Special Needs Ministry in Churches

I’ve always wanted to start a Special Needs Ministry at our church where my dad pastor’s.  When I asked him about it, he said, “We have kids with special needs at the church.”  I said, “Yes, but how about a whole ministry developed around them.  He said, “What would that look like?”  “Where do we begin?” “How do we incorporate that into our church?”  Reasonable questions for sure.

No Special Needs Ministry will look the same because each church culture and community is different, but here are a few ideas to help jump-start your imaginations, allow you to dream big, and incorporate your Special Needs Ministry into your church culture.  Here are some suggestions I have:

1. Inclusion through the Friend System

Put together a team of volunteers to buddy-up with an individual with special needs to sit with them during the service.  This can be for any service your church offers, whether it’s for the main service or for children’s / youth classes.

2. Have a service specifically for Special Needs Families

This is a model that I have heard of churches doing effectively. Some have their service once a month, and others have theirs every other week. Choose a schedule that works for your church.  This will help your church connect with older individuals with special needs - offering a service and teaching specifically for them to learn and grow in their walk with God.

3. Reach Out to families with Kids with Special Needs

Outreach will look different in each church’s community. Choose the best way to reach out to the families in your community. Outreach is the best way to let the community know that your church is dedicated to caring for those with special needs.

Here are some outreach ideas that I’ve seen work well:  Hosting a Parent’s Date Night, Family Fun Day, Special Needs Easter Egg Hunts, etc.

4. Partner with established Special Needs Organizations and Ministries

If you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, then don’t. Sometimes it’s easier and more efficient to partner with an organization that is already established. This can be something like the Special Olympics, The Buddy Walk hosted by the National Down Syndrome Society, or Walk Now for Autism, etc. These are some nationally-known organizations that are always looking for volunteers to help partner with them.  Get a group of volunteers from your church together, and start serving with existing organizations in your community.

5. Incorporate a classroom in your Children's Ministry Area

If you have the space available or can make the space available at your church, then having an actual classroom(s) specifically designed for children with special needs can help be a place of retreat when other classrooms feel overwhelming. They can still participate in the same activities they would in any other children’s ministry class but within a less stimulating environment.

Whatever it is, dream big, be creative, and know that there is no perfect model. Do what is best for your church and your community.