Churches

PARTNERING WITH CHURCHES

The gospel is for ALL.

At Key Ministry, we believe every individual, regardless of their disability, mental health challenges, or past trauma, deserves the opportunity to experience the love and hope of Jesus Christ. We partner with churches to equip them in creating welcoming, inclusive environments where all people can fully engage in the life of the church. Through our resources, coaching, and collaborative efforts, we help churches break down barriers, ensuring that the gospel truly reaches everyone.

Being a welcoming church means intentionally creating spaces where individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health challenges, or trauma feel seen, valued, and loved. It involves adapting physical spaces, programming, and interactions to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage fully in the life of the church. A welcoming church fosters relationships rooted in understanding and reflects Christ’s unconditional love.

Being an inclusive church means intentionally welcoming and discipling children, teens, and adults impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma, ensuring they have full access to worship, community, and spiritual growth. It involves equipping church leaders and congregations with the knowledge and tools to remove barriers that prevent individuals and families from fully participating in the life of the church. At its core, inclusivity reflects the heart of the gospel—demonstrating Christ’s love by creating a church where everyone belongs and is valued.

Being fully engaged means that individuals with disabilities can actively participate in every aspect of church life—worship, service, fellowship, and leadership. It means more than just attending; it’s about having opportunities to connect, contribute, and grow in faith alongside others. A fully engaged church experience allows everyone, regardless of ability, to use their gifts, deepen their relationships, and find a true sense of belonging within the body of Christ.

Where to Start

Step One

What does the Bible have to say about disability? What is prompting you to take this first step? Let's start with the big picture.

Step Two

Is your church leadership on board? What are some basic policies that you should consider? Let's get the basics in place and get your volunteers ready.

Step Three

Is your classroom a welcoming environment for students with sensory issues and learning differences? Equip your classroom & volunteers to better serve ALL students, including those with special needs.

Step Four

How can you educate and engage your congregation about being an inclusive church? Learn how to enlist voices other than your own to promote your ministry.

Step Five

It's time to take your ministry outside the walls of your church. Bless families in your community with Respite Events and other outreach activities.

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

Apr 03 2025

 ChatGPT: Could It Be Your Ministry’s Accessibility Advisor? Ep 141

Sandra Peoples shares how ministry leaders can use ChatGPT to know how to welcome kids with disabilities, train volunteers, make modifications, and support behavior...
Mar 28 2025

Jesus, Disability & Theology with Chris Hulshof EP 140

In this episode, Larah Roberts has a conversation with Dr. Chris Hulshof to discuss what it means to cultivate a truly inclusive church culture—one that moves beyond...
Mar 06 2025

An Accessible Church is a Healthy Church EP 138

Sandra Peoples interviews Pastor Jim Roden, and they talk about the characteristics of accessible churches that help make them healthy churches. You'll be surprised by...
Feb 18 2025

Creating a Church Where Everyone Belongs

I’ve had the joy of working with children my entire life. When I say my entire life, I mean it—I was that kid teaching my dolls in a makeshift classroom, begging my...
Feb 07 2025

Disability Ministry Planning Calendar Ep 135

  It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of...
May 20 2024

5 Tips for Communicating with Your Church About Accessibility

“As I connect with Christian families impacted by disabilities, I’ve heard the same stories repeated over and over again. Stories of hurt and frustration over words...
Apr 29 2024

What If My Family Doesn’t Fit at Church?

What DO you do when a child works harder to escape a room than he does work the puzzles at the table? How can you possibly know where the boundaries should be with...
Apr 08 2024

Special Needs Dads Really Need the Church to See Them

There is a group that many churches simply do not see and are therefore missing a great opportunity for ministry.  That group is special needs dads.  Guys,...
Sep 12 2022

The Noise in the Back of the Church

My family sits near the back of the sanctuary in the church. I feel safe in the back, where we might blend in and not disturb anyone. I find myself so worried about my...
Apr 11 2022

Telling The Easter Story Using Our Senses!

Easter is one of the most important times in the Christian calendar.But the big story of Easter can be difficult for some children and young people with special needs...