pastor’s corner By Paul Hathcoat
What to Look for In a Quality
SN/Disability Ministry In my experience and after some polling of the families in my own ministry, I have come up with a guide of sorts for you moms, dads, and caregivers out there, looking for or evaluating a special needs ministry in your area. Not all churches and not all ministries are alike. I wanted to give you readers an informed and researched starting point to aid you in your search and assessment.
Let’s start with the most important factor, competent leadership, and volunteers. A friend of mine and mom to one of my favorite kiddos living with Down syndrome in the world, Christie Heller from Evansville, IN, says that “having welltrained volunteers that know how to navigate people with special needs, how to talk to parents in positive ways, and can see the individual as a valuable contributor to this world no matter their level of function,” is the most important factor when choosing a disability ministry to be a part of. This speaks to not only the ability of leadership to safely and securely support individuals with disabilities while at church, but also points out the necessity of the volunteer team to see the students in the ministry as valuable members of the community and Kingdom. This two-fold qualifier of know-how and ministry vision, well informed by God’s own perspective and example, is key to a well-rounded and honoring special needs ministry. Good communication and family partnership is another key component to a high caliber disability ministry. Ministry and church leaders who think about the message they are sending with website information, the parking lot arrangement, and even things like the preparedness of other ministry leaders and volunteers to direct new families to the right spaces in the church are paramount. I myself am still growing in this area of special needs ministry but continually am encouraged when families report feeling cared for in small ways that are not always apparent at first glance. If a church is willing to consider how they can partner with an entire family, regardless of the effort and resources it takes to do so, then people start to notice and communities begin to come together. A spiritual focus is needed. If a special needs ministry is great at communication, fantastic at providing safe and supportive spaces, holds numerous quality events and opportunities, but missed the mark on the spiritual focus of the ministry, then is it worth it? We ALL need to know that Jesus Christ died for our sins and by accepting Him as our Lord and Savior we can be
saved. There is no amount of ministry work, offerings, or dynamics that can overshadow that singular focus. This is true for our friends and students living with disabilities as well. A disability ministry should be helping its members learn, grow, and evolve in their own individual spiritual lives. Yes, there is a lot of gray areas when it comes to special needs ministry and its effectiveness in truly connecting every life to Christ. And no, we do not know if someone who is completely non-verbal or cognitively impaired is truly receiving and owning the messages and truths being presented to them. But I say, so what. God knows. Truth is truth and the scriptures themselves tell us that “by grace” we have been saved and that “this is not our own doing – it is the gift of God – not the result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NRSV). We can affirm that in His compassion and mercy, God will gather innocent people to Himself based upon the sacrifice of Christ for all sins. The words of God and the works of Jesus should be the foundation of every quality special needs ministry. This list is but a starting point for choosing or evaluating a special needs ministry. Other factors like dedicated spaces, adaptive equipment, weekday supports, congregational inclusion, passion, and service/leadership opportunities should also be considered. When it comes down to it, though, most people can tell if you care and if you are trying. If you find a church that sees the beauty in your child or loved one and makes a genuine effort to pass on to them the good news that we all enjoy about Christ, then you have struck gold. “Thank you,” Lord for all of the congregations out there in the world making an effort to include people of all abilities into their churches and faith communities. Amen. Author’s Notes – If you want to read more about the sources used in this letter each month, or hear about the disability ministries around you, feel free to contact Paul Hathcoat at the information below. Scriptures referenced – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9 Paul Hathcoat 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.
June 2021 • Special Needs Living
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