What do you need to lead a special needs ministry? Leading a Special Needs Ministry is a practical how-to guide for the family ministry team working to welcome one or 100 children with special needs.

IVP Readers' Choice Award Lamar Hardwick was thirty-six years old when he found out he was on the autism spectrum. While this revelation helped him understand and process his own experience, it also prompted a difficult re-evaluation of who he was as a person. And as a pastor, it started him on a new path of considering the way disabled people are treated in the church. Disability and the Church is a practical and theological reconsideration of the church's responsibilities to the disabled community. Too often disabled persons are pushed away from the church or made to feel unwelcome in any number of ways. As Hardwick writes, "This should not be." He insists that the good news of Jesus affirms God's image in all people, and he offers practical steps and strategies to build stronger, truly inclusive communities of faith.

AUDIENCE: Senior Pastors, Children's Ministry Directors, Children's Pastors, Christian Education Workers

A guide to children's ministry that serves families with special needs Jesus set a high standard when He said "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The call is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who color between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level. Children's ministries are responsible to be ready to bring children with disabilities to Jesus' feet too. Every Child Welcome is the guide for leaders and volunteers to assist in purposeful planning and skill development for a ministry inclusive of children with unique needs. Experienced children's ministry leaders, and parents of special-needs children themselves, the authors are superbly equipped to offer a thoughtful, thorough approach to creating a positive environment for children--one where all children will be able to digest the important concepts being taught. For leaders and volunteers, Every Child Welcome will provide the knowledge and tools to * create a welcoming environment before kids arrive * help children learn more effectively by connecting new information to what they already know * reinforce the main idea of a lesson, building background knowledge and reviewing important concepts * supplement instruction with hands-on activities to increase attention and participation * reinforce and wrap up an activity effectively

Educationally, spiritually and experience based; a practical instructional guide and inspirational resource written for church leaders, Sunday school teachers, and families with disabilities.

Equip your children's ministry to identify and confidently reach out to kids with special needs. This handy pocket guide contains relevant teaching techniques, age-appropriate ways to inspire positive peer relationships, tips for partnering with parents and more Parents of special needs children will feel valued and welcomed to know that your ministry is proactively addressing the needs of their children. For just over a dollar each, you can equip and empower ten volunteers. Includes surveys and tools to guide teachers as they partner with parents--and establish action plans that work. Includes: Definitions of the top ten diagnosed learning disabilities Suggested ways to meet their learning needs Recommendations for parents of special needs to improve their child's experience in your class Surveys to help teachers partner with parents...and establish action plans that work. Great for children's workers, children's leaders, church staff members, launching a special needs ministry and creating a better awareness about special needs children in the church. Sold in packs of 10. Give one to every children's ministry worker