What do you need to lead a special needs ministry? Leading a Special Needs Ministry is a practical how-to guide for the family ministry team working to welcome one or 100 children with special needs.

A guide to children's ministry that serves families with special needs Jesus set a high standard when He said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The call is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who color between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level. Children's ministries are responsible to be ready to bring children with disabilities to Jesus' feet too. Every Child Welcome is the guide for leaders and volunteers to assist in purposeful planning and skill development for a ministry inclusive of children with unique needs. Experienced children's ministry leaders, and parents of special-needs children themselves, the authors are superbly equipped to offer a thoughtful, thorough approach to creating a positive environment for children--one where all children will be able to digest the important concepts being taught. For leaders and volunteers, Every Child Welcome will provide the knowledge and tools to * create a welcoming environment before kids arrive * help children learn more effectively by connecting new information to what they already know * reinforce the main idea of a lesson, building background knowledge and reviewing important concepts * supplement instruction with hands-on activities to increase attention and participation * reinforce and wrap up an activity effectively

Open your heart to the most amazing ministry a church can have! Do you know what it takes to make these kids - and their parents - fell welcome in your church? This practical, insightful book is your guide to answering all those questions and more. Packed with case studies and personal stores from recognized experts in the ministry field. Learn: Best ways to reach this group, how to launch a special needs ministry in your church, promote and recruit the right volunteers, what families with special needs really need from you.

AUDIENCE: Senior Pastors, Children's Ministry Directors, Children's Pastors, Christian Education Workers

Unexpected Blessings helps special-needs families move past the pain and confusion of their circumstances and slowly, firmly face the future with hope. Speaking honestly about struggles that accompany a variety of disabilities, Sandra Peoples shows readers how to · let go of false beliefs that hold them back · work through the cycles of grief · focus on self-care and healthy routines · understand disability based on what the Bible says · rebuild a strong faith foundation · create support systems for themselves and others Filled with real-life stories and hard-earned wisdom, this book shines a light on the possibilities and blessings that come when parents see their new purpose in life--which was God's purpose for them all along.

When a parent hears that their child has a disability, hearts and hopes are often broken. But faith doesn't have to be. In Unbroken Faith, Dianne Dokko Kim comes alongside you as a fellow special needs parent to help you reconcile the premise of a good God with the devastating realities of raising a disabled child. Kim courageously articulates deep-seated, unspoken doubts and fears you may have but are afraid to voice: Will my child still have a full life? Can I do this? Where is God in all this? As you are adjusting to your new normal, Kim's biblical-based encouragement will help you understand that you are not alone, that God gets it, and that God's Word is entirely relevant to the raw and messy yet hallowed spaces of special needs parenting.

The church across North America has struggled to minister effectively with children, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions and their families. One reason for the lack of ministry is the absence of a widely accepted model for mental health outreach and inclusion. In Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, Dr. Stephen Grcevich presents a simple and flexible model for mental health inclusion ministry for implementation by churches of all sizes, denominations, and organizational styles. The model is based upon recognition of seven barriers to church attendance and assimilation resulting from mental illness: stigma, anxiety, self-control, differences in social communication and sensory processing, social isolation and past experiences of church. Seven broad inclusion strategies are presented for helping persons of all ages with common mental health conditions and their families to fully participate in all of the ministries offered by the local church. The book is also designed to be a useful resource for parents, grandparents and spouses interested in promoting the spiritual growth of loved ones with mental illness.

Sometimes life throws you a curveball. Andrew and Rachel Wilson know what it means to live a life they never expected. As the parents of two children with special needs, their story mingles deep pain with deep joy in unexpected places. With raw honesty, they share about the challenges they face on a daily basis—all the while teaching what it means to weep, worship, wait, and hope in the Lord. Offering encouragement rooted in God's Word, this book will help you cling to Jesus and fight for joy when faced with a life you never expected.

You know Jesus, You think he’s a nice guy,and you never forget his birthday.But the truth is...you want more than that. You’re bored. Exhausted. Tired of the grind. You’re done with hearing about Jesus in sermons. Reading about Jesus in devotions. You want to encounter Jesus—and know him for who he really is. You want to experience Jesus’ love, not just admire him. To become a follower, not just a fan. The Jesus-Centered Life... • invites you into wonder as you explore the magnetic force of the real Jesus • frees you from a “trying harder to get better” lifestyle, so you can follow Jesus instead • walks you through one-of-a-kind practices that lead you into actual encounters with Jesus Packed with easy, natural, everyday life practices that transform how you see Jesus, The Jesus-Centered Life is the perfect antidote for a ho-hum connection to Jesus—a fresh invitation for you to make Jesus the center of your life. This book helps you chart a clear, fulfilling path straight to the Jesus who loves you.

Equip your children's ministry to identify and confidently reach out to kids with special needs. This handy pocket guide contains relevant teaching techniques, age-appropriate ways to inspire positive peer relationships, tips for partnering with parents and more Parents of special needs children will feel valued and welcomed to know that your ministry is proactively addressing the needs of their children. For just over a dollar each, you can equip and empower ten volunteers. Includes surveys and tools to guide teachers as they partner with parents--and establish action plans that work. Includes: Definitions of the top ten diagnosed learning disabilities Suggested ways to meet their learning needs Recommendations for parents of special needs to improve their child's experience in your class Surveys to help teachers partner with parents...and establish action plans that work. Great for children's workers, children's leaders, church staff members, launching a special needs ministry and creating a better awareness about special needs children in the church. Sold in packs of 10. Give one to every children's ministry worker