We want to value and display the supremacy of God in disability and suffering.

Our mission is to include people with disabilities in the life and work of the church while building supportive relationships of love—to reach out and help families and individuals find the best fit for both growing in their faith and for exercising their spiritual gifts.

Learn more about our vision for disability ministry.

Our Coordinator for Disability Ministry oversees this ministry for all our campuses. For more information about any aspect of our Disability Ministry/Special Needs, contact Brenda Fischer (612-746-2650 x675).

Our Disability Ministry Offers ...

• Nursery Care: One-on-one aides for children with disabilities*
• Sunday School Inclusion: One-on-one aides for students with disabilities*
• His Works: a Sunday morning gathering for adults with cognitive disabilities (meets 9:00-10:30am at the North Campus in room C400 beginning September 25, 2011)
• Individual Guidance: Personal direction and counsel for assimilation into Bethlehem
• Hope Keepers: This ministry  for women caring for a family member with disabilities has quarterly gatherings for Biblical encouragement and fellowship.
• Disability Section in the Bethlehem Church Libraries: Helpful and encouraging books on the topic of Disability

*If your child needs a one-on-one aide in Nursery or Sunday School, it is helpful if you let us know you will be coming. Please fill out a Family Registration Form and a Student/Child Information Form. These forms are required for placement with an Aide. We ask that you plan to come to class with your child until an Aide has been placed.

Ways to Connect

• Small Groups: Receive spiritual encouragement, fellowship, and practical blessings. Contact Amy Katterson (612-746-2650 x651).
• Special Events Notification: Contact Brenda Fischer (612-746-2650 x675) if you would like to receive notice of gatherings and special events as well as ministry updates and information.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Nursery Aide: Serve as a one-on-one aide with a child in the nursery.*
• Sunday School Aide: Serve as a one-on-one aide in a Sunday School class helping a student to build friendships and know Jesus.* (special children waiting for a one-on-one aide in Sunday School)
• Volunteer in Various Roles: Help with events, correspondence, and other ministry activities. If you are interested in volunteering, learn about how you can get involved.

*Training and support are provided for Aide positions.

Helpful Resources

• Disability blog: The Works of God is written by John Knight. It includes Bible-saturated discussion and commentary on the topic of disbility.

• Blog posts for families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Days of Wonder and Grace This encouraging blog is written by a Bethlehem mom. She writes insightfully, with a heart for Biblical truth, about parenting her daughter with FASD.

See the Care/Special Needs ministry topic index in our Resources area.