Rev. Dr. Donita Edwards is a native of Chesapeake, VA, and a product of the Chesapeake School System. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree (2001) from Norfolk State University, Master of Divinity Degree in Practical Theology (2007), and Doctor of Ministry Degree in Christian Leadership and Renewal (2021) from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA.
Dr. Edwards is a mother, grandmother, teacher, communicator, disability advocate, and 3x author. She has over 25 years experience implementing projects that required her to hone into her gifts of strategic planning, innovation, teaching, and administration. She is founder of Birthright Kingdom Deliverance Ministries, Inc., and host of a social media platform called Disability in the Church. A large amount of her personal life consists of serving her family, home church (the Mount @ Chesapeake) and organizations such as Norfolk State University Alumni Association, Christian Women Alliance, and (previously) the Tidewater Metro Baptist Ministers Conference of VA. She has served in many capacities including youth pastor, singles pastor, christian educator, and disability advocate, to name a few.
Part of her assignment in the earth is to close the divide between (dis)ability and ability. As an ordained minister and caregiver for her oldest daughter, Blake, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, she understands that the Church needs a plan to reach individuals with disabilities. Together, they host events that promote positivity and inclusion. Dr. Edwards also conducts disability and faith workshops, staff, and organizational training.
Disability: Moving Mountains
The interactive presentation discusses the results of maintaining focus on God and faith when confronting the cultural barriers and stigma of disability. Furthermore, it brings an awareness of how embracing some of the religious models has become an immovable mountain for the Body of Christ. Dr. Edwards uses several supporting Scriptures, and personal challenges and victories of rearing a daughter with Down Syndrome, to raise the audience’s level of faith and promote advocacy.
Handout
Biblical Perspective on Disability
What does the Bible say about disabilities? This presentation examines key Old and New Testament Scriptures that help the Church to understand its moral, ethical, and spiritual responsibility to individuals with disabilities. Fully understanding this perspective on disability provides insight into the purpose of the Church and its divine alignment.