Building Bridges Between Deaf and Hearing Church Leadership

Lunch & Learn Webinar

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This webinar focused on cross cultural (Deaf and hearing) leadership in church. We hear from Christ Community Church how leadership can partner together with Deaf leaders in the church and thrive. Eva Brandt, Minister Alex Ehly and Minister Kari Analco discuss their experience with bridging the gap in their church.

This Lunch & Learn brought together a rich and honest conversation about how Deaf and hearing believers can lead, serve, and grow together in the Church. Hosted by Sonshine Interpreting, this session featured voices from Christ Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, including ministers and leaders who have firsthand experience working as a Deaf–hearing leadership team. Their story offered practical wisdom and heartfelt reflection on what true partnership looks like when both cultures are seen, valued, and empowered. The discussion explored the deeper side of accessibility — moving beyond the idea of simply “providing access” and toward building connection. Participants were encouraged to see ministry with Deaf communities not as an act of service for someone else, but as a shared journey of learning and growth with one another.

One of the central themes was healing through relationship. The speakers highlighted how cross-cultural ministry, especially between Deaf and hearing believers, involves humility, curiosity, and a willingness to engage across differences. It’s not always simple — it requires listening, trust, and commitment — but it’s within those layers of complexity that true community is formed. Another key takeaway was the importance of overcoming fear. Many hearing individuals hesitate to connect with Deaf people because they don’t know how. But the panel reminded us that connection itself is what leads to understanding and confidence. The first step is simply to show up with a learner’s heart. The conversation closed with a reminder that every church context is unique. There’s no one-size-fits-all model for Deaf ministry. The real goal is to begin asking better questions, seek collaboration, and build bridges — not from a place of charity, but from a place of mutual discipleship and shared calling. This Lunch & Learn was a reminder that God’s vision for the Church is beautifully diverse, and that when Deaf and hearing believers work side by side, both communities reflect His heart more fully.

Blessings,

Sonshine Team

Sonshine hosts Lunch & Learn webinars each quarter for hearing Christians to listen to a Deaf individual share their experiences in the Christian setting. Each webinar is virtual and free. Our prayer is to help make the Christian community known for welcoming and honoring Deaf people well. Open to anyone who serves in Christian spaces and wants to include Deaf people with excellence and accessibility.