SOAR Disability Ministry Network - Supporting Churches Nationwide
Connect, Learn & Grow Your Disability Ministry | Free Resources & Monthly Meetings
No church should navigate disability ministry alone. The SOAR Disability Ministry Network connects ministry leaders across the country to share best practices, solve challenges, and support one another in serving the special needs community.
800+ Churches Served | 26 Countries | Free Membership
The Challenge Churches Face
Did you know?
Only 11% of churches welcome families with disabilities
89% turn special needs families away
90% of special needs families don't attend any church
28.7% of the population has a disability diagnosis
This is the largest unmet people group in America.
Yet most churches don't know where to start. Training is limited, resources are scattered, and ministry leaders feel isolated in their efforts to serve families with disabilities.
The SOAR Disability Ministry Network changes that.
What Is the SOAR Disability Ministry Network?
The SOAR Disability Ministry Network is a FREE community where church leaders, ministry volunteers, and disability advocates connect monthly via Zoom to:
Share what's working (and what's not)
Learn from established ministries
Problem-solve specific challenges
Access resources and training
Build relationships with other ministry leaders
Stay encouraged and inspired
No matter the size of your program or your experience level, you'll find support, practical tools, and community in the Network.
Monthly Network Meetings
Meeting Schedule
4th Thursday of Every Month via Zoom
Odd Months (Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Nov): 6:30-8:30 PM CST
Even Months (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec): 12:30-2:30 PM CST
Format: Virtual discussion, Q&A, resource sharing, and peer support
Cost: FREE
❊ Itinerary
What Happens at Network Meetings?
Each monthly gathering includes:
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Welcome & Introductions
New members share about their ministry context and needs
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Topic Discussion
Relevant topics chosen based on member needs (volunteer recruitment, inclusive programming, adaptive worship, family support, etc.)
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Resource Sharing
Members share tools, curricula, training materials, and success stories
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Q&A & Problem-Solving
Bring your specific challenges and tap into collective wisdom
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Prayer & Encouragement
Support one another in the unique calling of disability ministry
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Networking
Connect with leaders facing similar challenges or in similar contexts
Join the Facebook Community
Between monthly Zoom meetings, stay connected through our SOAR Disability Ministry Network Facebook Page.
Use the Facebook group to:
Ask quick questions and get rapid responses
Share resources and ideas year-round
Celebrate victories and milestones
Request prayer for ministry challenges
Connect with hundreds of disability ministry leaders
Access archived resources and past discussions
Free Church Consultation with Doc Hunsley
Ready to start or strengthen your church's disability ministry? SOAR offers FREE initial one-hour consultations with founder Doc Hunsley.
During your consultation, we'll:
Learn about your church's dynamics and current situation
Identify specific challenges you're facing
Discuss your vision for disability ministry
Provide customized recommendations
Create an action plan for next steps
Connect you with relevant resources
Every church is different - we tailor our guidance to your unique context, size, denomination, and community.
❊ Introducing
Church Accessibility Audit
Is your church truly ready to welcome everyone through your doors?
A SOAR Church Accessibility Audit is a comprehensive, on-site evaluation designed to help your congregation move from good intentions to real inclusion. Doc walks your facility and reviews your ministries through the lens of Luke 14 — and through the eyes of a family living with disability.
The audit covers four key areas: physical accessibility (parking, entrances, restrooms, sensory spaces), programmatic inclusion (children's ministry, youth, worship, and adult programming), staff and volunteer readiness (training gaps, communication tools, emergency protocols), and community perception (signage, website language, and the unspoken welcome families feel before they ever sit down).
You'll receive a written report with prioritized, actionable recommendations — not a checklist that collects dust, but a roadmap your team can actually use. Whether you're a church of 80 or 8,000, every congregation has room to grow in this area. Let's find out where you are — and chart a path to where God is calling you to be.
ESSENTIAL AUDIT
Best for congregations under 200 - Onsite walkthrough, written report, prioritized recommendations
STANDARD AUDIT
Best for congregations 200-1000 - All above plus 60 min debrief/Q&A with key staff or leadership team
COMPREHENSIVE AUDIT
Best for congregations 1000+ - All above plus half-day staff/volunteer training session + 30 day follow up call
Ready to make your congregation welcoming for everyone?
Contact info@SOARspecialneeds.org or call 816.782.SOAR (7627).
Additional Church Support Services
Coaching Sessions with Doc Hunsley
1:1 Disability Ministry Coaching available for ongoing support beyond the initial consultation.
Topics Include:
Volunteer recruitment and retention
Sensory room development
Welcoming students and adults with disabilities
Creating respite programs
Launching disability summer camps
Student apprentice programs
And much more
Available: Hourly rates or packages to use throughout the year
Sensory Room Design & Coaching
Need help creating a sensory space for your church?
Doc can provide multiple design levels (budget to premium) for your team to consider. No matter your space size or budget, we'll help you maximize it for ministry effectiveness.
Training Programs for Your Church
Volunteer/Buddy Training:
Teaches disability awareness and appropriate service through real-life case scenarios. Recommended for all staff and volunteers in special needs, children's, student, hospitality, and security teams.
Available: In-person or virtual
Church Safety Training:
Two-day in-person training equipping leaders to address challenging behaviors, use de-escalation skills, and feel confident serving all individuals.
Recommended for: High-level leadership in special needs, children's, and student ministry, plus security teams.
Special rate available for SOAR Disability Ministry Network members!
❊ Get Involved
Partnership Opportunities
Host a SOAR R&R Respite Event
Partner with SOAR to host a monthly respite event at your church. We provide supplies, training, volunteers, medical team, and promotion - you provide the space and help recruit local families and volunteers.
Benefits:
Learn to host your own respite in the future
New families and volunteers visit your church
Training ground for Sunday disability ministry volunteers
Raise awareness in your congregation
Fulfill the Luke 14 biblical mandate
Host SOAR Summer Day Camp
Churches in the Kansas City metro can partner to host one week of our nation's largest disability day camp at your facility.
SOAR provides:
All programming, supplies, and curriculum
Volunteer recruitment and training
Medical and behavioral teams
Marketing to families
Your church provides:
Facility space for one week
Local volunteer recruitment support
Why Disability Ministry Matters
Biblical Mandate: Luke 14 gives churches a clear command twice to welcome individuals with disabilities. The church needs those with disabilities just as much as they need the church.
Transformative Impact: Doc Hunsley started one disability ministry with 3 individuals and 20 volunteers. After 8 years, it served over 800 families (3,600 people) with 2,500+ volunteers - roughly 5,000 people engaged!
It's not only a biblical command - it's rewarding and benefits your entire congregation through the blessing Jesus promises in Luke 14.
❊ Further Support
Connect with the Network Today
Whether you're just exploring disability ministry or leading an established program, the SOAR Disability Ministry Network provides the community, resources, and support you need.
Get Started:
Join the Facebook Group
Register for Next Monthly Meeting
Request Free Consultation
Explore Training Options
Questions? Contact info@SOARspecialneeds.org or call 816.782.SOAR (7627).