Worship

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.

Waiting Alongside: A Powerful Way The Body of Christ Can Support Those Who Seem Weaker

Waiting Alongside: A Powerful Way The Body of Christ Can Support Those Who Seem Weaker

Lately I’ve been focusing on being thankful. I‘ve posted “thankful posts” every couple of days, trying daily to find something to thank Jesus for. Mine is an ongoing season of caregiving for my 16-year-old twin girls who both have disabilities and will never live independently. But there is ALWAYS something to thank Jesus for: for the peace I had today, for the ones who prayed in their seats, for those who asked if we were okay, for this body of believers, who simply were there, alongside us, while we waited.

55 Years of Pioneering Successful Special Needs Ministry

55 Years of Pioneering Successful Special Needs Ministry

College Church in Wheaton, Illinois has been “around the block“ in disability ministry for 45 years! The ministry team keeps learning and is more invested than ever. Their story is rich with inspiration for those who are still dreaming about disability ministry or just getting started.

Creative Communication in Church

Creative Communication in Church

We now recognize that there are alternative, nonverbal ways in which we can communicate. Most churches, however, still rely heavily on the traditional sermon to convey God’s message. As I contemplated how other forms of communication could be integrated into churches, I was struck by how Jesus communicated with people. He used a variety of different approaches to express the Father’s message.

Things That Don't Seem to Go Together - In Christmas, and In Special Needs

Things That Don't Seem to Go Together - In Christmas, and In Special Needs

‘Tis the season of waiting, expecting, hoping, dreaming, and if we’re going to be totally honest, Christmas is also a time of worrying. You may think that expectation and anxiety don’t belong together, but when you look closely at the Christmas story, the story is full of things that don’t seem to go together.

When Disability Slows Down Christmas

When Disability Slows Down Christmas

The bustle of Christmas and the Advent season are felt deeply in the offices of churches and Christian ministries around the world. We are battling to balance productivity with meaningful reflection and the celebration of Jesus’ coming — both within ourselves and among those we serve. In this season that beckons us to find and follow our Savior, people with dementia and intellectual-developmental disabilities have life-transforming things to teach us about discipleship.

Autism and Communion? Yes!

Autism and Communion? Yes!

Worshiping with Joel at age 11 was an interesting experience. It was not unlike sitting on the edge of your seat during an action movie, when you're not quite sure what's going to happen next—you only know something is going to happen. Then one day, during communion, a radiant look of understanding came upon Joel's face.

The Weekend My Church Did “Freeze Worship”

The Weekend My Church Did “Freeze Worship”

After a meeting with our elder board about some missions support, our leadership team had an awakening of sorts. One of the elders said, “We need to understand disabilities better as a church,” and then asked, “How can we educate our people about this and do better together as it relates to our families affected by disability?” Read how one church became intentional about disability ministry and outreach.

Joy, Even in the Messy

Joy, Even in the Messy

There is hope and help in this simple thing I do. I believe you’ll find it and be able to encourage someone else, too. So, what's this secret weapon?

How A Little Girl Taught Us to Be More Like Jesus Without a Word

How A Little Girl Taught Us to Be More Like Jesus Without a Word

 As I spent much time on bended knee, tending to this little girl with her endless needs, I experienced deeper worship than I’d ever known. I often found myself at the end of my own strength and skills, and I learned to depend much greater on God. Without a spoken word, she’s taught me more about Jesus than any sermon I’ve ever listened to.