What is my motivation for being involved in special needs ministry? I have always had a cause to advocate for in my life. My perspective on people has evolved over the last 40 years as has my understanding of our strengths and weaknesses. My understanding of the need for special needs ministry, however, has become vital. And once God reveals a need to you, it is troubling to ignore.
Statistics certainly leave an impression. About 56.7 million people — 19 percent of the population — had a disability in 2010, according to a broad definition of disability, with more than half of them reporting the disability was severe, according to a comprehensive report on this population released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. More impactful than the statistics, however, is the great number of families and individuals that feel isolated in the public schools, the grocery stores, churches, playgrounds, and society as a whole. If we only knew their story, we would probably have greater compassion for their hardships and greater love for their children.
Over 14 years as a director, I met numerous families that had been turned away from multiple churches. They were asked not to return because there wasn't a place for their child. Sometimes people just feel ill-equipped and don't want anyone to be hurt so they don't take on the "responsibility" of serving the child with a disability. Their concerns are understandable, but their willingness to walk away isn't. We are called to serve those that come through the doors of our church, regardless of their abilities.
As a special needs ministry trainer and educator for the past 8 years, I have been shocked by the number of churches that say they are not called to disability ministry. According to statistics presented by A Council For Disability Awareness, Just over 1 in 4 of today's 20 year-olds will become disabled before they retire. The need is there. We just need to understand the responsibility and the blessing.
If you have a special needs ministry in your church with volunteers, a staff person, budget money, a classroom, structure, that is great. If you have a great representation of people with varying abilities that are welcome, assimilated, and serving in the body without a structure, that may even be better. They are essential to the body of Christ and should blend into the very fabric of the church. If you do not see anyone with a visible disability, there is a great need to be met. There are even more people in your community that have a disability that is unseen, but just as real, waiting to be welcomed.
Such a good blog post Deana! I wish more people were motivated by the need.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kathy. It grieves me that so many are missing the blessing of being involved in a church family and it grieves me even more that people are missing the blessing of friendship with children and adults of all abilities. Thank you for all that you have taught me over the years about families and their hurts and hopes.
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