Families bring invaluable knowledge and experience to special needs ministry, but partnership doesn’t mean asking families to run the ministry. In this issue, Julie explores practical ways churches can listen to families, communicate consistently, encourage greater independence, and work together to create a ministry where every individual can belong, participate, grow, and serve.

Creating a more welcoming church doesn’t always require a new program, a large budget, or a team of experts. In this issue, Julie shares five simple changes churches can make to help individuals with disabilities and their families participate more meaningfully—from making it easier for families to communicate their needs to giving volunteers practical tools for creating greater independence and inclusion.

Many churches feel God stirring their hearts toward becoming more welcoming to individuals with disabilities and their families, but may not know where to begin. In this issue, Julie explores how every ministry can take one small, faithful step toward greater welcome and inclusion, with practical ideas for listening, removing barriers, and strengthening special needs ministry.