ADNet is a national membership organization of congregations, families, friends, and persons living with mental illness and/or other disabilities.   Although our primary mission is to provide resources to Anabaptist churches (Mennonites and related groups), our services are available to anyone who finds them useful.

The article below was written by Cindy Warner Baker, one of the co-founders of ADNet to explain why ADNet came into being and continues to exist.  See also our history and contact information pages.

With all the resources available to individuals, families and churches, do we really need one more church institution? 

• Aren't you just going to duplicate information and resources that are already in existence?
• What does ADNet offer that is unique?
• Why an Anabaptist Disabilities Network, anyway?

Not an institution, but grassroots advocacy.
ADNet works in partnership with many organizations with Anabaptist connections (Mennonite, Brethren and related denominations), and is always looking to build more and stronger connections across institutional lines. We are, however, an independent not-for-profit group of people who live with and care about those who live with mental illness and other disabilities. 

So many resources, so little time. One thing that ADNet offers is a collection of resources that we can recommend, gathered in a central location. It is true that there are vast amounts of information available in print and on the web, and sorting through it all can take up much time and energy. Those of us affected by mental illness or other disabilities often do not have much of either. By gathering information and resource links in one location, ADNet helps you get the help you need, when you need it.

Connections across the country.
Family life with a disability is often challenging, tiring, and lonely. Things that others take for granted--playing soccer on the meadow, going camping in a different state without first locating the nearest hospital, sending a child off to camp with other church youth, wearing a new shirt without washing it ten times first--are out of reach or demand huge amounts of physical or emotional energy for a person with disabilities.

"Normal life" with a disability can differ greatly from the "normal life" of others, and this difference can lead to a feeling of isolation, even for those surrounded by family and friends. ADNet facilitates connections among those living the daily challenges of life affected by disabilities. Here we can find a unique kind of community and support.

Congregations also need ways to learn from the ideas and wisdom of others who have lived with and grown through the challenges of increasing accessibility and making their congregations places of welcome. There are many creative and exciting things happening in countless congregations across the country, and implementing them can provide links between congregations looking for assistance or ideas, and those already doing some creating things.

Working to build and strengthen community.
Anabaptist congregations and denominations are many and varied, but one thing we hold in common is our conviction that faith is not only a "me and my God'' proposition. Faith with integrity pervades and affects all our human relationships, and shapes how we view those around us.

The "priesthood of all believers" is not meant to be a high-sounding platitude; it's meant to drastically change our view of what, and especially, who is important. In Jesus' kingdom all people have value and the gifts of all are necessary for the life of the gathered community.

ADNet serves Anabaptist congregations, conferences, and organizations by calling us all to a greater awareness of areas that need growth and change, and by assisting in implementing constructive institutional change.

Disabilities--the challenge and the invitation.
We are all human, all created in the image of God, all necessary to the full expression of God's kingdom here on earth. The challenge for the Church is not simply that of becoming accessible to those with disabilities. The greatest challenge lies in embracing the reality that the contributions and gifts of all individuals are equally valuable and necessary for the health and life of God's people.

ADNet is committed to work toward the fuller expression of this reality within families, congregations, conferences and church organizations. You are invited to join us in this effort!

Mission Statement: The mission of the Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is to provide encouragement and resources to congregations, families, and persons with disabilities as they identify and embrace their God-given gifts and abilities in ministry to each other and to the larger church.
(Note: Following the example set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADNet definition of "disability" is broad-based and includes, among others, physical, learning, sensory, cognitive, and mental illnesses.)

How is ADNet different than church-related providers of services in the areas of disabilities and mental health?
Read our FAQ file for answers!
(PDF format requires Adobe Reader)  

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