As a professional who has worked with people with disabilities for the last 20 years, I am a believer in the power of their abilities. My experience inspires church leaders to ask,
“Laura, what can churches do in the area of Special Needs Ministry?”
This is a complicated question, but I am happy to say that there are many things churches can do to make a positive impact. In fact, if churches are not prepared to be a partner with families looking for support, those families will likely find another church.
Here are a few key ways to get started:
✅ Organized classrooms – Creating structured, sensory-friendly environments.
✅ Buddy systems – Pairing individuals with trained peers or volunteers.
✅ Specialized volunteers – Equipping a team with the skills to serve effectively.
✅ Training & willingness – A church culture that embraces learning and inclusion.
Recommended Resources
Local Churches leading the way in Special Needs Ministry:
🔹 Bethlehem Church – Example of a large church model.
🔹 Athens First United Methodist (Agape Ministries) – Example of a smaller church model.
Online Resources:
🔹 Joni & Friends – Special Needs resources & training.
🔹 Awe & Wonder – Special Needs curriculum.
🔹 Hopeful for Disability Ministry – Article on best practices.
How Can esp Help?
🔹 Disability Awareness Training by ESP (Coming soon!) – Watch the preview.🔹 If ESP is near your city, encourage church members to volunteer—a great way to gain hands-on experience and practical training for ministry.
Churches that invest in Special Needs Ministry will transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and will strengthen their entire community as a result.
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