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Sunday School for the handicapped

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by bapmom, Mar 28, 2007.

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  1. bapmom

    bapmom New Member

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    Im trying to gather some material on Sunday School classes for the mentally (NOT just physically) handicapped. Im really thinking along the lines of adults more than children, but either one. Id like to ask a few questions of those willing to answer - especially pastors, but anyone with insight is welcome!

    First, if your church does NOT have a class geared towards the mentally handicapped, can you tell me why (not for argument's sake, but for information)?
    Are there specific reasons you've decided not to have one, or is it just something you've not thought about yet.

    Secondly, if you would be willing to have a handicapped class, what are some things stopping you, or what are some things that you believe must be overcome before you can have one?
    What sort of things would you need help with in order to start one?

    For those who DO have a class for the handicapped, what are some ways (if any) that you think this class has benefitted the rest of your people?

    And where have you gotten most of your handicapped class members?


    Thank you in advance to any and all willing to help! If I can gather enough material Im thinking of writing a book on this subject. Just as an aside, do you think it would be alright for me(as a woman) to write a book like this?


    ps. I asked a moderator if it was ok for me to post a question in here, and he graciously has allowed it. I do not wish to argue or debate this in any way, I just wanted some pastorly insights. :)
     
    #1 bapmom, Mar 28, 2007
    Last edited: Mar 28, 2007
  2. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    We don't now.. If we needed to, or felt God leading us to, we would in a minute.

    Where I was a youth pastor last yr... (Wow, it has been a whole year!)

    Anyway, on Wednesday evenings we had TeamKid... a rotation based curriculum, where we divided the teams up.

    At one point we were reaching out to special education children, and one of our rotating teams were mainly special ed children... (I have 2 sons myself)

    The areas the teams went to were: Lesson, crafts, games, snacks...
    All the leaders had to do for the special ed children was to adapt their activities for them...

    It wasn't really that hard.
    And the church grew to love on them...

    There is one story I will tell later, but don't have the time right now...
    Check back tomorrow.

    Right now, our church is small enough to give the individual attention to everyone, so that it is not really a need at this point... but as we grow, this is in my sights!

    God bless you Bapmom... you have a true heart!
     
    #2 tinytim, Mar 28, 2007
  3. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    We don't have special classes simply because our church is small and we don't have any mentally handicapped members.

    At a church we used to attend, the parents of a mentally and physically handcapped young woman constantly brought her to the church nursery. It was a bad time for both frustrated nursery workers and the little ones who were frightened by her loud, strange noises and movements. (Not to mention dangerous for the babies) Finally, a dear lady who had some experience with the mentally handicapped began taking her to the church library and teaching her basic children's Bible stories. It was a blessing for everyone and it seemed to calm the girl down, knowing there was a true place for her to learn, too. There was no special teaching program, just Bible stories with pictures. Had she been able to read and write and/or talk, I'm sure appropriate worksheets would have been used.

    Bapmom, you might try researching Shepherds, a home for the adult mentally handicapped. They could probably steer you in the right direction.
     
    #3 abcgrad94, Mar 28, 2007
  4. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Here is the link: http://www.shepherdsministries.org/

    Salty
     
    #4 Salty, Mar 28, 2007
  5. ktn4eg

    ktn4eg New Member

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    Bapmom:

    A resource that you may find useful (especially if your church has an AWANA club program) is a spiral-bound book that the AWANA Clubs organization has available at its on-line store entitled T&T For Me: A Guide to Working with Special-Needs Children

    Check out:

    http://store.awana.org

    (Search on T&T -> books .... This book is probably the last [bottom most] item that appears on the page after you've done the T&T -> books search.)

    While it's primarily a book for AWANA Club leaders, you may find some useful information for the type of ministry you mentioned in your OP. The book sells for about $8-9.
     
    #5 ktn4eg, Mar 28, 2007
  6. bapmom

    bapmom New Member

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    These are all great responses! Thank you! Im actually well-acquainted with Shepherds. A lady from there taught my Special Ed. college classes back in "the day" at Maranatha. Great lady and that's a great place! I need to get over there to visit, soon.

    However, what Im getting at is some insight into the thought processes of pastors in this regard. Do you see a need to reach out to the community of mentally handicapped adults in your area?
     
    #6 bapmom, Mar 28, 2007
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