pastor’s corner By Paul Hathcoat
ISP
If you are a parent or caregiver of someone who has been in a special education program within their local school system, then you know what an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is. An IEP is designed to lay out education instruction, supports, and services a student needs in order to thrive in a school environment. I know, I am preaching to the choir here. But have you heard of an ISP (Individualized Spiritual Plan)?
An ISP is designed to plan out an individual’s spiritual formation and the progress that they and their parents/caregivers wish for them to achieve. The idea is simple. What is Johnny capable of? What does Jane know about our God already? How does Johnny receive information best? How can the local church help Jane to grow in her understanding of the Bible and the life, character, and nature of Christ? What type of plan can we create so that both Johnny and Jane systematically learn about all things related to their faith, based upon their function and ability levels? These questions and more are the driving forces behind creating an ISP for each and every Christian out there living with a disability that might otherwise be limited in their ability to learn and grow within a church and faith community. Let’s take a look at some more examples to help you readers feel what an ISP can do, practically in a church classroom. Example 1: Johnny gets to feel, hear, and experience the love of Christ each week through songs, games, memory verses, and interactions with leaders, volunteers, and peers in his Bible study class. Johnny learns best by repeating. A short verse is read, “We love because He (Jesus) first loved us” 1 John 4:19. Johnny is encouraged to repeat the verse verbally. Johnny is encouraged to repeat the verse by writing it down on special invisible ink paper. Johnny gets to ride in a wheelchair around the room while he and the room volunteer sing the verse out loud. With the guidance of the ISP, Johnny is presented each week with information and experiences that are custom-made to his individual learning style and preference. This way, his retention, and subsequent growth are magnified, and his outcome is clearer and more measurable. Example 2: Jane is a visual learner. She retains information when what she hears is reinforced with what she can see. It has been uncovered
16 Special Needs Living • August 2021
(Individualized Spiritual Plan)
that she also stops processing when noise levels are above the common conversation tone. When Jane comes to church and enters the disability ministry spaces, she is greeted with noise-canceling headphones. The memory verse of the week is presented on bright pink cardstock, which is her favorite color. She is asked to trace the letters using scented markers, which she loves. Next, on a ministry iPad, a video reviewing the memory verse is played through her headphones and she follows along pointing to pre-printed pictures on a PECS board. Jane feels comforted and challenged by these and other strategies and supports. Real, measurable progress is attainable through ISP directives and goals. This kind of experience may seem desirable and is definitely needed in our churches. But how can you find this level of support for your child or loved one? ASK FOR IT! Approach your local pastor and ask them about their disability ministry. If there is not one, ask if you could connect them with me, or any of the dozens of congregations in Central Indiana that are successfully ministering to the disability population. Volunteer yourself, to run a brief training for the church staff on Special Needs ministry perhaps. If there is a disability ministry of some sort in place, ask them if an ISP approach is available to be created for your kiddo. These types of supports need to be in place and available in our modern churches. The Gospel is for everyone and is attainable no matter someone’s function or comprehension level. Jesus says, “go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (my highlight) Mark 16:15. I thank you for continuing to read these articles and allowing me and others to support you in one way or another. I pray that each of you knows and feels the love of God this day! Blessings Paul Hathcoat | Special Needs Director White River Christian Church Email: phathcoat@wrcc.org Ph #: 317-840-5558 Do you have a thought, idea or information that you would like to see in this section in an upcoming issue? Email Paul Hathcoat – phathcoat@wrcc.org.
