Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Why Are We Focusing on Special Needs?

To start off our series of posts about children with special needs, we need to explain why we are putting a focus on this topic.  Going back almost 10 years, we have had a few children at Grace Church who have had what we call "special needs" (we will define that term in the next post in this series).  For some of these children, this has required a "shadow" to accompany him or her during the weekend programming.  We have been blessed with great leaders (predominately from a volunteer role) who have provided insight and support to come alongside families in this situation.

Within the past 2 to 3 years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of families at Grace Church who have children with special needs.  This is due in part to the sheer growth at Grace Church (with our Children's Ministry attendance nearly doubling in the past 3 years), along with the support that families have received from leaders.  Families have found a safe haven here, where both parents and their children are loved and ministered to.  Because we are currently ministering to at least 15 children who have a variety of special needs, we feel the need to give some theology and direction for families who have children with special needs. 

As stated in the previous post, the topics that will be covered in the rest of the series will be:
  • Our Definition of "Special Needs"
  • Important Biblical Principles
  • The Role of the Church
  • The Role of the Parents
  • Growing in the Gospel
Additionally, we plan to list and answer some Frequently Asked Questions.  Please let us know what questions you have by leaving a comment here or emailing us at children@gracechurchsc.org.

    3 comments:

    1. I can't express how incredibly meaningful was the recent baptism of a special-needs child who had been in our Camp Grace cabin a few years ago. To see the fruition of efforts that were impossible to measure at the time was an immense joy!

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    2. I'm glad that you got to be a part of her life, her discipleship. I think you are referring to Lauren, who can be seen in this video montage for our recent baptism at Easter. She's at ~ the 2 minute mark. http://www.youtube.com/GraceChurchSC#p/u/8/sgH6s1Byjkc

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    3. As a shadow for a special needs child for the past 3-4 years, I am glad to see your focus in this area increasing. I struggled for a long time really understanding the right way to handle things with the child I am shadowing. It's only in the past year that I have really seen things get better for her, but I believe this growth required time. I think it is a tremedous blessing for the parents to be able to come and worship and not have to worry about their child. Thank you.

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