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
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!
ReplyDeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteAs 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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