Starting a Special Needs Ministry (cont.)
4. Network with other churches.
Thanks to the help of another church, we started our respite care with several best practices in place. But I should have been more diligent in pursuing additional conversations with other, more experienced special needs ministry leaders. Just because one church or one leader is less eager to help doesn’t mean the next connection will be the same.
Most church leaders know you aren’t trying to “steal” their families or “compete” in any sense. A competent, self-secure ministry leader recognizes that far more families need a church home than there are churches ready to welcome them. Churches and families with special needs are better off if we all succeed.
5. Know that every special needs ministry is different.
Finally… What works for one church may not work for another faith community. You must know your church culture and then develop your special needs ministry around it. The church’s stated mission, the pastor’s goals, the surrounding area’s demographics, and the volunteers’ skill-sets will all shape a special needs ministry.
Perhaps the most important part of starting a special needs ministry? Remembering to pray daily for families and volunteers. And enjoy the ride, as God blesses your ministry!
