Special Needs…it’s a term that makes some uncomfortable and unsure.
But Special Needs ministry is becoming more and more common in churches across the country and it’s something we want to open up the discussion about.
Kids with special needs are still just kids! And here at Lifeway Kids… well, we LOVE kids!
What does the term special needs mean to you, your church or ministry?
Does your church have a dedicated Special Needs Ministry, or person on staff specifically to work with kids who may need extra attention?
How is sharing the Gospel with those with special needs different?
Chime in! Leave a comment on this post and share with us what your church is doing to reach kids who may need a little extra help.
Looking for resources for a Special Needs ministry? Check out the all-new Special Buddies from Lifeway | Kids!
I’m thrilled to see this post this morning! You are so right! Special Needs kids are just kids and they are kids that matter to their parents, siblings grandparents and now Sunday School teachers, friends in Children’s programming, Children’s Choir and beyond! I have been leading special needs ministry now for over 18 years and the time is now! Let’s make special needs ministry the “right thing to do at our churches.” Our children have been experiencing it in their public schools for years now. The pre-teens and youth of today long are longing and desiring to make special needs kids a part of their lives… let’s show them we agree! It can be frightning to begin, but we have to get off go! We can begin with the kids in our midst, in the shadow of our church steeple and just love them, welcome them and share the gospel of Christ with them and with their hurting families who are just wanting to belong!!! Why not belong at your church… I bet you have a few empty seats… you won’t regret it!
Thanks for your comment, Denise! I really like the point you made about kids and teens WANTING to be involved with Special Needs ministry. What a great place for those wishing to serve using their unique gifts to get involved. I can only image the impact their involvement would have not only on their lives but on the lives of other kids with special needs.
I am the Director of CM at my small church AND the mother of a special needs daughter. She is ID- intellectually disabled, a newer term that replaces mentally retarded. She does very well in our Sunday School when paired with a high school helper. I also modify the projects for her. It’s easy for me, since I am preparing the projects. Communicating with parents is key to a child’s success. I don’t want my daughter to get frustrated, I want her to participate like everyone else! She loves Sunday School!
That is great, Angie! We are so thankful for teachers like you who take the time to adapt projects, as well as high schoolers who choose to be involved in such an awesome way!
I am thrilled to see this discussion! As a special needs mom and writer, I know we all have and a wide range of experiences in church…some good, some not so good. I am currently part of a team at my home church that is trying to build this type of ministry. We attended the orange conference in Atlanta in April and found some great resources, especially Amy Fenton Lee’s new book, Leading A Special Needs Ministry. I would love to hear some more about how to support and minister to these families! We all need to know we are loved and accepted.