Staff

Rev. Donna Whitmore

Donna joined the Bridge Ministries staff in 1999 and has served our ministry as Chaplain of Volunteer Ministries and Associate Director. In July of 2002 Donna was ordained to this specialized ministry by the Presbyterian Church USA.

Donna is now heading up Bridge’s Church Enrichment Ministry. Her desire is to assist churches in the greater Seattle area to increase their intentionality with persons with disabilities and to promote communities where all are welcomed and serve as contributing members, where relationships of mutuality are built, and where spiritual growth is available for all.

Donna believes that the call of God to enfold persons with disabilities (as well as all people) into the household of faith is clearly evident in Scripture and likes to quote theologian Krister Stendahl that “wherever, whenever, however the kingdom of God manifests itself, it is WELCOME!”

Donna’s role at Bridge includes such things as:
• coordinating Sunday Evening Celebrations with area churches
• providing consultation to churches regarding ministering with persons with disabilities who are members of the congregation
• helping congregations find “their expression” of ministry with persons with disabilities speaking, preaching and/or engaging in theological reflection on a variety of disability related issues
• connecting persons with disabilities with a church home of their choice
• assisting congregations in starting “Circles of Friends” for a congregational member who has a disability
• consulting regarding architectural accessibility of church facilities
• providing churches with assistance in setting up a Disability Task Force, an inclusive or specialized ministry
• coordinating a Church Speaker’s Bureau
• mentoring seminary students and others engaged in church ministry

She has started a Disability Ministries Network for pastors and church leaders. The Network provides opportunities for inspiration, skill building, theological reflection, exploration of best practices, prayer, networking and collaboration with others engaged in some type of disability ministry in the church/parachurch. And plans are being made to sponsor an area-wide conference on the Church and Disability.

Donna also oversees Bridge’s Resource Library which is a unique collection of inspirational writings, theological materials, ministry guides, curriculum samples, denominational materials and social support materials related to persons with disabilities provides which is available for check-out by local churches and Bridge volunteers and staff.

Professional Experience:

• Ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Leadership Team for Presbyterians for Disability Concerns for the Presbyterian Church (USA)
• Director of Christian Education, Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church
• Training Administrator, National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Association
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Staff & Team Leader, University of Washington
• Office Manager, Campus Ministries, Seattle Pacific University
• Non-profit management and training (National CASA Association)

Education

• M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary, Seattle Extension Program
• B.A., Biblical Literature and Sociology, Seattle Pacific University

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