Faith-Based Ministry Resources

SOAR Special Needs is committed to equipping churches and faith communities with the resources they need to create inclusive, welcoming ministries. Whether you're launching a new disability ministry, seeking curriculum for all ability levels, or looking for training materials for your volunteer team, we've curated comprehensive resource lists to help you serve individuals with disabilities and their families with excellence and compassion.

Navigate to:

→ Free Training Resources
→ Ministry Leadership Books
→ Children's Curriculum
→ Teen/Adult Curriculum
→ Video Resources

Free Training Resources

The Irresistible Church Series by Joni & Friends

12 FREE Downloadable Training Modules (Also available in Spanish!)

This comprehensive training series equips church leaders and volunteers to build effective disability ministries. Each module includes video teaching, discussion guides, and practical implementation tools.

Access All Modules

Module 1: Start with Hello
Introducing Your Church to Special Needs Ministry

Module 2: We've Got This
Providing Respite for Families Affected by Disability

Module 3: Engaging Game Changers
Recruiting and Coaching Volunteers

Module 4: Call Me Friend
Building Compelling Relationships Through One-On-One Ministry

Module 5: Pathways to Belonging
Creating Inclusive Ministry Environments

Module 6: Shout for Joy
Engaging the Whole Church for Accessible Worship

Module 7: Are You Ready?
A Personal Guide for the Reluctant Leader

Module 8: Doing Life Together
Building Community for Families Affected by Disability

Module 9: Responding to Compassion
Navigating Challenging Behaviors

Module 10: Go Make Disciples
Embracing People Through Mentoring Relationships

Module 11: Helping with Life Transitions
Engaging Young Adults with Disabilities

Module 12: Beyond Our Church Walls
Bridging the Gap to Those Affected by Disability

❊ Reading

Special Needs Ministry Books

Getting Started in Disability Ministry

• Every Child Welcome: A Ministry Handbook for Including Kids with Special Needs by Katie Wetherbee and Jolene Philo

• Leading A Special Needs Ministry: A Practical Guide by Amy Fenton Lee

• Including People with Disabilities in Faith Communities by Erik W. Carter

• Inclusion Handbook: Everybody Belongs, Everybody Serves edited by Terry A DeYoung and Mark Stephenson

Autism-Specific Ministry Resources

• Autism and Your Church: Nurturing the Spiritual Growth of People with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Barbara Newman

• Autism and Alleluias by Kathleen Deyer Bolduc

Theological Foundation & Disability Justice

• Disability & the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace by Michael S. Beates

• Fearfully and Wonderfully by Paul Brand and Philip Yancey

• Jesus and Disability: A Guide to Creating an Inclusive Church by Chris Hulshof

• My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church by Amy Kenny

• Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion by Lamar Hardwick

• How Ableism Fuels Racism: Dismantling the Hierarchy of Bodies in the Church by Lamar Hardwick

Practical Ministry Implementation

• Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship by Barbara Newman

• Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities (revised) by Barbara Newman

• Mental Health & the Church by Dr. Stephen Grcevich

• Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability by Stephanie Hubach

Supporting Siblings & Families

• Sibshops: Workshops for Siblings of Children with Special Needs by Don Meyer and Patricia Vadasy

• Body Building: Devotions to Celebrate Inclusive Community by Barbara Newman

Additional Resources

• Special Needs Smart Pages By Joni & Friends

❊ Youth

Children’s Curriculum

  • Best For: Elementary-age students, small groups, Sunday School

    Available Series:

    • God Has a Plan for Me

    • Generosity

    • God is Real

    • VBS Curriculum: The Greatest Party Ever

    Format: Digital download with PowerPoint lessons

    Features:

    • Bible memory verses taught in sign language

    • Discussion questions included

    • Designed for small group or Sunday School settings

    • Age-appropriate content and graphics

    Website: http://www.abilityministry.com/curriculum/

  • Best For: Children - Adults

    Format: Digital format

    This is an adapted Bible curriculum specifically designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities, created by a former special education teacher with a degree in Biblical Studies. The curriculum incorporates research-based special education practices and offers four differentiated levels of adapted Bible story books, making it suitable for students across various cognitive levels from preschoolers through adults. It has high-quality materials that are simple and practical to use with bright and colorful visuals. The comprehensive digital format includes weekly lesson plans, sensory-based activities, and take-home materials, offering flexible implementation for both churches and families.

  • Best For: All ages, 3rd-4th grade reading level

    Time With God Devotional Series:

    • Holidays and Celebration

    • Living with Jesus

    • Learning with Jesus

    • People and Stories from the Bible Vol 1

    • People and Stories from the Bible Vol 2

    Building on the Rock Curriculum:

    • Confirmation

    • Baptism

    • Communion

    • Commandments

    • The Lord's Prayer

    Format: Workbooks and leader guides

    Website: https://bethesdalc.org/what-we-do/faith-resources/

  • Best For: Children with cognitive and language disorders

    Created By: Christie Priem (speech pathologist)

    Four Core Units:

    1. Who is God?

    2. Who is Jesus?

    3. Living Life with Jesus

    4. The Holy Spirit Changes Me

    Format: Highly visual, 4-week lessons

    Special Features:

    • Created with Mayer-Johnson Boardmaker icons

    • Concept-based learning

    • Written from child's perspective

    • Designed for verbal learners

    Website: http://www.chirpcc.com/

  • Best For: 1st-8th grade, also available in Spanish

    Publisher: Loyola Press

    Three Learning Levels:

    1. Regular Edition - Neurotypical learners

    2. Adapted Edition - Hands-on activities for special needs learners

    3. Modified Edition - Designed for learning disabled students

    Format: Student books and catechist guides

    Website: https://www.loyolapress.com/faith-formation/finding-god/finding-god-2013

  • Best For: Ages 1-12

    Publisher: Standard Publishing

    Special Features:

    • Special Needs "friendly" symbols mark adapted activities in every lesson

    • Integrated approach - not separate curriculum

    • Activities modified for sensory and learning differences

    Website: http://www.heartshaper.com/

  • Best For: 1st-6th grade

    Special Features:

    • Sensory-based activities

    • Built-in modifications already included

    • Coordinates with LifeWay's Bible Teaching for Kids curriculum

    • No need to adapt - modifications already done

    Format: Quarterly subscription

    Website:‍ https://www.lifeway.com/en/shop/bible-studies-for-life/kids/special-buddies

❊ Teens & Older

Teen & Adult Curriculum

  • Best For: Teens and adults

    Available Series: • Emotions • Friendship • God & Me • P.A.L.S (Pray, Act, Learn, Serve) • Prayer • Seasonal (Christmas and Easter)

    Also Available: • Sermon: Jesus the Author of Disability

    Format: Digital download with PowerPoint lessons

    Features: • Bible memory verses in sign language • NOT childish or animated - appropriate for teens/adults • Discussion questions included • Professional presentation

    Website: http://www.abilityministry.com/curriculum/

  • Best For: Adults (6th grade and up)

    Study Plan: 5-year curriculum (quarterly purchases)

    Focus: Applying biblical truths to everyday life

    Materials: Leader guides and learner guides

    Special Features: • Practical application emphasis • Age-appropriate content • Designed specifically for adults with disabilities

    Website: https://www.lifeway.com/en/searchpage.html?searchTerms=access

  • Best For: All ages, including adults

    Content: Same series as children's curriculum (see above)

    Reading Level: 3rd-4th grade

    Graphics: Adult-friendly design

    Why It Works for Adults: Simple language, mature presentation, accessible concepts

    Website: https://bethesdalc.org/what-we-do/faith-resources/

  • Best For: Adults seeking deeper Bible study

    Created By: Linda Smith

    Available Volumes: • Volume 1: Based on Matthew (52 lessons) • Volume 2: Based on Mark, Luke, and John (52 lessons)

    Format: USB drive with lessons, visuals, and handouts (videos sold separately)

    Website: https://www.beyondlimitscurriculum.com/

  • Best For: Adults seeking theological depth

    Created By: Jeff McNair

    Available Volumes: • Volume 1: Psalms • Volume 2: Romans

    Level: Deeper theological content

    Purchase:
     • Volume 1 • Volume 2

  • Best For: Adults (6th grade and up)

    Created By: A parent

    Format: Interactive and hands-on curriculum

    Available: 5 lessons published (56 total lessons planned)

    Special Features: • Highly interactive • Parent-created perspective • Hands-on learning activities

    Website: https://www.seejesus.net/store

  • Best For: Mixed groups - perfect for inclusion!

    Format: Online lessons

    Available: 5 units (34 lessons)

    Unique Feature: Two parallel tracks

    1. Track for neurotypical individuals

    2. Track for individuals with disabilities

    3. Both tracks study the same content together

    Why It's Special: Enables true inclusion in Bible study

    Website: https://togethersmallgroups.org/

❊ Watch

Video Training Resources

Inclusion Tool Box: 52 Practical Ideas to Include Individuals with Disabilities
 Presented by Barbara Newman
Produced by All Belong

Making Room: Cultivating Communities of Inclusion G.L.U.E. Training DVD
 Presented by Barbara Newman
Produced by All Belong
Includes DVD and comprehensive manual

Surviving to Thriving: Successfully Including the Child with Special Needs
 By Amy Fenton Lee
Published by Orange, 2012

Getting Started with Disability Ministry

Recommended First Steps:

Step 1: Start with Free Training
 Begin with Joni & Friends' "Start with Hello" module

Step 2: Read a Practical Guide

  • "Every Child Welcome" by Katie Wetherbee & Jolene Philo (practical handbook)

  • "Leading A Special Needs Ministry" by Amy Fenton Lee (step-by-step guide)

Step 3: Choose Age-Appropriate Curriculum

  • Children: Start with Heartshaper or Lifeway Special Buddies (easiest to implement)

  • Teens/Adults: Start with Ability Ministry or Access: Lifeway

Step 4: Build Your Library
 Add theological foundation books:

  • "Disability & the Gospel" by Michael S. Beates

  • "Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship" by Barbara Newman

❊ Further Support

Need More Support?

SOAR Can Help

SOAR Special Needs offers consulting, training, and support for churches launching or expanding disability ministries.

Services Include:

  • Church consultations

  • Volunteer training workshops

  • Ministry planning and implementation support

  • Connection to SOAR Disability Ministry Network

  • Sensory Room Design

  • Church Assessibility Audit

Contact info@SOARspecialneeds.org or call 816.782.SOAR (7627).