Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry

Our History

Since 1997

Established in 1997, Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry is an ecumenical ministry chartered by:

The ministry was formed to provide direct religious services to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and families in Northeast Wisconsin.

Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry is staffed by Reverend Gisele Berninghaus, affectionately known as "Pastor Gisele" among members of the Deaf community. Pastor Gisele holds a B.A. in Deaf Education from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, SD and is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Hands of Christ Deaf MInistry also depends upon the services and talents of volunteers to enable and empower Deaf people to assume greater positions of authority, ownership and leadership in their church.

On September 21, 2003, the members of the Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry accepted a Constitution, with the first annual membership meeting held on November 16, 2003. HOC is now formally organized, so it can continue indefinitely.

With an office located at All Saints Episcopal Church, Appleton, the staff of Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry travel throughout the area to provide to the Deaf community the same services that hearing people expect from their local congregations. Among the services provided are:

  • Weekly worship in sign language in various locations around Northeast Wisconsin
  • New members' class/inquirer's class for basic instruction regarding:
    • Baptism
    • Holy Communion
    • Church teachings of the individual's own denomination
    • Preparation for baptism, confirmation, and marriage
  • Pastoral visits to Deaf people in their homes, hospitals, nursing homes, Deaf clubs, and other social settings
  • Religious education for children and adults
  • Interpreting services for religious events
  • Pastoral counseling
  • Sign choir composed mainly of Deaf and Hard of Hearing members
  • Vacation Bible School

All of Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry's activities are geared to making Christ's loving and welcoming presence directly and personally felt and seen by the members of the Deaf community. Hands of Christ Deaf Ministry opens its doors and extends its hands to people of all faiths.

Some Facts...

Nationally, 93% of the Deaf population is unchurched: worship and pastoral care have not been accessible to the Deaf community.

"Deaf" is the politically correct term. The Deaf community sees itself as a culture with its own language and identity, not as disabled (hearing-impaired) people.

American Sign Language is a foreign language. It is NOT based on English sentence structure. It is a language with its own unique grammar and syntax.

The accuracy of even the most skilled lipreader is less than 39%. Many sounds are made inside the mouth and cannot be seen on the lips. Imagine having a conversation and understanding only 1/3 of what is said!

There are approximately two million people in the United States who are Deaf. Another 20 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss.

Can I Help?

Jesus Christ sent his disciples to proclaim the Good News to all people. By the gift of baptism, each Christian is also called to become a missionary. This means it is also your duty to help all people to know first hand the healing and life-giving power of God's love in Jesus Christ.

Prayer is a most necessary part of any human action.

Provide Financial Support -- We depend upon the generosity of our supporters to ensure that church ministry to Deaf people continues. You, your club, organization, or prayer group may want to:

  • Hold a fundraiser
  • Become a Newsletter sponsor
  • Make a donation to our program fund

If you contact us, we will be happy to provide more information. We thank you for your interest!