Toward a Theology of Disability - with Alex Wolf

Today, Mike and Tim talk with Alex Wolf, director and content developer at Hope Heals, about her journey from pastor’s kid and missionary to one of the key theological voices shaping Hope Heals’ work. The conversation centers on how proximity to disability reorients faith, why disability is not a niche category but a universal human story, and what the church misses when it treats accessibility as a program instead of a posture.How does something like Hope Heals embody a kind of disruption to normal church life? How does belonging differ from hospitality, and how does co-creation matter more than merely making room for people?Timestamps:00:00 - Intro07:30 - Introducing Alex Wolf and her connection to Hope Heals12:00 - Growing up in a pastor’s home and early faith formation13:00 - Missionary work overseas and the questions that started to surface14:00 - Family, trusted guides, and the freedom to question15:35 - Intellectual and existential wrestling in her 20s17:33 - How Alex first said yes to Hope Heals20:46 - Space to doubt inside a faith-centered parachurch organization20:46 - Space to doubt inside a faith-centered parachurch organization23:00 - Proximity to disability and a new understanding of the Beatitudes25:00 - Why Alex began writing theology of disability31:36 - Invisible wheelchairs and the many forms of hidden limitation39:00 - Why disability should not be treated as a program49:35 - Alex names the lack of ego as the secret ingredient at Hope Heals54:00 - Closing gratitude and final remarksPraxis Thesis: Valuing People With Disabilities as a Gift to SocietyHope Heals WebsiteHope Heals on Instagram: @hopehealsHope Heals Camp WebsiteThe GoodHard Story Podcast on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyTreasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf and Alex WolfAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to [email protected], and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy