Many families who have children with special needs often say they feel left out – or even shunned – from church ministries and events.
But one local New Jersey church sets the blueprint for how families with special needs can be welcomed and embraced by their local church.
And once you hear the amazing way this church makes those with special needs feel celebrated – you’re bound to be touched.
Tim Lucas is the founder and lead pastor of Liquid Church in Parsippany, New Jersey, and recently spoke about the heart his congregation has for helping those with special needs.
While some places may try to “hide” or turn a blind eye to their members with special needs…
…this New Jersey church places them front and center – allowing them to serve and glorify God just like everybody else.
Faithwire reported:
“You will find some of our friends with Asperger’s, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, you name it, serving on the front lines, greeting people, hospitality, working in the café,” Lucas said.
“We actually just opened a full-time café that is entirely employed by special needs adults.”
This is so beautiful!
Individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities are worthy of love and respect just like everyone else – and they too have talents and joy to share with the world.
Sadly, many people wrongly assume that those with special needs are somehow unable to serve or have an active role in the body of Christ.
Thankfully, Liquid Church is setting the standard and being the example for all churches to follow.
In addition to helping those with special needs thrive – the parents of young children with special needs are able to find rest knowing their child is being well-cared for – so they can focus on worshiping God.
One family even drives an hour and a half every Sunday to attend Liquid Church just so their child can be a part of this thriving ministry!
Faithwire continued:
“The impact on families has been profound. For instance, the parents of one little boy with special needs drive 90 minutes from New York to New Jersey each week to take part in Liquid Church’s Sunday services. These parents told Lucas how important the ministry has been for their family.
“[They said], ‘Not only is our child being loved on, we get respite for an hour and 15 minutes. We actually get to sit in a service, hold hands … and we get to have our souls restored,’” Lucas recounted.”
Praise the Lord for this wonderful ministry.
May God continue to bless the people serving those with special needs – and let’s pray even more churches will offer a ministry program that embraces families and individuals with special needs – so every member in the body of Christ feels seen, heard, and loved.
Does your church have a ministry that helps those with special needs?
If not, would you be willing to talk to your pastor about creating one?
You can post your answers to our Facebook page and join in the conversation with other believers from all around the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” – John 3:16-17
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