San Antonio’s Community Bible Church is breaking barriers by launching the city’s first deaf-led worship service in American Sign Language. This groundbreaking initiative addresses a critical gap in faith outreach to the deaf community. Pastor Ashton Luff leads the Saturday evening services, drawing an immediate audience of about 100 attendees.
Pastor Ed Newton revealed that deaf people rank as the world’s third most unreached group. San Antonio alone has 78,000 deaf residents who previously lacked a dedicated church home. Newton emphasized this outreach fulfills a vital spiritual need long overlooked by society.
The new deaf ministry provides full ASL interpretation during services, with reserved front-row seating for the deaf community. Monthly gatherings offer fellowship dinners and childcare, creating a welcoming space. Voice interpreters assist hearing attendees who support deaf family members or want to learn sign language.
Newton shared a personal connection to this mission, being the hearing child of deaf parents. His mother had cerebral palsy and was told she’d never have children. He sees his leadership role as divine purpose born from his family’s journey.
Luff stands among only five full-time deaf pastors nationwide, highlighting a severe shortage in religious leadership. Most deaf pastors serve without pay while balancing other jobs. This church initiative sets a powerful example for other congregations to follow.
The ministry teaches staff basic ASL phrases to welcome guests at bookstores and coffee shops on campus. This inclusive approach helps bridge communication gaps. Luff dreams of making more unsung deaf pastors visible across America.
Conservative values shine through this outreach, demonstrating Christian compassion for underserved communities. The church proactively tackles accessibility rather than waiting for government solutions. This is faith in action—meeting needs directly without bureaucracy.
This pioneering ministry brings hope to thousands overlooked by mainstream society. It proves local churches can lead where institutions fail, offering dignity and belonging to the deaf community through the love of Christ.
