During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated a remarkable love, care and attention for those who were disabled or had special needs (Matt. 15:30-31, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 14:15-24).

Numerous Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state are showing His love, care and attention toward those facing disabilities or special needs through dedicated ministries.

Several of those churches include: Coweta, Community Church; Oklahoma City, Quail Springs; Sand Springs, Church That Matters; and Moore, First.

Coweta Church Helps Individuals with Special Needs Find ‘Connections’

As a thriving church plant committed to reaching people for Jesus, Coweta, Community has established a special needs ministry called “Connections.”

Pastor Adam Mask and his wife Grace have a special needs son. This has given their family an even greater “desire to connect special needs individuals and their families to Jesus,” Mask said.

“We want to connect them with other families and individuals with special needs, and to connect the church as a whole with those families as well. The ministry is designed to include, allowing those in it to be as involved and integrated into the life of the church as possible.”

The church focuses on simple ways to help, such as a welcoming atmosphere and also offering buddies, who are trained, one-on-one helpers to connect with and attend to the needs of the individual.

One church member helping serve and lead the “Connections” ministry is Samuel.

“I have been serving in the Connections ministry for one year now,” Samuel said. “What specifically motivates me to serve in the special needs ministry is the heart I have always had for special needs individuals, going back to when I was a child. I love the unconditional love the people we serve give and are so willing to receive.”

He has formed a connection with one young man enrolled in the program named Sebastian, who has special needs and is non-verbal. “The first day we met we hit it off, and our day is made every Sunday when we see each other.”

Oklahoma City Church Sees Special Needs Individuals as God’s ‘Masterpiece’

Stephanie and Brad Johnson are members of Oklahoma City, Quail Springs. In 2012, the couple’s son Caleb was born with Down Syndrome and multiple medical complexities.

“My husband Brad and I quickly learned what it means to walk by faith—and to lean on the support of a loving church family,” Stephanie said.

“Our church surrounded us during diagnoses, surgeries and daily challenges, always ensuring Caleb was included in every aspect of children’s ministry. We were cared for. We were seen.”

Their family also began attending Camp Perfect Wings, a ministry of Oklahoma Baptists held at CrossTimbers that serves individuals with special needs.

“Through our time at camp, we discovered that many churches across Oklahoma are eager to launch or expand their own disability ministries—but often feel isolated or under-resourced,” said Stephanie.

In 2019, God began stirring in the couple’s hearts to help establish and build a ministry “not just for my own family, but for the many other families affected by disability,” Stephanie said.

Today, Quail Springs has a ministry called “Masterpiece,” through which Stephanie and Brad volunteer and serve. Masterpiece has made an impact through its buddy system, offering a sensory-friendly room near the worship center to use during services, among other forms of support.

Earlier this year, the church called a new pastor, Connor Bales. He and his wife Mary have five children. Two of their children have severe disabilities. Bales is eager to see Masterpiece continue to grow and thrive.

“This ministry is not on the edge of what we do as a church, to reach people for Jesus. It’s not a ministry on the side—it’s at the heart of who we are and what we do,” said Bales.

Bales encourages all churches to try to connect with their local schools in the special education program as a way to identify those who may need support—such as students, teachers, families and others in the community.

In September, Quail Springs hosted the EQUIP Disability Ministry Conference to equip churches of all sizes with practical tools and encouragement for disability ministry (to hear more, visit baptistmessenger.com/podcast).

Sand Springs Church Providing ‘Access’

On their church website, Sand Springs, Church That Matters says they are a church where “people can experience a life changing encounter with God through authentic community with real people.”

This community-minded church ministers to its people and beyond its walls, and its special needs ministry is one example of that.

“We are blessed to have a good team of people and some beautiful friends with special needs and their families that we get to minister to,” Pastor Rusty Gunn said.

Their special needs ministry is called “ACCESS,” which seeks to “identify and break down barriers that keep children with disabilities and their families from being able to fully participate in the community of the local church.”

The church offers a buddy system during small groups and worship time, with trained volunteers, so all individuals and families can participate.

Church That Matters also offers a “kids/respite program where kids with special needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts, therapy dogs, stories, music, activities and more! Meanwhile, their caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities for three hours one Friday evening
per quarter.”

The church believes “every child can know and serve Jesus.”

Moore, First ‘Shines’ Light of Jesus through Special Needs Ministry

One of the most longstanding special needs ministries can be found at Moore, First, where Tara Kerby serves as Special Needs Director.

“First Moore has been blessed to have a special needs ministry for many years. We have had a dedicated class for individuals with special needs and great volunteers in this area,” Kerby said. “Within the past three years, we have seen growing interest and participation. Through conferences and training, we also have learned effective techniques and how to create the best classroom design for those with special needs.”

Moore, First takes part in Camp Perfect Wings and this summer took 22 campers, their largest group ever. For two years the church has hosted the “Night to Shine,” a special prom night experience for people with special needs, ages 14 and older, that centers on God’s love.

The event, which happens in locations around the country and is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, includes fun experiences for the participants, including a red-carpet entrance with a crowd and photography, a hair and makeup station, limousine rides and a catered dinner.

“It’s a blessing to us at First Moore to be part of special needs ministry. We want to pour into all people and not exclude anyone,” she added.

Other Oklahoma Baptist churches with active special needs ministries include Bethany, Council Road; Edmond, Henderson Hills, El Reno, First and others.

It is evident that Jesus is blessing these churches and the people who they are reaching.

Oklahoma Baptists Childhood Ministry Partner Sarah Hagar, who helps facilitate Camp Perfect Wings, said, “I am excited to see so many churches across our state take steps—not only to make their churches welcoming places for all kids and families—but also provide needed supports and accommodations so that church is a positive experience for everyone. This is how we can share the love of God to these families in tangible ways.”

With Oklahoma Baptist churches across the state leaning into special needs and disability ministry, the Lord has opened a wide door for the Gospel.

For information about special needs ministry contact Oklahoma Baptists’ Sarah Hagar at shagar@oklahomabaptists.org.