Julie Keith shares ideas about connecting the church community to people with special needs.

What’s the need?

We had children with special needs who now were teenagers but had to attend a class designed for children. They needed their own place to worship and serve in.

What’s the idea?

To start a dedicated class for teens and young adults who have moderate to severe special needs. To provide aides and volunteers as well as to develop opportunities for the young people to be a part of worship service and to grow.

How does this work?

Each week the teens and young adults either come to the class or meet the class in the main sanctuary. In the beginning the class was two teens; it has grown to anywhere from two to ten or more attending on any Sunday. The group participates in the singing and prayer time of service. Then they go to the gym for a time of activities and games. Finally, the group heads back to class for a time of study or a story followed by prayer.

Examples?

Volunteers have played a key role in this class. It would not be possible without a team of people who serve; some help twice a month and others on a monthly rotation. It has also been a blessing to have several teens serve with this class. This has provided the class members with peers that allows for connection and role modeling.

We also have worked families to coordinate use of behavioral aides who accompany students. Worship and church attendance can be viewed as a part of community and social integration.

We have had families come specifically because there was a place for their teens.

What started as a need because students were growing up has now provided a place for those who did not have a church community to come and be a part of ours.

Impact on the congregation?

It continues to show the congregation that the body of Christ is for all people. Everyone has a place. Individuals with special needs and their families are welcome and very much a part of the DNA at our church. Many times I have had congregants respond how much they enjoy watching the class members sing and worship and be a part of the church community as a whole

Impact on volunteers?

Many have spoken of how it has changed their lives. They love the relationships that are being built. And, they love seeing Jesus in the lives of the students.

Impact on the pastor?

The experience has shown me that when I see a need I should seek God’s wisdom in creatively filling that need. I have also learned to be bold in my asking. I don’t hesitate to offer people an opportunity to serve. I have found that many times people want to make an impact in the life of someone else but they don’t’ know where to start.

It is also rewarding to see how being consistent, persistent, and faithful has helped to create a culture that truly embraces those with special needs and their families.

Advice for other churches?

Pray for open hearts and open doors and for God to begin to show where to start. Don’t let the needs overwhelm you. Remember, we are not the Savior, Jesus is. We won’t be able to fix or change a situation; we can provide a place where those with special needs and their families can come to know Jesus and to trust Him. As John Ortberg put it, if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.

Julie Keith is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and serves as the special needs pastor at Pasadena, California, First Church of the Nazarene. Julie has helped plant a church, and has worked in social services providing independent living services for adults with special needs. Additionally, Julie’s travels allow her to speak to a broad audience about preparing and equipping churches to make a place for everyone.

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.