-filled fun throughout a one-day sports camp. Campers are paired with a volunteer buddy as they rotate through four sport/activity stations. At the end of camp, family is invited to attend commissioning ceremony with their child.
MEET THE STAFF
Israel Rutherford
Cowlitz County Area Representative - All-Abilities
I grew up in the Church and always knew who God was, but as an athlete, my weekends were often dedicated to sports, creating a conflict between faith and athletics. In high school, my baseball coach, who was involved with FCA, began to disciple me. He helped me realize that my identity wasn’t tied to my performance or sports but instead, rooted in being a child of God. Through his discipleship, we started a Team Huddle after practice, where I led my teammates in reading the Bible. Faith and sports were no longer in conflict for me, and instead they were united in glorifying God. After high school, I attended Pacific University, where I joined the FCA Huddle on campus. From there, I connected with friends involved in a club called Unified. This club brought people with and without disabilities together to play sports. I instantly fell in love with it and felt truly alive as I shared my love for sports with them. But I soon realized that something was missing... sharing Christ’s love. While playing sports together brought joy and connection, I longed to share the hope and purpose I found in Jesus. I wanted them to know they are loved unconditionally by God and that their value isn’t defined by their abilities but by who they are in Christ. Now, through FCA’s All-Ability ministry, we have the opportunity to do just that. I joined FCA because faith and sports are two areas where people with disabilities are often overlooked. Yet, these two areas have deeply shaped my life. I want to bring them together to share my love for Christ and sports with everyone, ensuring no one is left on the sidelines.
QUESTIONS ABOUT ALL-ABILITY MINISTRY?
