Children’s ministry leaders are enriched and empowered when they meet up with other children’s ministry leaders from other churches. There are conferences for them to attend throughout the country.
Youth ministry leaders often bounce ideas off of and support other youth ministry leaders through local meet ups and zoom conversations and through conferences.
Adult ministry leaders have better thriving ministries when they get together with adult ministry leaders from other churches to share ideas and attend conferences.
The same is true of leaders in disability ministry. We all need opportunities to collaborate, get heads together, plan, and vision cast.
When was the last time you spent time with another disability ministry leader outside your local church?
- Do you sometimes feel a little dry about what to try next?
- Do you feel a bit overwhelmed with all that is on your plate?
- Are you at a loss to know what to do with certain behaviors of those with disabilities that you serve?
- Do you wish you had more ideas on how to utilize the space and the volunteers you have available?
- Wouldn’t you love to chat with other disability leaders on best practices in communicating to leadership?
- Are you a little perplexed as to how best to achieve good relationships with parents?
These sentiments are common to all disability leaders.
Maybe you are just getting started with a desire or a commission to serve these individuals and their families or maybe you have been doing this ministry for some time..
We encourage all disability ministry leaders to not do ministry alone. Get with others who are working to serve individuals and families affected by disability in their churches or other faith-based ministries. You may be surprised to know that you have information and ideas that they need. Other leaders have figured out things that will be helpful to you.
It is okay to admit that we need each other. And, frankly, it is fun and invigorating to get with others who are a part of or want to be a part of this disability and mental health movement among God’s people.
Here’s how:
Here are some resources to get you started in finding your community of support.
Champions4Parents.com – Okay. This is us. If you are looking to build a community of other disability leaders in your local area or nationally, we can share resources and brainstorm with you to help you put things into place. Just email us at champions4parents@gmail.com and let’s get the conversation started through email, a phone call, or through a Zoom meeting. We also have an online community by way of a private Facebook group called Champions4Parents Community.
Key Ministry – keyministry.org – We are huge fans of Key Ministry. In fact, this is the place where we, ourselves, most regularly “gas up” and get reenergized to go out and serve. They have so very much to offer disability ministry leaders:
- twice a month roundtables on Zoom with many other leaders,
- amazing website with blogs, podcast links,
- free consultations,
- And…they are hosts, along with the Tim Tebow Foundation, of the largest disability conference in the country. This year’s conference is called Disability and the Church. It is in Cleveland, Ohio at the end of April 2023. Amy will be doing a Quick Take talk (think TED talk style) from the main stage (which will be livestreamed and recorded). All three of us (Tom, Amy, and Julie) will be presenting a breakout session and will support folks at our ministry table throughout the conference. You can find out more information here: https://www.keyministry.org/datc2023
Wonderful Works – https://www.wonderfulworks.net/ Barbara Stanley and the folks over at Wonderful Works are awesome. The resources they have for disability leaders are fun, informative, and inspiring. They also have an online community by way of a private Facebook group. Check them out. You will enjoy it.
You already bring a lot to the table of disability ministry. When you get together with the right combination of people – other disability leaders – you will get encouraged, inspired, and refreshed. Don’t delay. Get supported. We are all out here waiting to walk alongside YOU! Start building your community today!
Much love,
Tom and Julie Meekins
CONNECT WITH US:
We invite you to connect with Tom, Julie, and Amy through:
Email: champions4parents@gmail.com
Phone: 410-746-9010 (Voice or Text)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Champions4Parents
Don’t forget our website: www.Champions4Parents.com
And check out Amy’s book at www.HeartReCHARGE.com
