The United Methodist promise of “Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.” means that our spaces, communications and ministry offerings are accessible to all.
Rachael Walker, Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at Memorial Drive UMC in Houston, Texas, says, “Our love should extend to everybody, despite their disability, capability or cognitive function. That is what we are called to do, make disciples.”
With autism diagnoses on the rise and many families staying away from churches because of fear, past harm or ableist theology, there are people in every community simply waiting for a church to reach out with words of welcome.
“A study was done in 2018 that indicated that children with autism were almost two times as likely to never attend church when compared to typical children,” shares the Rev. Melissa Pisco, pastor at Celebration United Methodist Church in Gainesville, Florida.
When Walker began expanding her ministry, she remembers, “I knew God was telling me, ‘If you build it, they will come.’ You just have to build it. … There is a need and there will continue to be a need.”
Have a heart for those of all abilities
Educating the congregation about acceptance is key. Pisco mentions, “I think in our churches oftentimes there is the expectation to sit silently. Ultimately we have to figure out how to let go of this idea that somehow a child or an adult has to behave a particular way.”
Churches can begin a neurodiverse ministry by making a few additions to worship services, Sunday School classes or other gatherings. Provide fidget toys, sensory blankets, a chart clearly showing the order of the day and a timer. As individuals use the items you are providing, be sure to ask what further tools would be helpful and do your best to fulfill those requests.
Pisco shares, “Small things are huge. Anything that you can do that can let a family know that it’s okay – that they are okay, that their loved one is okay, that they are welcome, that you are committed to do no harm and love unconditionally, this is a gift.”
Build a ministry with families in mind
Identify resources, community needs
A needs assessment can help a new ministry start strong. Walker shares the steps she took when she began her role:
- Evaluate the tools, space, volunteers and financial resources the church can offer.
- Reach out to nearby churches with neurodivergent ministries, but don’t feel as if you need to replicate what they are doing. Instead, learn their best practices and incorporate those into the ministry you build, which should be based on community needs and your church’s resources.
- Connect with area support groups (such as autism parent groups) to engage in discussions that will help you identify needs that your church can help fill.
Celebration UMC is home to the Let Them Come Inclusive Playground. Pisco says, “The church has such an opportunity to create safe space, not only for individuals with disabilities, but for their whole families. Having family members with disabilities can be isolating and there is a high level of loneliness because the world gets so hard you just stay home.”
Walker learned that families in her community were in need of respite care. Intermission, a free respite program at Memorial Drive UMC, takes place monthly on Saturday mornings, with a rotating age-group focus and theme. A group of dedicated volunteers and a nurse provide all-inclusive activities that are tailored to individual needs.
“We have friends who are verbal, friends who are non-verbal. We have those that use adaptive technology. We have friends who use sign language, those who are in wheelchairs or with cerebral palsy. Those with autism, downs syndrome or rare genetic disorders,” shares Walker.
Building trust with families is vital. They complete a needs assessment and meet the volunteer that will be spending time with their family member. Walker says, “The volunteers that serve are creating the trusting, loving, safe, nurturing environment.”
When recruiting ministry volunteers, Walker suggests reminding people they do not need past experience. She tells them, “You just need a kind, loving, willing heart. You need a passion to serve and we will guide you through the rest. … Our people are beautiful, and once you spend time in the ministry, it really sells itself.”
She also recommends building awareness of the ministry by talking about it whenever possible. Promote volunteer and support opportunities by visiting various ministry gatherings and Bible studies in the church, making videos that highlight powerful stories, and sharing the latest information in newsletters.
Open the door to possible growth
Memorial Drive UMC’s ministry has grown exponentially. It began as volunteer-run Bible studies, a summer camp for adults and a children’s camp held in collaboration with five nearby churches. Now it also includes not only a robust respite ministry, but also buddies that provide one-on-one assistance, service opportunities, a hip-hop dance class, events that support parents and a weekday enrichment program in partnership with Easter Seals.
The growth is due to promotion of the ministry through the local school district, an Instagram page, Facebook support groups, resource fairs and personal interactions with people in the community. Walker sees her role as community-focused, rather than member-focused, and has even connected with a local high school to find interns.
“God wants this to happen. He's going to find a way to make it happen. He's going to relieve all the worry. He's made this program so successful at every turn. He's brought everything we've needed and everything we've prayed about,” Walker shares.
Laura Buchanan works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications. Contact her by email.
This story was published on June 19, 2024.
