How To Minister To Those With Special Needs
As a church family
In a world where special needs accommodations are almost common place, unfortunately it seems a lot of churches are behind the times. So in this article I would like to take a few minutes to give some suggestions on how your church can best minister to people and families who have special needs of any kind.
Be welcoming to everyone; don’t stare awkwardly
While I hate the fact that that statement needs to be made, it does. I understand that maybe you haven’t seen someone using sign language before, and so you feel the need to gawk strangely at the deaf person entering the sanctuary. But guess what? Not only is it not necessary, it’s actually pretty rude.
Instead, greet them exactly as you would greet any other visitor to your church. Smile, speak kindly, shake their hand (if that’s appropriate in your congregation), and then move on to the next step.
Be honest, open, and ask questions
If you have become aware of a special need in the family that you think may need a special accommodation, try to find an opportunity to speak privately with them.
Note: If the person with the special need is a child, please do not speak to the parent in…
