Ryan Wolfe, a 1998 graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), has dedicated his career to disability ministry, a field he describes as an emerging area within religious service. Reflecting on his time at MVNU, Wolfe noted the absence of formal education in disability ministry during his studies, despite feeling a strong calling from God to pursue this path.
"Twenty-five years ago, there were no degrees or even classes in the field of disability ministry," Wolfe explained. "Disability ministry really wasn’t a thing back then and it is still an emerging ministry today."
Wolfe highlighted MVNU's commitment to inclusivity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as a distinctive aspect of his college experience. "I had several friends in my graduating class that had IDD. They were integrated and loved in the typical college experience 25 years ago," he said.
Currently serving as President and Executive Director of Ability Ministry, Wolfe leads an organization with nearly four decades of history providing group homes for adults with IDD in Tennessee and Missouri. His tenure began over six years ago with a mission to expand beyond residential services.
"I was brought on board...to grow the organization beyond the excellent Residential Ministry that we provide," Wolfe stated. Under his leadership, Ability Ministry aims to equip local churches to engage their disability communities effectively. The organization has collaborated with over 275 churches across 45 states and 27 countries.
Wolfe emphasized the creative aspects of his role: "My favorite part of my job is the fact that I get to be creative and use my unique gifting." He focuses on developing resources for churches engaged in disability ministries.
MVNU recently launched IGNITE — Independence and Growth Nurtured through Integrated Training and Education — a two-year certificate program for high school graduates with intellectual disabilities. This initiative excites Wolfe, who sees it as a significant advancement in Christian higher education.
"There are very few things...that makes me more excited than MVNU’s new IGNITE program," he expressed.
Outside work, Wolfe remains active in community service alongside his family. He continues volunteering at First Christian Church's Disability Ministry in Canton, Ohio, where he previously worked full-time for 15 years. Additionally, he serves on boards such as Challenger Baseball and Light After Loss.
In 2024, Wolfe contributed to "Ministering to Families in Crisis: The Essential Guide for Nurturing Mental and Emotional Health," published by IVP.
Further information about Ryan Wolfe's work can be found at abilityministry.com.
