Special Needs Ministry Is a Great Need at Church

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Through a special needs ministry, your church shares the love of Christ. Why is special needs ministry such a hot topic? About one in five Americans has a disability. That’s equal to the population of Florida and California combined. Among children ages 3 to 17, one in six has a developmental disability.

Consider the increase in autism cases. Among boys, the rate is as high as one in 31 (3.23%). Some health professionals say these statistics are still too conservative, accounting only for formal diagnoses.

Why Special Needs Ministry?

Here are more reasons your church and kidmin program should minister to kids with special needs.

  • One in every 691 babies is born with Down syndrome.
  • 7% of children ages 3 to 17 have ADHD.
  • 8% of children ages 3 to 17 have a learning disability.
  • 14% of children ages 13 to 17 have a developmental disability.
  • 17% of Americans experience a communication disorder at some point.
  • 25% of 13- to 18-year-olds have an anxiety disorder. 
Based on these statistics, special needs ministry is crucial to help all children hear about Jesus.

Opportunities Abound With Special Needs Ministry 

By ministering to children with special needs, your church will be richly blessed. You get to share the gospel with individuals of varying abilities so they grow fully in their faith.
Plus, a special needs ministry helps the families of kids with special needs feel supported. They know that their loved ones feel comfortable and confident in the church environment and are valued members of the faith family.

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afentonlee@churchleaders.com'
Amy Fenton Leehttp://www.AmyFentonLee.com
Amy Fenton Lee is a writer and speaker focused on helping churches successfully include children with special needs. She is a regular contributor to children’s ministry publications and a variety of other Christian and secular magazines. Amy is a passionate children’s ministry volunteer and the daughter of a church senior pastor. Amy is a frequent speaker at children’s ministry conferences. Amy blogs about special needs inclusion at The Inclusive Church.

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