Five Ways Your Church Can Prepare to Love Families with Special Needs

“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven”

— Mark 2:3-5 ESV

Taking the step to visit a new church as a special needs family can feel intimidating, anxiety-provoking, and down-right exhausting. When our family relocated to Middle Tennessee, we began searching for a new church. But soon into the process, my husband and I became discouraged and felt like we might never find a church home. Both our daughter and our son have rare genetic disorders and complex needs. Joining a church community that fit well with our family took time and determination. I would love for other families to feel embraced the moment they enter a church and avoid the hurt, frustration, and disappointments that we experienced.

It’s not practical to expect every church to be able to provide for families with special needs in every way. Still, I encourage you to consider one or two ideas for how your congregation might be able to better support persons with special needs and disabilities. That’s why I’m sharing five ways your church can prepare to love special needs families. 

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Kristin Faith Evans, MA, MS, LMSW

Kristin is an author, a speaker, a mental health therapist, and a special needs mom. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith and emotional healing. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her Masters in Christian Education, she has served in youth, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing or working with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature. Visit her author website at www.KristinFaithEvans.com.