When it comes to helping children with disabilities grow in their faith, the task at hand can feel daunting. It’s not something churches or parents must do alone- it’s a shared journey of discipleship. When ministry leaders and families link arms—when there’s trust, communication, and a real partnership—there’s such an opportunity for greater impact! As ministry leaders, we want to make sure special needs families are supported, seen, and spiritually ministered to in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus.

How can the church partner with parents in discipleship of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities?

honest Communication

Open, honest communication between parents and church leaders can make all the difference. When both sides are regularly sharing—about what’s going well, where there are challenges, and how an individual is growing—it creates a sense of teamwork. Everyone’s on the same page, working together to support that child’s walk with Jesus.

It’s so important for there to be trust between parents and church leaders for open and honest communication to happen. Parents must know that church leaders are not going to turn their child away from the ministry because of what they share and ministry leaders must be willing to share their struggles and ask for help when needed and celebrate and share how God is moving and working at church.

Mutual Support

Parents of children with special needs are used to advocating—for services, for understanding, for space where their child belongs. But church doesn’t have to be one more place where they have to fight to be heard. When church leaders take the first step—offering support before it’s asked for, creating a welcoming space for their child—it lifts a weight. It turns the church into a refuge, not another hurdle.

Extending Lessons Beyond Church

One of the most meaningful ways churches can support families is by sharing what’s being taught on Sundays. When parents know what their kids are learning, they can carry those truths into the week—repeating memory verses at bedtime, talking through Bible stories at the dinner table, or simply reminding their child of God’s love during hard moments.

That’s where tools like Awe & Wonder’s Adapted Bible Curriculum can be such a gift. The stories are adapted and include symbol-supported memory verses, making them more accessible and engaging for children with disabilities.

Another simple, helpful resource from our curriculum is My Day at Church the printable (seen below). Church subscribers to our curriculum receive these printables every month to build communication, trust, and to share with families. It’s designed to help bridge the communication gap between parents and ministry leaders—so parents don’t feel like they’re guessing how church went, and ministry leaders have a chance to share what worked, what clicked, and what could be even better next time. These are especially great for sharing with parents of non-speaking students.

Free Resource: "About Me" Worksheet

We know that no one understands a child better than their parents. That’s why we created a free “About Me” worksheet—a simple, thoughtful way for parents to share what really matters with church staff. From communication preferences to favorite activities to things that help their child feel safe, this tool helps build understanding from the start.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference in creating a more inclusive, supportive church experience for everyone.