Everyone Belongs Disability Ministry
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 61 million people in the USA have a disability. Worldwide, the number soars to about 650 million people. Yet, many of these precious individuals are lost. Most churches do not make sharing the Gospel with individuals affected by disabilities a priority.
At the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCM/D), assisting churches in changing this paradigm is a priority. We were the first Southern Baptist State Convention to have a staffed and funded disability ministry and we are hopeful more SBC Conventions see the need to support disability ministries.
CONSULTING & COACHING
- Buddy and volunteer training
- Facility assessment
- Theology of disability
- Safety and security
- Behavior and classroom management
- Starting a sensory room
- Inclusive VBS
- Personalized consulting
SAFETY & SECURITY
It is our biblical responsibility to protect and care for those we serve. We do that by building an educated and informed community around children, youth, and those with disabilities that is fully equipped to prevent, spot and report abuse. We can provide crucial insights into safety and security and can guide you through creating robust abuse prevention systems, including volunteer screening, training resources, policies and procedures, and response plans. It is our desire that every church foster a safe environment where those with disabilities can belong and grow in their faith. Please visit our Pathways page to get started or contact Kris!
CAMP
Our Everyone Belongs Camp, an overnight weekend for teens and young adults impacted by disability, is one way we are reaching young individuals affected by disability with the gospel. Through this camp, we hope to invite all people with disabilities to the eternal banquet by fostering community and connections with the local church. Visit our Everyone Belongs Camp page to volunteer or sign up as a camper with a disability!
NIGHT TO SHINE
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with disabilities ages 14 and older. More than 700 churches around the world host this event each year on the Friday before Valentine’s Day. Every year, churches throughout Maryland/Delaware partner with The Tim Tebow Foundation to put on NTS. We’re committed to assisting others join in. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering at a local NTS or if your church would like to be a host location.
DISABILITY SUNDAY
Join churches throughout Maryland/Delaware in recognizing the second Sunday of July as disability Sunday. We are so excited to be linking arms with the Texas Baptist convention to provide encouragement to and for individuals with disabilities and their families and bring awareness to the need for disability ministry in our churches. For free resources and information on how your church can honor disability Sunday visit our Disability Sunday page.
RESOURCES
Equipping The Church: Supporting Parent of Children with Disabilities
Equipping The Church: Supporting Church Leaders to Include Students with Disabilities
Lifeway Special Needs Ministry Resources
As He was passing by, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples questioned Him: “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. ~ John 9:1-3 (HCSB)
We believe that becoming a church that is effective ministering to individuals and families affected by disabilities begins with a knowledge of what scripture says and obedience to God’s commands.
We believe all people are created in the image of God.
We believe the church itself is disabled when individuals affected by disabilities are not included.
