Special Hope Ministry

Mission Statement: Special Hope Ministry exists to love and serve Jesus Christ by facilitating individuals with special needs and their families to become full participants and contributors in the Body of Christ.

Paul instructs us in 1 Corinthians 12 , "if one part of the body suffers, every part suffers with it." Our goal is to facilitate total inclusion and accessibility for individuals with disabilities and their families in all areas of Church life.

Our Vision

Provide the necessary support to all individuals and families with special needs in order to allow them participation in the worship service, Sunday school, and other activities of the church.
Include children with special needs in Sunday school and worship times with their peers.
Provide other children the opportunity to show Christ's love by serving alongside children that need support in church activities.
Show the love of Jesus Christ and present the message of salvation to everyone.

Special Hope Values - Trust, Family, Inclusion, Encouragement, Support, Positive learning environment, Commitment, Biblical Truths, Community, and Training

Shadow Program: The Shadow program will provide and train a shadow for any child with special needs to allow individuals and families participation in worship service and other church activities. Shadowing is striving to eliminate barriers that prevent participation in church.

Definition of Special Needs: Any child with unique needs that hinder them and their families from freely participating in church activities.

What is provided for children with Special Needs? A Special Hope Team works closely with each family to:

Determine the needs of the child
Train and schedule a shadow for Sunday morning service
Create an individual profile listing specific ways to address personal issues related to the child's disability
Provide ongoing support to the child, family, and shadow

How can I request a Shadow for my child? Contact our Special Needs team leader, Karen Freeman or call her at 489-4927, fill out our child profile form and schedule a time to meet with a shadow for your child.

How can I help?

Become a shadow: Volunteer to be a shadow by filling out an application, interviewing, and being trained by our Special Hope Team. You will be assigned to a particular child twice per month for one hour on a Sunday morning.
Join the Special Hope Team: Anyone who has any experience working with individuals and/or families with special needs that could be a resource for training, consultation or support.

If you are interested in joining the Special Hope Ministry please email Karen Freeman or call her at 489-4927.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14