Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Has your church recognized the need to create some type of disability inclusion or special needs ministry?
No two churches are alike, so no two ministries will be exactly alike. Each church has its own unique culture and the needs of the community vary in each and every geographic area. However, generally speaking, there are three approaches when it comes to launching an inclusion ministry: The Program Approach, The Outreach Approach, and the One-Kid Approach.
Let’s first take a look at The Program Approach. This approach begins with an individual or small group who feels led to start a program. After receiving approval from the senior pastor, children’s pastor, or elder board, a committee forms to strategize the next steps.
Next, we have The Outreach Approach. This approach is typically event-focused, such as a respite night, game night, or special needs prom. The key to this approach is intentional follow up, so that guests and their families become connected with the church.
The third model is The One Kid Approach. In this scenario, someone at the church – perhaps a Sunday School leader – is aware of at least one child or family who needs extra support due to a disability. The ministry starts with one kid – the child who is already at your church but who may be struggling in the current environment – and it grows as staff and volunteers learn the best ways to provide support. When a church actively supports children with a variety of needs, word spreads, and the ministry grows.
No matter the approach, there are a few models that will determine the next steps. Whether in children’s ministry, youth ministry, or adult programs, there are three basic models for designing the environment and developing strategies. The three models are the Inclusive Setting, the Specialized Setting, and the Hybrid Setting.
The Inclusive Setting is when supports are put into place within the existing programs of the church to allow every participant to be fully involved in the Body of Christ. For example, adhering to best practices for sensory friendly worship can create an environment that includes people with sensory, mental, physical, and hidden disabilities. KidMin leaders are equipped to provide their students with supports such as visual schedules and noise canceling headphones, and who understand how to teach with learning differences in mind. It’s the whole concept of universal design.
We always want to strive for the least restrictive and most inclusive environment when it comes to the children’s ministry setting. But, sometimes a more specialized approach will benefit some individuals who, even with supports, might find the inclusive environment too challenging. In the Specialized Setting, pretty much everything can be tailored to meet each student’s needs. This might mean a separate environment, often referred to as a self-contained classroom or a sensory classroom. It might mean using a curriculum that is designed for kids with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
A third model is the Hybrid Setting, which blends both the Inclusive Setting and the Specialized Setting. Perhaps you have an inclusive Sunday School setting in your children’s ministry, but with the sensory room option for kids who need a break.
No matter which approach or model you choose, the bottom line is we want to provide the environments where each and every child can best learn about Jesus.
Beth Golik is the Director of Ministry & Training for Key Ministry, an organization that equips churches to welcome individuals and families affected by disability, particularly hidden disabilities. Visit keyministry.org to schedule a free consultation.
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