Disability Ministries Overview
Types of Ministries
What type of ministry are you interested in? Disability Ministry is an
umbrella term that covers a broad range of services and programs, as outlined in the
partial list of possibilities below. You will find descriptions of many of these ministries in
past issues of our newsletter, The VOICE of the UMC Disability Connection – see links
provided below.
Designated and trained “buddies” or peer mentors who partner with the disabled
child or adult needing support within the typical classroom or worship setting.Sensory rooms that offer a break from the classroom or worship service,
supported by trained volunteers. (See May 2022 VOICE)
https://conta.cc/3Ni5HW8Sunday School classes for children, youth, or adults with disabilities who find it
hard to participate in a typical classroom.Fellowship programs for youth or adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities who find it hard to participate in typical groups and prefer to have
some time away from the stress of the non-disabled world.Outreach ministries that conduct worship services in nursing homes, boarding
homes, or group homes.“No-shush” inclusive worship services, where everyone is free to move, vocalize,
and be themselves without disapproval, as an alternative option in churches with
multiple services. (See December 2011 VOICE)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs017/1104745249463/archive/1108905901535.htmlRespite programs for children, youth, or adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, or for adults with dementia. (See January 2013 VOICE)
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs110/1104745249463/archive/1112122873581.htmlFaith-based support groups for parents and siblings of children or youth with
disabilities. (See Summer 2016 VOICE)
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Newsletter-from-the-DisAbility-Ministries-Committee-of-the-UMC.html?soid=1104745249463&aid=rkvmQYra438Supportive housing, e.g. church-sponsored group homes. (See Fall 2016 VOICE)
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Newsletter-from-the-DisAbility-Ministries-Committee-of-the-UMC.html?soid=1104745249463&aid=arQhP8n1NokDay habilitation or job training programs sponsored by a church or church
agency. (See February 2018 VOICE)
http://conta.cc/2GQEVls
Remember that not every ministry is visible – in fact the most inclusive ministries are
seamlessly integrated into the life of the congregation. Always ask what options are
available before assuming that your needs or those of family members cannot be
accommodated.
Some ministries are segregated, involving only persons with disabilities and their
leaders, but most try to incorporate participants into the life of the congregation as
appropriate. For instance, an adult Sunday School class for persons with intellectual
disabilities will encourage members to participate in regular worship, fellowship, and
service opportunities. Ministries should continually search for new ways to involve
attendees, and to find ways to integrate typical participants alongside members with
disabilities.
Many ministries operate on a non-denominational or interfaith basis, as people needing
specific services tend to go where their needs are met rather than to churches of a
specific denomination. Drawing volunteers from more than one congregation is
especially useful for respite programs. Examples of ministries hosted or supported by
some UM churches include Friendship Ministries which establishes fellowship groups,
Rejoicing Spirits which helps congregations develop inclusive “no-shush” worship
services, and Nathanial’s Hope “Buddy Break” respite program.
https://friendship.org/
https://www.rejoicingspirits.org/
https://www.nathanielshope.org/events-programs/buddy-break/
Starting a Disability Ministry in your Church
Perhaps your congregation is ready to offer intentional ministries with disabled people.
The best starting place for a new ministry is to ask currently-involved families about their
needs and hopes. You may want to conduct a survey to determine interest, needs, and
perceived support for participation. Often family members identify respite and parent
support groups as a high priority, but your findings may be very different.
There may also be obvious connections with a nearby group home, inclusive preschool,
or day center. It’s fine to start small to give yourself time for program and policy
development as well as for volunteer recruitment and training. Be prepared for growth
when families realize you provide a place for everyone to belong!
The Disability Ministries Committee website offers a number of articles in the Resources
– Ministry, Worship, and Education section to point you in the right direction. Forming a
congregational disability or accessibility committee is almost always helpful, as a single
person cannot start a sustainable ministry.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YRYxtDJD2AGU1y_OG73TpQv8pRrq6iSm/view?usp=sharing
https://sites.google.com/umcdmc.org/disabilityministriescommittee/resources-ministry-worship-and-education
https://sites.google.com/umcdmc.org/disabilityministriescommittee/resources-ministry-worship-and-education
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DEfFxwYjahIRfm-1u-VM8oernuE61b6Y/view?usp=sharing
https://sites.google.com/umcdmc.org/disabilityministriescommittee/connect#h.d5x2ac7c21du
Spreading the Word
If your church offers disability ministries and accommodations or accessibility of any
kind, we encourage you to list this information on your church website as well as your
Find-A-Church site. Most families will start with a web search when looking to find a
church that will be accessible, welcoming, and accommodating to their needs. Parents
often use the search term “Special Needs,” a term which we discourage using in your
ministry name as this is not a preferred term for most disabled adults. See this article by
Kathie Snowe for more information. You might still want to use the words somewhere
on the site so that search engines find your ministry.
https://www.disabilityisnatural.com/special-needs.html
https://www.disabilityisnatural.com/special-needs.html
Deaconess Lynn Swedberg, updated 09/10/24