A KidMin that embraces children of all abilities creates a compassionate, Christ-centered community that mirrors God’s heart. Here are ten reasons to be thankful that your ministry opens its doors to children with special needs.

1. Because It’s a Biblical Mandate

Welcoming children with special needs is a direct calling from God. Scripture reminds us to care for everyone, particularly those who might be overlooked (Luke 14:12-14). Jesus modeled this by embracing those whom society often ignored. By including children with special needs, KidMin reflects a commitment to God’s Word and creates an inclusive environment that shows everyone is welcome in His Kingdom. It is impossible to have a World Class KidMin WITHOUT welcoming individuals with special needs!

2. Fosters a Culture of Compassion and Kindness

An inclusive environment helps all children learn compassion, kindness, and empathy. By interacting with friends of all abilities, children grow in patience and acceptance. These lessons extend beyond the church, fostering empathy and understanding in every interaction. A KidMin that nurtures inclusivity builds a strong foundation of Christ-like compassion, strengthening the body of Christ.

3. Builds Community and Relationships

Families of children with special needs often experience isolation due to inaccessible or unaccommodating spaces. A KidMin that provides a safe, welcoming place sends a powerful message: “You belong here.” For these families, this sense of community is life-changing, offering a place where they feel valued and loved. In this supportive environment, parents and children can form lasting friendships, find shared joy, and grow in faith together.

4. Teaches the Value of All Gifts and Abilities

Each of us is uniquely created by God, with different talents, abilities, and strengths. By embracing all abilities, KidMin celebrates these differences, showing that everyone has something valuable to contribute. A child who communicates differently may have a gift for music or art that can inspire others. KidMin helps children see God-given strengths in everyone, appreciating the diversity of God’s creation.

5. Strengthens Your Church Body

Children with special needs bring resilience, determination, and joy that enrich the entire church. Serving families with special needs deepens the faith of volunteers, leaders, and members. This inclusion strengthens the church, helping everyone understand what it truly means to love, serve, and accept others. These lessons extend beyond KidMin, uniting the church in Christ-like love and service.

6. Promotes a Positive Image of the Church in the Community

Becoming a welcoming place for families with special needs shows the community that your church is compassionate. Families who find acceptance in your church are likely to share their experiences with others, showing your church as a model of God’s love. With 90% of families with special needs not attending church, this is an opportunity to reach the largest unreached group. When your church welcomes all, it shines as a beacon of Christ’s inclusive love.

7. Provides Ministry Opportunities for Volunteers

Serving children with special needs creates deeply rewarding ministry opportunities. Through one-on-one relationships, volunteers grow in patience, humility, and understanding. Many find they receive just as much as they give. All that’s required to serve is the willingness to be a friend, making it an easy way to create meaningful, transformative ministry.

8. Encourages Church-Wide Spiritual Growth

Including all children in KidMin strengthens the entire church’s spiritual growth. By learning to accommodate different needs, members gain a deeper understanding of God’s love for everyone. This inclusivity fosters an environment where everyone can grow in understanding of what it means to be the body of Christ, sparking conversations about God’s heart for all people and reinforcing the church’s shared mission of love.

9. Meets a Critical Need for Families

Families of children with special needs often feel exhausted and isolated. A KidMin that welcomes these children provides critical support and respite. Parents can worship, connect, and rest, knowing their child is cared for—a priceless gift. This support renews parents spiritually, emotionally, and physically, strengthening their faith journey and laying a solid foundation for their family’s spiritual growth.

10. Reflects God’s Heart to the World

By including children with special needs, KidMin becomes a powerful testimony of God’s love and acceptance. It demonstrates that God’s love extends to everyone, showing the world that His Kingdom is a place where each person is valued and cherished. This kind of witness has the power to transform lives within the church and influence how the surrounding community views God’s people, creating a church united in love and dedicated to reflecting God’s heart of inclusivity.

When KidMin opens its doors to all children, it shines as a beacon of Christ’s love, acceptance, and compassion. Each child brings unique gifts and perspectives that make the church stronger and more unified in purpose. Thank you for being a church that answers God’s call to welcome everyone, building a legacy of love and service that will impact generations.

Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1200 individuals with special needs through regular respite events and a Special Needs Day Camp. Doc is currently assisting over 600 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a USAF veteran and a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or Connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley SOARSpecialNeeds.org.