WASHINGTON (RNS) — At the First Baptist Church of Suitland, just across the District of Columbia border in Maryland, a typical Sunday service includes coffee and pastries, warm greetings and a sermon delivered by Pastor Quintin Few Sr., in an auditorium with a full band and speaker system.
At the side of the stage as the service proceeds are two people translating Few’s words into American Sign Language, to help Deaf and hard of hearing parishioners. They are part of a program at the church known as the Holy Hands ministry.
With their hands flowing from one sign to the next, the interpreters bring the pastor’s words to life, which can be no easy task. “One missed sign or one missed concept can prevent others from working out their service salvation on that day,” said Bronte Stewart, who founded the program with the church’s leadership and music director in 2014.
Because Stewart sees every service as an opportunity to strengthen one’s faith, the ministry, she believes, offers more than access. It is inspired by a shared conviction among members that including anyone who might walk through the church’s doors is a fundamental part of living their Christian values.
“We we …