New Book: "A 21st Century (d)Deaf Ministry - From a Biblical Perspective - by Noah Butler, III

Feb. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- "A 21st Century (d)Deaf Ministry - From a Biblical Perspective - and its accompanying workbook are Noah Butler's attempt to address every facet of ministry from its conception to its production of disciples for the Kingdom of God. While journeying through the text and completing exercises found in the workbook, interpreters and deaf individuals will find insight on what’s involved in setting up and maturing a deaf ministry, ministry team selection, interpreting techniques, and structure for a deaf ministry group.

The goal in deaf ministry should be to minister the empowering Gospel of Christ to the (d)Deaf so that they become disciples and leaders within their own community, winning others to Christ. When interpreters are effective in their role, they can prepare deaf members to lead, minimizing their own dual roles as interpreters and ministry leaders. When this happens, we are well on our way to becoming a 21s Century (d)Deaf Ministry.

A 21st Century (d)Deaf Ministry is a ministry that recognizes the technological advances of today’s society, recognizes the differences between both the hearing church and the deaf community, and uses that information to develop a plan to advance and increase the Kingdom of God. It understands the importance of teaching, training, and evangelism. It is “Christ centered and people focused.”

The (d)Deaf Ministry that I see in this 21st century is inseparably linked to the hearing church in its quest for Christ on Earth, His mission, His kingdom and the Great Commission. In this 21st Century (d)Deaf Ministry, we won’t abandon the cross; we will welcome advancement while we take on Christ's sufferings.

The (d)Deaf Ministry I see in this 21st century is one that has a message that is clear and culturally relevant to each and every rising generation and free of purposeless, man-made traditions. As the deaf ministry grows, there is a resulting change in the culture of the church where it resides. God’s truths and principles are eternal - they never change and neither does our message. However our methods and emphasis do and must change. The (d)Deaf Ministry I see in this 21st century continues to adapt and remain relevant to both younger and older generations which means it will not lose a generation of deaf youth and at the same time, continue to provide for the needs of the older deaf community.

The (d)Deaf Ministry I see in this 21st century is one that will be a Voice and a Light to the (d)Deaf Community and won’t have to leave our shores to take the gospel to unreached people around the world. It will embrace today’s technology to share God’s message electronically. The (d)Deaf Ministry will have earned its right to that Voice because of it’s a testimony to the enabling Grace of God alone and not the talents and efforts of interpreters or men and their strivings or intellect but in humble cooperation and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

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It is the mission of IIDS to train leaders and educators, both deaf and hearing, interpreters and workers with the deaf to evangelize. We offer skill development in American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, technology and religious training.