Special Needs

A bald elementary boy stretches his arms out as he participates in outdoor inclusive worship.

Leader Resources

Read in

3 mins

Special Needs Ministry: Creating Inclusive Worship Experiences

Inviting children into “big church” allows them to learn the worship format as well as reap the benefits of a multigenerational experience. For families affected by disabilities, however, worship can…

Read More

young boy hugging group leader

Family Ministry Resources

Read in

9 mins

Mental Illness and Your Ministry

What you need to know about the mental illness issues families are dealing with today—and why we’re all so reluctant to talk about it. Justin and Brenda are dismayed to…

Read More

Little girl with glasses is putting both her hands behind her head as she looks over her glasses and down at the camera.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

5 Signs You Need a Special Needs Ministry

As a busy children’s ministry leader, I often missed a lot that went on at church even when it was happening all around me—especially when it came to needing a…

Read More

A woman volunteer hugs a boy with special needs.

Family Ministry Resources

Read in

3 mins

5 Ways Special Needs Families Enrich Your Church

Often when talking about families living with special needs, we focus on the side of practical disability ministry—programs, needed resources, volunteers. That’s all good and necessary, but it’s only half…

Read More

A preteen girl sits at a craft table.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

Why Do Crafts? Because They Can Make Your Lesson Better

Here’s how crafts can make your lesson better. Almost every Sunday morning after class, children run out of classrooms with a new craft. Some of these crafts make it home…

Read More

girl smiling in group with adult and other kids

Leader Resources

Read in

5 mins

Welcoming Kids on the High End of the Autism Spectrum

Let’s thoughtfully explore what might be keeping families of autistic kids from coming to church. And consider ways to create a welcoming environment for them. Research from Clemson University discovered…

Read More

A group of children doing sign language.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

How to Minister to Deaf or Hard of Hearing Children

Do you have deaf children in your special needs ministry? Here’s what you need to know about effective ministry to these awesome kids. How to Minister to Deaf or Hard…

Read More

An elementary-aged girl with a disability runs happily through a field.

Leader Resources

Read in

5 mins

How to Develop a Ministry for Kids With Disabilities

Here are useful insights from Joni Eareckson Tada on how to develop a ministry for kids with disabilities. When a boy’s arms are paralyzed, how does he raise his hand…

Read More

adult volunteer working with boy with special needs

Leader Resources

Read in

1 min

Where Do I Find Great Volunteers for Special Needs Classrooms?

Finding volunteers called to service in special needs ministry may be one of your most difficult tasks. In my experience, I’ve found volunteers who are a great fit through the…

Read More

A girl comforts her friend who looks sad.

Leader Resources

Read in

1 min

5 Things Siblings of Kids With Disabilities Wish You Knew

Ever wonder what the siblings of children with disabilities are thinking and feeling? Here are 5 inner thoughts—in their words—they wish you knew. The hit song from the late 1960s…

Read More

how to support kids with adhd

Leader Resources

Read in

3 mins

How to Support Kids With ADHD

If you have children with ADHD in your classroom, you’re not alone. Around 11 percent of kids ages 3-17 have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children don’t…

Read More

A child grasps his throat as he has an allergic reaction.

Leader Resources

Read in

1 min

Children’s Ministry Safety: Help Sheet For Allergic Reactions

Safety in your children’s ministry should be your number one priority. While you can’t prevent all incidents, you can be prepared to act. Post this tip sheet for handling kids’…

Read More

Two preschool-aged girls creating an outdoor scene with felt shapes.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

How to Create a Sensory Room for Your Ministry

A couple of years ago our children’s ministry faced a dilemma: We had several children with disabilities and teaching the larger group became challenging. One day as we brainstormed ideas…

Read More

A female children's director smiles kindly as she talks with a group of parents of children with special needs.

Family Ministry Resources

Read in

2 mins

7 Tips on Partnering With Parents in Special Needs Ministry

To make the most of any time you have with children with special needs, it’s important to team up with parents. Here are seven tips on partnering with parents in…

Read More

Two girls with blonde hair are sitting on the floor. The older one, who's about 7, is hugging the younger one, who is a preschooler.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

How to Minister to Kids With Developmental Disabilities

“Developmental disability” can cover many issues. Here’s what you need to know about how to minister to a child with a developmental disability. Years ago I had a developmentally disabled…

Read More

A female volunteer at a training meeting for ministering to kids with special needs.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

Training Meeting for Special Needs Ministry Teachers

Use this teacher training meeting to train your Sunday school teachers for helping children with special needs or learning disabilities. 1. Tough Act Form three groups. Give each teacher in…

Read More

Girl rests her face on her arm as she looks over the church pew. She is very serious looking.

Family Ministry Resources

Read in

3 mins

Welcoming Families With Special Needs to Your Church

Here are tips on creating an attitude of acceptance and practical ways to welcome families impacted by special needs. My family recently moved to Minnesota, and we’re looking for a…

Read More

Annette, who is an adult with special needs, volunteers with two elementary girls at VBS.

Leader Resources

Read in

1 min

Inviting Adults and Teens With Special Needs to Minister

Amazing things happen when we invite people with special needs to minister to others. As I sit at my desk and write this, my younger sister Annette—an adult with special…

Read More

A male volunteer in the special needs classroom kneels down to talk to a girl using hand crutches.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

Special Needs: Covering the Basics Even With a Limited Budget

Almost every church has children with specials needs who already attend—or whose families would like to attend. You can reach special needs families seeking a church home by implementing these…

Read More

boy in orange shirt plugging his ear

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

Special Needs: Ministry Questions and Answers

Read on for insightful answers to some of the most common questions children’s ministry volunteers have about special needs. Years ago, we were part of a special needs seminar for…

Read More

Three preteen girls sit on a table next to a playground.

Leader Resources

Read in

2 mins

Disabilities: What You Need to Know About Playground Safety

All kids love playgrounds! If you minister to children with disabilities, here’s what you need to know about keeping your kids safe as they play. Chances are you take kids…

Read More

Get free weekly resources from us!

Got it! Would you also like offers and promos from Group?

Thanks, you're all set!

Our Pins!

Subscribe to Children's Ministry Magazine