The Accessible Church

What happens when a child with special needs enters your church?

Parents and caregivers raising children today with special needs or disabilities have several obstacles in their everyday lives. Attending church does not need to be one of them. As families answer the call to foster and adopt, they also face obstacles. Will the church be prepared to welcome vulnerable children with traumatic backgrounds?

With over 20 years of experience in children’s and family ministry, author Kerri-Ann Hayes researched and sought to include every child in her church’s ministry to children and students. She has taken principles from Trust-Based Relational Intervention and Theraplay and included these principles in all facets of ministry.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• How your church can become the most welcoming place for families fostering or adopting children.
• Ways to include every child, including those with special needs.
• How to redefine behavior, expectations, and even ministry.
• Ways to come alongside parents, inspire your team, and equip them to serve vulnerable children.
• Practical tips, training, and tools to help you accommodate and include children.
• The answer to what is better: inclusive ministry, separate special needs ministry, or both?

Follow the stories of several children who have found their place within the church through a team that learned to be Empathetic Investigators. This Christian Church Leadership book will help you open your church to families who may find it difficult to walk in your front doors.