This resource encourages church leaders and ministry teams to embrace disability ministry as an expression of the gospel. It provides biblical foundations, practical guidance, assessment tools, and resources to help churches intentionally welcome, include, and support individuals with disabilities and their families. The goal is to help churches take thoughtful, sustainable steps toward creating a culture where every person is valued, included, and able to participate in the life of the Church.
Training Videos
Below are four training videos designed to provide practical insight, encouragement, and foundational guidance for developing and strengthening disability ministry in your church.
The Story Behind Special Needs Ministry
Doug and Missy Farrington introduce themselves and share their roles in special needs ministry at Highlands Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. They begin by telling the “origin story” of how they came to serve in special needs ministry, providing personal background and context for their passion, calling, and experience in this area of ministry.
Understanding and Supporting Special Needs Family
This training emphasizes that volunteers may never fully understand the emotional and practical experiences of families affected by disability, and that is okay. Effective ministry does not require complete understanding, but rather a willingness to listen, learn, support, and walk alongside families in meaningful ways. Volunteers are also encouraged to recognize that there is no such thing as a “typical” special needs family. Every individual and family is unique, shaped by factors such as the type of disability, cultural and socioeconomic background, life stage, transitions, and their own experiences of resilience and stress. The goal is to approach each family with humility, compassion, and a willingness to understand their individual needs.
Foundations of Special Needs Ministry Volunteer Training
Introduce foundational principles for training volunteers in special needs ministry, drawing from nearly 20 years of experience serving at Highlands Church. They share lessons learned through both experience and challenges, along with practical principles that can also apply to children’s and student ministries. The training provides a groundwork for volunteers to better understand how to serve individuals with disabilities, while recognizing that some approaches may need to be adapted to fit the unique needs and context of each church and ministry.
God’s Perspective on Disability: Five Biblical Foundations
One of the most common questions in special needs ministry is, “Why does a good God allow disability?” This question is understandable and deserves a thoughtful, biblical response. In this training, we explore five Scripture passages that help us understand disability from God’s perspective. These passages provide a foundation for seeing individuals with disabilities as God sees them and for understanding His purposes in creating and allowing disability. As we consider these truths, we are encouraged to shape our attitudes, expectations, and ministry practices around God’s perspective—responding to individuals with disabilities and their families with greater compassion, dignity, and Christlike love.