In recent years, the percentage of people with special needs has increased across our nation.
Some Alabama churches have programs that minister to families of children, youth and adults with special needs.
However, more churches are needed with this type of outreach and ministry.
One question to ask is: If a family attends your church, will there be inclusive programs for their child or loved one with special needs?
Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, is one Alabama Baptist church that realizes the importance of this ministry and even has a minister assigned to it.
“Our church has a community of people involved in this outreach, which started as a lay ministry due to the need. We minister to the entire family — not only the child,” said special needs minister Amy Kirby.
Kirby points out the ministry is not a baby-sitting service — they emphasize teaching God’s Word, beginning at about age two. An average of 70 kids and young adults are enrolled in the classes. Bible school draws many from the church and community. Throughout the school year, a monthly support group meets and speakers address issues affecting these families.
“It’s been a huge blessing to Shades Mountain,” Kirby said. “In this group, we’ve reached new families who are now attending our church.”
First Baptist Church, Huntsville, also offers a range of services for individuals with special needs and their families.
The building and restrooms are accessible for wheelchairs. Hymnals and order of worship bulletins are available in large print and American Sign Language is used during worship.
The church offers a special needs adult Bible study class on Sunday mornings and a “buddy ministry” to provide one-on-one assistance for individuals with special needs and their families during church services and activities.
In February, First, Huntsville, along with several other Alabama Baptist churches, partnered with the Tim Tebow Foundation to sponsor Night to Shine, a prom for special needs individuals ages 14 and older. Night to Shine has 150,000 volunteers from 375 churches around the world and serves more than 75,000 people.
Opportunity to serve
Centered on God’s love for people with special needs, the prom gives those in Sunday School classes and group homes an opportunity to participate in social programs.
These ministries serve as an example for what is possible for a ministry to those with special needs at churches of all sizes in Alabama. Here are some additional suggestions for ministering to families and individuals with special needs:
- Look for teachers trained in this area in your church.
- Assess your facilities and address potential barriers and needs (wheelchair access, large print materials, sensory rooms, etc.).
- Have a “buddy” or volunteer system in place to assist visitors and members so they can participate in activities and worship.
- Plan a night-out for families and provide care for their child or loved one.
- Plan monthly meetings with speakers qualified to speak on health care, medical issues, legal questions or other relevant topics. Another option could be a panel of parents who respond to questions from the audience.
________________________
Four percent of children ages 3–5 have special needs as well as 7 percent of those ages 6–21, according to Alabama data on children/youth with special needs.
School enrollment of children with special needs: 72,794 students ages 6–21 (10.6 percent of the total student population of 689,708). The national rate is 12.9 percent of the total student population (5,789,884 identified with special needs out of 45,056,472 total students).
(2011–12 School Year Data Source: http://www.ideadata.org and http://nces.ed.gov/ccd/elsi/)
________________________
Helpful resources
- National KIDS COUNT Project
One of the best available resources on the economic, physical, educational and relational well-being of children and families in the United States.
- The Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities (www.acdd.org)
A state advocacy organization that provides resources for families and caregivers.
A free, weekly online newsletter that encourages and enlightens families with practical tips for raising children with special needs.
- “Chosen for Charlie: When God Gifts you With a Special Needs Child” by Jan Forsthoff
A transparent insight into the author’s journey of faith as she realizes God chose her to be the mother of a special needs child.
- “Hope Unfolding” by Becky Thompson
Being a parent or grandparent is an awesome responsibility. God will give you the answers needed when you doubt your own ability.
________________________
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Bags
When a baby is born with a disability, a stay in the NICU is the norm. Sunday School classes can collect items for NICU Bags for church members or people in your community. Use this as a missions project or outreach for your church. Show the love of Christ by supporting families during this difficult time.
To assemble a NICU Bag, purchase an inexpensive canvas bag and fill it with small gifts. Include items such as gift cards for coffee, a devotion book, small toiletry items for parents, children’s books, a soft baby blanket and a snuggle toy. Include a church newsletter, bulletin or Christian magazine. Introduce the family to your congregation with a brief, personal visit to the hospital’s waiting room. (Carolyn Tomlin)
________________________
Types of special needs
- Autism
- Developmental delay
- Down Syndrome
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Orthopedic impairment
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment
Share with others: