Special Needs Special Ministry

What do you need to lead a special needs ministry? Leading a Special Needs Ministry is a practical how-to guide for the family ministry team working to welcome one or 100 children with special needs.

AUDIENCE: Senior Pastors, Children's Ministry Directors, Children's Pastors, Christian Education Workers

A guide to children's ministry that serves families with special needs Jesus set a high standard when He said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The call is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who color between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level. Children's ministries are responsible to be ready to bring children with disabilities to Jesus' feet too. Every Child Welcome is the guide for leaders and volunteers to assist in purposeful planning and skill development for a ministry inclusive of children with unique needs. Experienced children's ministry leaders, and parents of special-needs children themselves, the authors are superbly equipped to offer a thoughtful, thorough approach to creating a positive environment for children--one where all children will be able to digest the important concepts being taught. For leaders and volunteers, Every Child Welcome will provide the knowledge and tools to * create a welcoming environment before kids arrive * help children learn more effectively by connecting new information to what they already know * reinforce the main idea of a lesson, building background knowledge and reviewing important concepts * supplement instruction with hands-on activities to increase attention and participation * reinforce and wrap up an activity effectively

Every community has a growing population of young people with neurological differences. Too often, youth with conditions such as autism, Tourette's syndrome, and bipolar disorder find themselves left out of parish religious education and youth ministry programs. In the pages of this book you will find the following: Information about many of the neurological differences that affect young people Tips for educating the entire community about these differences Advice on how to reach out to youth with special needs Practical steps to modify your facilities to meet the needs of youth with neurological differences Training tools for empowering volunteers to work with special needs youth A Place for All opens a window into the challenging lives of children with neurological differences, the difficulties faced by the adults who work with them, and the shift in philosophy and methodology required for religious education professionals and volunteers to be able honestly to say, "There is a place for all in our community!"

Pastor Lamar Hardwick was thirty-six years old when he found out he was on the autism spectrum. This revelation prompted him to reconsider the church's responsibilities to the disabled community. Insisting that the good news of Jesus affirms God's image in all people, Hardwick offers practical steps and strategies to build stronger, truly inclusive communities of faith.

Unexpected Blessings helps special-needs families move past the pain and confusion of their circumstances and slowly, firmly face the future with hope. Speaking honestly about struggles that accompany a variety of disabilities, Sandra Peoples shows readers how to · let go of false beliefs that hold them back · work through the cycles of grief · focus on self-care and healthy routines · understand disability based on what the Bible says · rebuild a strong faith foundation · create support systems for themselves and others Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when parents see their new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for them all along.

Equip your children's ministry to identify and confidently reach out to kids with special needs. This handy pocket guide contains relevant teaching techniques, age-appropriate ways to inspire positive peer relationships, tips for partnering with parents and more Parents of special needs children will feel valued and welcomed to know that your ministry is proactively addressing the needs of their children. For just over a dollar each, you can equip and empower ten volunteers. Includes surveys and tools to guide teachers as they partner with parents--and establish action plans that work. Includes: Definitions of the top ten diagnosed learning disabilities Suggested ways to meet their learning needs Recommendations for parents of special needs to improve their child's experience in your class Surveys to help teachers partner with parents...and establish action plans that work. Great for children's workers, children's leaders, church staff members, launching a special needs ministry and creating a better awareness about special needs children in the church. Sold in packs of 10. Give one to every children's ministry worker

Open your heart to the most amazing ministry a church can have! Do you know what it takes to make these kids - and their parents - fell welcome in your church? This practical, insightful book is your guide to answering all those questions and more. Packed with case studies and personal stores from recognized experts in the ministry field. Learn: Best ways to reach this group, how to launch a special needs ministry in your church, promote and recruit the right volunteers, what families with special needs really need from you.

Families with special needs often share that they desire two things in their church: accessibility and acceptance. Accessibility to existing structures, programs and people is an imperative. Acceptance with a sense of belonging by the others who also participate in the structures, programs and fellowship of the church is equally necessary. In this simple book you'll learn the five steps to becoming an accessible and accepting church.

Educationally, spiritually and experience based; a practical instructional guide and inspirational resource written for church leaders, Sunday school teachers, and families with disabilities.