As I mentioned in the previous post in this series, God has been nudging me about beginning a special needs ministry at my local church. After all, the new building is completely handicapped accessible, so we will soon have the facilities for such a ministry. Our town is full of families who could benefit from it. All that’s missing is someone to spearhead the efforts, kinda get things going.
I’m Too Busy
That would be me.
The problem is I’m not very comfortable with the idea. In fact, I don’t like it at all. See, I’m a busy woman. I have a new book contract, with lots of research to complete and interviews to do, and a deadline. I have a full schedule of speaking engagements. All this advocating around the country on behalf of parents whose children have special needs takes so much time.
I’m No Expert
But, how can I call myself an advocate for families around the country if I refuse to advocate on behalf of families in my town? The more I think about it, the more hypocritical I feel. It’s painful, the kind of nudge I can’t ignore.
So here’s the deal. Even though, I’m reading up on the subject and have interviewed the coordinator of a stellar special needs ministry at Valley Evangelical Free Church in West Des Moines, Iowa, I’m not sure how to begin. Maybe some of you can help.
Calling All Experts and Wannabees
If you’re a lurker with experience starting a special needs ministry from scratch, your expertise is needed. Please leave a comment or send an email about books, programs, resources, or people who assisted you. Tell us your ministry’s story so we can follow your example.
If you’re a wannabe like me, leave a comment or question about what you want to know about starting a ministry. Maybe someone out there will have an answer.
I’ll Keep You Posted About the Pain
Since I’m asking you to get involved on this subject, I promise to keep you posted about my progress, too. We probably won’t move into our new facility until September, so until then it’s research and waiting expectantly for your ideas. Please, please, please start sharing them. I want to stop feeling like a hypocrite real soon!
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Oh my, Angela. You have a lot going on. But if God is calling you to this ministry, we both know he will equip you. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Jolene
For at least 4 or more years (maybe even 8?!?)I have felt a nudge…not all the time.. But several times
My small town town church was attended by this sweet girl and a guy I graduated high school with. Sometimes their son, who had CP and also a spectrum diagnosis sat with them … There was an older brother and a younger brother that would take turns taking him to the “nursery” if he began being slightly disruptive . Then they had a 4th child, a boy with Job’s disease and significant hearing loss. This mo and dad are so wonderful with them. And I would ask myself “Shouldn’t ‘someone’ have something special to help these kids interact with all if the other youth at the church..
The hearing impaired child eventually became a client of mine, and one summer he attended Bible School where I had opportunity to sign with him during arts and craft… he was enjoying himself so much.. And again I started thinking… Every so often Thinking.
I can’t get a grip on my own crazy life and children on spectrum and autoimmune issues. How in the works could I volunteer to start or head up a ministry I don’t even have time for??? But God isn’t letting go… Eeeeee
Nikki,
Check out the resources at http://theinclusivechurch.wordpress.com/ and http://www.keyministry.org/. Our church is just putting together a planning team to do research and field testing this year. Everything moves very slowly, but these two resources will be a big help. They can help you, too.
Best wishes and prayers,
Jolene
I have recently had it on my heart to begin something like this at my church. I am currently a buddy to the few children we have had with special needs but would love to expand it to include more children in the community.
How are things going a year later? I would love to hear how it’s worked out for y’all
Nikki
Dear Deborah,
Thank you for sharing the link. I’ll be checking it out soon. I may even call Denise to ask her some questions and interview her for Different Dream Parenting. She sounds like a wonderful person.
Jolene
Jolene,
Thank you for being so honest in sharing all the feelings that go into something as important as a special needs ministry. I remember feeling like I was to help start not actually lead Oasis Special Needs Ministry at our home church, Elim Church, in Houston. Like you it was a nudge that was uncomfortable yet impossible to ignore. Thankfully there are a lot of resources and established ministries around my area that were (and still are) of great help to us in our efforts to serve families with people that have special needs. Our biggest local help is JOY Ministry at Graceview Baptist Church out of Tomball, TX. Their Director, Denise Briley, is a wonderful lady that is always ready and willing to help anyone start or enhance their special needs ministry. Their website is http://www.graceview.org/joy_ministry.html Graceview also happens to be the church that hosted the conference my husband and I attended 2 years before the Lord put the call on the heart of Elim Church and my family. Oasis Special Needs Ministry will add your church and this mission field to our prayer list and if there is anything we can do to help plese do not hesitate to ask. I hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Deborah