Special Needs Ministry: Denominationally
The Special Needs Network in the PCA
By
Stephanie O. Hubach
Chairperson, Special Needs Committee
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I would like to share with you the vision statement that our local Special Needs Committee has:
By holding fast to the biblical principal that all human beings have value and dignity because we are created in the image of God, we aim to become a church that ministers TO and ALONGSIDE people with differing abilities out of our deep understanding of our common need for grace. It is our hope that faithful service at the local level will allow us to become a resource to other churches in the Lancaster area and the
PCA.
As you can see from this statement, we have a vision to see Special Needs Ministry come "alive" in the PCA - - to be part of motivating all of Christ's church to serve all of His people. We do not pretend to know everything there is to know about Special Needs Ministry - - but our hearts are very willing! We believe that effective Special Needs Ministry in any church requires Biblical, principle-driven vision; prayer; grace-based compassion; great flexibility; and lots of creativity! It is our hope that by developing a network of individuals in the PCA who are committed to Special Needs Ministry, we can be helpful to each other in effectively fulfilling our individual callings. What we hope to see happen in the PCA is the following:
1. Evaluate
* What are we currently doing?
* Which PCA churches have effective Special Needs Ministries already?
* How well are we addressing known needs?
* How actively are we seeking individuals with special needs and their families?
2. Educate
* What can we learn about Special Needs Ministry from other organizations or other denominations that are more experienced?
* How can we effectively educate our membership about disability?
* How can we actively motivate our membership to participate in Special Needs Ministry?
3. Equip
* How can we specifically equip congregations with the resources they need in order to successfully minister to the disabled and their families?
* What resources are "out there" already that we can use without
"re-inventing the wheel?" For example: Joni and Friends Ministries
* What contributions can we make as a denomination in areas where existing resources are lacking?
4. Encourage
* How can we be a source of encouragement to those attempting to begin a Special Needs Ministry?
* How can we be a source of ongoing encouragement to those who have an established Special Needs Ministry?
* How can we network with each other to exchange ideas and promote an ongoing vision?
We are in the process of looking for anyone interested in participating in
The Special Needs Network in the PCA. The possibilities are endless! We hope to post resources, discuss topics, connect churches with each other, introduce parents to each other, answer questions etc. Will you join us?
For Further Information Contact:
Steph and Fred Hubach
stephnfred@dejazzd.com
Revised 4/15/03
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