It’s no secret that parenting is an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you’re beaming with pride over a job well done and the next you’re asking yourself how your darling angel turned into such a hooligan. For all the ups and downs of being a parent, families with special needs deal with all that and more. That’s why it’s important as ministry leaders that we find creative ways to make special needs families feel at home in our ministries.

Today on The Pod, we’re joined by four leaders who have made it their mission to serve in a special needs context. They share the heart behind special needs ministry, tips and tricks for getting the resources you need, and a plan for recruiting and keeping the right volunteers. Whether you’re a leader looking to start or improve the special needs ministry in your church or a volunteer looking for ways to lean in, we know you’re going to get a lot out of this episode.

Where To Listen:  iTunes  |  Google Play  |  Stitcher  |  SoundCloud

Topic Timeline

Meaghan Wall talks about mobilizing student leaders to serve in your special needs ministry (3:29 )

Stonebriar has a wait list for volunteers because they do such a great job recruiting teenagers (3:29 )

Recruit student volunteers for your special needs ministry (5:20 )

• Start young and involve families by encouraging them to serve together

• As kids get older, plug them into their own roles separate from their families

• Make it exciting and give them an opportunity to do things that matter

Retain student volunteers for your special needs ministry (13:43 )

• Create a tribe and a place for people to belong

• Provide training specifically for them

• Develop a leadership path that involves them in something bigger than themselves

Replicate student volunteers for your special needs ministry by pairing adult mentors with kids and students (27:02 )

Guest host Sarah Bragg interviews Jess Berryhill, Amie Shannon, and Christina Teevan (27:57 )

Jess, Amie, and Christina share what propelled them to pursue special needs ministry (30:12 )

A special needs ministry begins with asking the right questions (33:44 )

A special needs ministry doesn’t need to go big right away—start small (35:41 )

Many churches are already accommodating for families with special needs, they just haven’t realized it yet (37:57 )

Tricks for keeping the financial costs down in a special needs ministry (40:19 )

• Borrow curriculum and resources from your preschool ministry

• Seek out grants and donations

• Know it doesn’t have to be fancy

• Look for ideas on Pinterest

How to make your own “buddy bag” (43:19 )

Take time to walk through your buildings and look at your environments, entrances, and exits through the eyes of your special needs families (45:09 )

Special needs ministry isn’t just valuable to the families we serve; it’s a gift to us and our volunteers as well (46:12 )

Dave’s final thoughts (51:39 )

People, Places & Helpful Resources

The Orange Conference 2019

Meaghan Wall on Orange Leaders

Meaghan Wall on YouTube

Featured Guests

MEAGHAN WALL

JESS BERRYHILL

Jess currently serves as the Student Ministry Director and Special Needs Coordinator at Mount Pleasant Church. Out of the need to reach those with special needs in her own student ministry, Jess started and leads a special needs ministry that has grown to include outreach opportunities like adaptive sports, theater, and a weekly small group. Jess lives with her dog, Cooper, and enjoys spending time with her nephew, Briley.