empathy

Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

In this week's episode, Beth Golik addresses a question that many ministry leaders are struggling with: should we use the term "special needs" in our churches?

Tips to Change Good Intentions into Culture-Changing Connectedness

Tips to Change Good Intentions into Culture-Changing Connectedness

The global pandemic increased society’s awareness about the feelings and implications of being isolated. The question remains, what will be the lasting impact of that new awareness? Lisa Jamieson offers some observations and tips for churches and ministries to deepen connection with special needs families.

Christ-Like Responses to Tricky Situations in Worship

Christ-Like Responses to Tricky Situations in Worship

Families and individuals affected by disability deserve our respect and prayerful care. Their uniqueness deserves our attention. We need to accept and respond to others as we would like others to respond to us. Here are some ways for churches to cultivate a Christ-like response to special needs families and tricky situations in the worship service.

Labels: Helpful or Not?

Labels: Helpful or Not?

Labels can define us. Many times we attribute value to people according to what they do. We see people through our perceived definition of the label. They cease to become an individual person and become confined by the label. But churches need to be careful about labelling people, to ensure that we don’t just see the person with a disability through the eyes of the label.

No Place Too Small: Special Needs Ministry in a Small Church

No Place Too Small: Special Needs Ministry in a Small Church

I could talk about a multitude of things: our amazing lead pastor, our creative genius of a children’s pastor, team building and volunteer training, or leading a special needs ministry. But it makes much more sense to tell you why any church can do this special needs ministry “thing.” Because we did with a newbie ministry leader, a little bit of grit, a tiny budget, and a whole lot of prayer. If we can do it, so can you.

Your Church Doesn't Need An Expert To Start A Special Needs Ministry

Your Church Doesn't Need An Expert To Start A Special Needs Ministry

When it comes to special needs ministry, what if God isn’t waiting for us to have all of the answers, but God is waiting on us to simply accept the assignment of loving our neighbors as ourselves?

Mental Health Ministry and The Platinum Rule

 Mental Health Ministry and The Platinum Rule

When my cat died, chewy.com showed great care and concern for my loss, even beyond the principles of the Golden Rule. Chewy went all the way to the Platinum Rule. And the Platinum Rule is how churches can make mental health ministry happen and be successful.