We have some exciting news to share: St. Luke’s United Methodist Church has been awarded the Gold Badge for Disability-Friendly and Accessible Churches by the Disability Ministries Committee of the United Methodist Church. This makes us the first church in Indiana to receive this distinction. 

We sat down with Alex Baker, Director of our Mosaic Ministry, to talk about what this recognition means, how we got here, and where we’re headed next. 

What is the Gold Badge?
The Disability-Friendly and Accessible Church badge program was launched in 2019 by the Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church. Churches are evaluated through a comprehensive Annual Accessibility Audit that examines everything from parking lot accessibility and physical navigation of the building to communications, attitudes, and programming for people with disabilities. 

The Audit is scored across three badge levels, Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with Gold representing the highest standard of accessibility and inclusion. To earn Gold, a church must meet stringent criteria across all categories and undergo a formal visit and review by a designated representative of the disability committee. The first two Gold Badges in the country were awarded in 2019, making it a relatively new and meaningful distinction. 

How Did We Get Here?
The journey to Gold was a team effort years in the making. Former Mosaic Director Haley Bring, church member and Mosaic Lead Team member Ty King, and Director of Operations Lisa Rockacy began the process last year, working through the audit and identifying where St. Luke’s excelled and where there was room to grow. Ty’s leadership role withing the disability committee helped forge key connections, ultimately, a leader from the committee came to our campus, conducted a formal walk-through, and officially approved our gold designation. 

When Alex joined as Director of Mosaic Ministry, there were still a few items the church hadn’t fully met. One of her first priorities was following through on those remaining gaps so the audit could be completed with integrity. 

“Now that we have this badge,” Alex explained, “our physical space is accessible, as well as our attitudes, communications, and more.” 

What Makes St. Luke’s Stand Out?
Alex highlighted several areas of particular pride: 

Our parking lot. The number of accessible parking spaces, and the way they’re marked and maintained, was one of the standout features recognized in the audit.

Accessibility on stage. Making sure that people with mobility devices can participate in worship on the chancel level is something that could be overlooked, but we made a priority. 

Mosaic Ministry itself. Having a dedicated disability ministry is one of the most meaningful indicators of a church that goes beyond physical accommodations. Mosaic represents St. Luke’s commitment to belonging, not just access. 

Our Caregivers Support Group. This was specifically recognized in the audit process as a tangible sign that we support not just individuals with disabilities, but the families and caregivers who love them. 

Hospitality and inclusivity training. Our hospitality team receives training in basic disability etiquette, a low cost, high-impact step that communicates welcome before a single word is spoken.

What It Means for Families
Perhaps the most meaningful part of our conversation was when Alex described what this recognition means for the people who walk through our doors. 

“One thing is that families feel they can independently navigate the space without feeling like a burden or having to ask for help all the time. It creates more of a level playing field. It’s an equitable space. Attitude-wise, and based on our programming, they feel they can participate and have the adaptations they need to feel truly welcome, and not just invited in.” 

That distinction matters: there’s a difference between being invited and being included. The Gold Badge reflects our commitment to the latter.

 It’s Worth Noting: We Chose This 

It’s important to know that churches are legally exempt from the Americans with Disabilities Act. St. Luke’s didn’t have to do any of this, we wanted to. 

Alex put it plainly, “The church does not have the obligation to meet the ADA, churches are exempt from that. But I’m really proud we’re a church that goes above and beyond to do the right thing, making our space accessible by meeting the ADA, but also doing more to make sure we are truly inclusive.” 

That’s not compliance. That’s conviction. 

So, What’s Next? 

Earning the Gold Badge isn’t a finish line, it’s a foundation. Here’s what we’re still working towards: 

Disability Awareness Sunday. One of the biggest upcoming goals is dedicating a Sunday to centering people with disabilities in leadership, worship, and programming. 

New accessibility buttons in the Making Room renovation. As our campus undergoes its Making Room campaign, two new automatic accessibility buttons will be added to the new bathrooms. 

Assisted listening devices in Robertson Chapel. We currently have assisted listening technology in our Sanctuary, but not yet in the chapel. Expanding that coverage is on our radar. 

We can’t wait to bring you more updates, as our dedicated director and her passionate team continue this amazing progress towards accessibility. The doors to St. Luke’s have always been open, now, for everyone, they truly are. 

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