Developing a Ministry through Resources

Although Disabilities Ministries is a service to humanity, those involved are also lifting up Jesus in every activity.  It is imperative that you think of yourself as a professional and recognize that knowledge is also key to success.  Below are some activities that will help you as you become involved in this ministry and become the professional servant that God will use.

  • Read, read, and read.   Become acquainted with as much information as possible.
  • Contact your local Social Security Office for material related to disabilities.
  • The Department of Human Services is an excellent resource for information on disabilities.
  • An individual with a disability may also assist you in understanding, insight, and sensitivity to certain disability.
  • The local telephone book and toll-free numbers provide resource materials.
  • Network with other churches that have or want a Disabilities Ministries Program.
  • Surf the Internet.
  • Talk with caregivers of people with disabilities.
  • Nursing homes and home care agencies share willingly and will allow you to volunteer.
  • Attend seminars.
  • Call Christian Record Services for excellent resources.
  • Attend various Disabilities Expositions (contact different disability-related organizations and businesses for locations).
  • Read, read, and read.


Building a Ministry

Steps to Building a Successful Ministry: Read text below image.

Building a ministry for the service of God starts now.  Although a church may not currently identified any members with disabilities, a ministry should start before you have disabled members.  Use the following building blocks to get started:

  • Prayer.  An effective Disabilities Ministries begins with prayer. The word prayer sounds so simple, but a prayer-based ministry is a successful ministry.  God will give insight that professional expertise will not provide.  Prayer is your first block.
  • Study.  The Bible and Jesus’ example provide a rationale for the ministry.  Quotations from Ellen G. White’s writings, the General Conference session vote, and the landmark ADA legislation should be studied as they enhance credibility for the ministry and provide encouragement to the workers.
  • Mission.  Know the mission of the ministry. Start with a small prayer group.  That group might be just you and God, but that is a majority for the implementation of a ministry.  As you meet and pray with God at the same time and in the same place, ask Him to direct you to others who have the same mission.
  • Listen.  Listen to your missionary spirit without doubting.  Talk your faith.  The more you talk this ministry in faith, the more you will start to live this ministry.  As you live the ministry, you will hear the voice of God speak to you and give you direction.  Listen to the voice of God.
  • Discuss.  Discuss the ministry with your pastor.  If possible, make this meeting a face-to-face informational discussion.  Have your notes ready.  Be prepared to answer questions.  When you do not know the answer to a question, let your pastor know that the director of Disabilities Ministries for your local conference will call him or her with the answer.
  • Plan.  Have a plan when you make your presentation to the pastor and let him or her know that you are ready to present this plan to the church board.  Include in your plans, the needs, the advantages for service, the focus on evangelism, and the support to other departments.  If you are nervous about this meeting, ask the conference disabilities ministries director to be present.

Getting started is easy once you build on the blocks.  Remember the scriptures give an analogy of building on the solid Rock that is Christ Jesus.

The ministry starts now.  Although a church may not have any members with disabilities, a ministry should begin before there are members with special needs identified.  One should understand the history, the purpose, the goals, the structure, and the responsibilities of each level of administration in the church.  Remember, disabilities ministries is broad and far-reaching in that the members and non-members of the disabilities ministries team are part of the church and the community.

Disabilities Ministries is an opportunity.  Look for avenues in your church and in the church school.  For example, in the church school there may be a need for a speech therapist for children with articulation disorders or dysfluency better known as stuttering.  Tutors are essential for students with learning disabilities.

Opportunities are within the community.  This ministry serves as an extension or outreach program.  Care and tact must also be given to this area because of the diverse cultural and/or spiritual factors.  Just as community agencies exist as a resource to people with disabilities, the church must be active in the community to give support where and when needed even to the extent of creating support groups.

This manual will give a summary of the seven major disability groups; program and activity suggestions; samples of report forms and letters; a Disabilities Awareness Sabbath program; a list of resources; and the structural information on each level of church administration.