Our Friendship Class has recently been blessed by a large group of new members from 19 local group homes. Our class normally meets on Sunday mornings before church. Many of our friends find it hard to sit through class and then worship time so they go home after class. We are now taking a break for the summer so we have invited everyone to come to the 10:30 worship time.
I would like to hear from churches who have adults with intellectual disabilities who attend your worship services. My concern is not potential disruptions in the service. Along with our friends, we are blessed to have a large number of staff attending as well. My concern is how do we make worship meaningful to them? What are some useful tips to help our pastor to preach his sermons in a way which will be understood by everyone? What about the rest of the service? What has worked in your church and what has not worked?
God has called all of us to worship and adore Him. This includes people with disabilities. Our challenge is to learn how to worship Him together.
Steve Nyenhuis