A Personal Note about Ministering to and Including
Special Needs Children in Worship:

Ministry is of utmost importance to a special needs child.
The joy, warmth and fellowship of being in a worship
service should be a highlight to their week.

A church should accept all children with open arms.

If a child is able to be in regular worship without
disrupting, invite and allow the child to be present. If not,
design a room especially for children with special needs.
(This would be a great project for a Sunday School class.
Get the input of people who have direct knowledge of
children with special needs.)

The room should be an inviting and happy place. Use
bright colors, but not over-stimulating. Keep it
welcoming, but simple (most special needs children have
low tolerance for over-stimulating environments).  Play
fun, worshipful songs, but remember that some children
have sensitive hearing. Keep the volume in check by
noting their expressions and reactions. Most importantly,
ask primary caregivers for input regarding the child's
tolerance levels.

Read the Bible and pray out loud. Be sure to include a
prayer for the parents and/or caregivers, including
doctors, teachers, daycare workers, grandparents, etc.

Sing, Clap, REJOICE!
There are many ways for a child with special needs to
take part:
Clapping
Ringing Bells
Gentle Movements (Get permission from parents. May
need assistance.)
Prayer
Find ways to include them in special programs and plays.
Sundays were one of our FAVORITE days!  
Dana was present for many treasured lessons.
Including a series on the 10 Commandments.
The lessons included coloring pages for each
commandment, a song and applications on a
child's level of thinking. This laid a foundation
for her spiritual nourishment!
Keep an open heart and mind regarding ways to minister to children
with special needs...

KEY ELEMENTS
BEFORE BEGINNING... ASK A MEDICAL EXPERT

Always get clearance from medical professionals before
involving special needs children in physical activities.

Get advice on appropriate noise levels, colors, lighting, etc.

Flashing lights can cause over-activity in the brain of some
special needs children. This could cause negative or
potentially serious effects. Everything in moderation!

Mainstream by inviting other children to join the class on a
regular basis. Perhaps one Sunday a month or more!

This teaches ministry for all!
  • Music
  • Singing
  • Clapping
  • Prayer
  • Bible Reading
  • Coloring
  • Sunlight