Where Do We Go From Here?

Resources for you church's exploration of special-needs ministry

EFCA Special Needs Network

Is your church active in special-needs ministry or interested in starting? Or are you the parent of a special-needs child and looking for some greater connections within the EFCA movement? We’re building an EFCA Special Needs Network. To learn more, contact Gillian Marchenko.

Websites:

Disabled Christianity — home page for EFCA pastor Jeff McNair, with links to his blog. Jeff and his wife, Kathi, are leaders in the disability ministry at Trinity EFC in Redlands, Calif. Jeff authored “Without You” in this issue.

Joni and Friends International Disability Center — EFCA ReachGlobal is a partner with Joni and Friends, which is dedicated to people affected by disability worldwide. Joni Eareckson Tada authored “God’s Power in Weakness” in this issue.

The Inclusive Church — blog geared to helping churches include children with special needs.

Key Ministry — free services and resources that equip churches to welcome children and families affected by hidden disabilities.

McLean Bible Church’s Access Ministry — the disabilities ministry website for this church outside Washington, D.C., a national leader in special-needs ministry and host of an annual accessibility summit (see below).

The Works of God — the volunteer disability ministry blog for Bethlehem Baptist Church (pastor John Piper) in Minneapolis.

Opportunities:

Accessibility Summit at McLean Bible Church — national conference for individuals, families and caregivers, faith-based organizations, educators, and other professionals affected by disability.

Christian Ministries Training Association’s annual convention in Southern California — training and encouraging professionals and volunteers in Christian education ministry, with an extensive “disabilities” track.

Church policies:

For ideas as to policies your church can implement toward a healthy special-needs ministry, contact Valley Church (EFCA) in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Books:

Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the spiritual growth of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders, by Barbara J. Newman

A Different Dream for My Child: Meditations for parents of critically or chronically ill children, by Jolene Philo (also due to be released in October 2011: Different Dream Parenting: A practical guide to raising a child with special needs)

The Church and Disability: The weblog DisabledChristianity, by Dr. Jeff McNair

Exceptional Teaching: A comprehensive guide for including students with disabilities, by Dr. Jim Pierson

Helping Kids Include Kids With Disabilities, by Barbara J. Newman

Just the Way I Am: God’s good design in disability, by Krista Horning

Let All the Children Come to Me: A practical guide to including children with disabilities in your church ministries, by MaLesa Breeding, Dana Kennamer Hood, Jerry Whitworth

Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming alongside people touched by disability, by Stephanie O. Hubach

Special Needs Smart Pages: Advice, answers and articles about teaching children with special needs, by Joni & Friends

Special Strength for Special Parents (devotional), by Nina Fuller