Every person deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and free to belong in their local and faith communities. For the past six years, we have worked to help make that vision a reality for autistic individuals and their families. Along the way, we have had the privilege of learning from pastors, ministry leaders, parents, caregivers, and advocates who are helping churches become more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.
To celebrate six years of ministry, we are highlighting six webinars that offer encouragement, practical guidance, and inspiration for creating more inclusive faith communities. We are also sharing a bonus video because there is always more to learn about making sure everyone has a place to belong.
Take a listen and share these resources with others!
1. Special Needs Ministry Leader Highlight: Rev. Sylvia Taylor
Rev. Sylvia Taylor has led the Special Needs Ministry at First Baptist Church of Glenarden for more than 17 years. In this interview, she shares practical wisdom for churches interested in starting or strengthening a special needs ministry. Topics include recruiting volunteers, gaining support from church leaders, and creating opportunities for inclusion throughout the church.
2. Special Needs Parenting Profile: James and Tasandra Washington
James and Tasandra Washington share their experiences as parents of a child with a disability and educators who understand the importance of inclusion and support. In this inspiring conversation, they offer valuable insights for families, churches, and others seeking to better understand and support families of children with disabilities.
3. How to Start a Disability Ministry
Where do you begin if your church wants to start a disability ministry? Sandra Peoples and Jillian Palmiotto share practical tips and strategies to help churches take the first steps toward creating a ministry that welcomes and supports people with disabilities and their families.
4. What Makes Church Challenging for You as an Autistic Person?
Pastor Lamar Hardwick, also known as the Autism Pastor, shared his personal experiences with the challenges autistic people may face in church. He also discussed accommodations that can make worship more accessible and welcoming. Although Pastor Lamar passed away in May, his wisdom and advocacy continue to impact the disability and faith communities.
5. How to Develop Curriculum for Your Disability Ministry
Ryan Wolfe from Ability Ministry shares practical guidance for developing Bible-based curriculum for people with disabilities of all ages. This conversation offers helpful ideas for churches looking to create meaningful learning opportunities and includes information about free resources that can support disability ministry.
6. Finding Balance and Support as a Caregiver
Family caregivers give so much to support their loved ones, but they need support, too. Ministers and caregivers Stephanie White and Henry Hayes share practical encouragement for balancing caregiving, advocacy, faith, and self-care. This webinar reminds caregivers that their own needs matter and that they do not have to walk this journey alone.
Bonus Video: Helping Autism Families Feel Welcome at Church
Everyone deserves to feel welcome at church. In this bonus video, we explore practical ways churches can create a more autism-friendly environment that promotes understanding, inclusion, and belonging for autistic individuals and their families.
Help Us Continue the Work
These conversations remind us why this work matters. Every person deserves to know that they are valued, welcomed, and able to fully participate in their faith community. As we begin our seventh year, we invite you to help us continue creating spaces where autistic individuals and their families can belong, worship, and thrive.
Our 6th Anniversary Fundraiser runs through September 21. Your support will help us continue programs such as Manna from Heaven, Cheerful Giving, and Space to Belong. Every gift makes a difference and helps us build more inclusive faith communities.
Unable to donate? You can still make a difference! Share this post and our social media posts with others who may benefit from these resources. Together, we can help create communities where autistic persons and their families thrive!