In recent years, the percentage of people with special needs has increased across our nation.

According to Kentucky data, identification of school children with special needs, the percent of population ages 3-5 is 10.2 percent; ages 6-21 is 8.8 percent. The number of children enrolled with disabilities in ages 6-21 is 81,363, compared to a total of 597,777 students (see www.ideadata.org).

Some Kentucky churches have programs that minister to families of special needs children, youth and adults. However, more churches need to include this as part of their outreach and ministry.

If a family attends your church, will there be inclusive programs for their special needs children? Will they want to return and make this their church home? Or, will they drop out and become the unchurched population of your community? Your church can help make that decision.

How the church can help

Yellow Creek Baptist Church (YCBC) is located in a blended-rural section of Owensboro. The special needs ministry is under the direction of Chris Holmes, discipleship pastor. Sonya Callis is the special needs ministry director.

Yellow Creek seeks to make attending worship and church activities a reality for families and individuals with special needs and disabilities. While disability ministry comes with its own challenges, YCBC seeks to minister to those with special needs.  

“Callis has a background in public school, working with students with various disabilities,” said Holmes. “Most of our special needs children can be integrated into the regular Sunday School classes. Often a ‘buddy’ is assigned, if needed. If a child needs more one-on-one, they may be separated and placed with their own well-trained teachers. Our building is handicapped-accessible.”

In order to serve children with special needs, YCBC breaks its 10:30 service into two sections. During the first half, the service is musical worship. During the second half, trained leaders divide the children into small groups and use activities that illustrate biblical truths. Parents know that their children will be loved, taught and prayed for at YCBC.

“Crestwood Baptist Church in Crestwood uses a mainstreaming program for special needs individuals,” said Scott Riggs, administrative discipleship pastor. “The church depends on volunteers to work closely with individuals. Often the volunteers have a family member with a special need. Being regular in attendance is important, as the child develops a bond with other children, teachers and staff.”

Riggs said a sensory room, modeled after one at a local school, is available is needed. “A child and volunteer may use this room for one hour or a few minutes, if needed. Crestwood wants families to know we will love and care for your child and we have trained volunteers ready.”

Prior to participating in the program, the parent/guardian is asked to attend a one-on-one meeting and complete a questionnaire so Crestwood can provide the best care for special needs individuals. The church posts online guidelines for the safety, security and well being of these children.

Need some suggestions for ministry?

– Look for teachers trained in this area in your church

– Access of the needs (wheelchair, large print materials, sensory rooms, etc.)

– Have a “buddy” or volunteer assigned to each person

– Plan a night-out for families while scheduling a program at church for the special needs person

– Schedule movie night, eating out in a restaurant, day at the park for the entire family

Types of special needs

A child may be born with more than one impairment and require additional testing and medical procedures. How can your church minister during this time?

Autism

Developmental delay

Down syndrome

Emotional disturbance 

Hearing impairment 

Intellectual disability    

Orthopedic impairment 

Other Health impairment          

Specific Learning Disabilities

Speech or language Impairment       

Traumatic brain injury 

Visual impairment 

 

Ministry Idea: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NIC) Bags

When a baby is born with a disability, a stay in the NIC is the norm. Encourage Sunday school classes to collect items for NIC bags for church members or people in your community. Use this as a mission project or outreach for your church by supporting families.

Purchase an inexpensive monogram canvas bag and fill with small gifts. Include items such as: gift cards for coffee, devotion book, small toilet items for parents, children’s book, a soft baby blanket and a snuggle toy. Include a church newsletter or bulletin and welcome the family to your congregation with a brief, personal visit to the hospital’s waiting room.

Helpful Resources

– National KIDS COUNT Project: One of the best available resource on the economic, physical, educational and relational well-being of children and families in the United States, this organization focuses particularly on those who are vulnerable and at risk for poor outcomes.

– http://health.mo.gov/living/families.shcn/ Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program. A service coordinator will assist the participant/family with resource identification and referral.

– http://themighty.com –a weekly, free newsletter that encourages and enlightens families with special needs children. Articles dealing with practical issues families may encounter.

– Suggested reading: “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.

– Suggested reading: “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. 

Carolyn Tomlin, a freelance writer from Jackson, Tenn., is the author of 17 books and more than 4,000 published magazine articles