This past weekend, we had a beautiful family visit our church. In the children’s ministry, we were immediately put on high alert as one of their children had autism. Even more, we were informed that he was a runner. First, let me say like many children’s ministry volunteers, I am no specialist in special needs. I felt anxiety begin to rise. The enemy immediately began to flood my thoughts with how I was way out of my league. The lies went something like this:
You are going to fail this boy and his family big time.
You do not have what it takes to reach this type of child.
I hope you brought your running shoes today cuz sis, you gonna need them!
LIES LIES LIES! It wasn’t long until God began to wash away every lie with his truth. I may not have specialized in helping kids with special needs but I did specialize in God’s love and that love was more than enough.
In the warm embrace of every church community, there should be a place for every soul, a seat for every heart, and a space for every child to flourish. It's in this spirit of inclusivity that I dedicate this week’s blog post to the beauty of welcoming children with special needs into our church family. For, in the eyes of our Creator, every child is a masterpiece, and every child is deserving of love, acceptance, and a place to call home.
In a world that often defines success in terms of achievements and milestones, it's easy to overlook the incredible strength and resilience that children with special needs bring into our lives. They teach us, in their unique way, the profound meaning of unconditional love, patience, and the beauty of simplicity. As a church community, it should be our privilege to provide these children with a haven of love and understanding where they can flourish.
Welcoming children with special needs at church is not just an act of kindness; it's a reflection of our Christian values. It's a declaration that we accept every child as they are, embracing their differences with open arms. In doing so, we mirror Christ's love for all, regardless of abilities or challenges.
Creating an Inclusive Environment: To truly welcome children with special needs, we must be proactive in creating an inclusive environment. This involves not only physical accessibility but also emotional and spiritual accessibility. We should strive to be a place where every child can participate in our worship services, programs, and community events.
Building a Supportive Network: The journey of raising a child with special needs can be challenging, and parents often need support. As a church, we should aim to provide a network of caring individuals who can offer guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. Our church community should be a place where parents can find solace and share their experiences.
Fostering Friendship and Understanding: In our churches, we should encourage children of all abilities to build friendships. Through shared activities and experiences, they learn about diversity, empathy, and the importance of looking beyond appearances. These friendships enrich the lives of both children with special needs and their typically developing peers.
Education and Awareness: Knowledge is a powerful tool in promoting inclusivity. We should regularly educate ourselves about different types of special needs and the best ways to support these children. In addition, we should be intentional in raising awareness within our congregation to ensure that everyone understands the importance of inclusion.
Celebrating Achievements, No Matter How Small: Every milestone is a victory, no matter how small. Children’s ministry leaders need to celebrate the achievements of children with special needs just as fervently as we do for any other child. Their progress reminds us that with God’s love and support, anything is possible.
Prayer and Faith: Our faith in Christ teaches us that every individual is a unique creation of God. By welcoming children with special needs into our church, we affirm our belief in God's plan for each life. We trust in His wisdom and have faith that every child has a purpose and a role to play in our church family.
In embracing children with special needs in our ministries, we are not just extending our love; we are living out the Gospel. We are embodying the teachings of Jesus, who said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).
As we welcome these precious souls into our church, let us remember that we are not just changing their lives; they are changing ours. They are teaching us the boundless power of love, the limitless capacity of the human spirit, and the beauty of a truly inclusive community. Together, we are writing a story of acceptance, love, and faith that will inspire generations to come. So, let us continue to open our hearts, our minds, and our doors to welcome children with special needs. In doing so, we become a beacon of light, a testament to God's unconditional love, and a true reflection of Christ's teachings.
For more like this, check out this vital conversation with Craig Johnson, founder of the Champion's Club.
