Do not hinder them: educating children with mental disabilities in the church

Abstract

Developmental disabilities in children can be challenging to the family who desires a spiritual home for their family. Parents may hesitate to bring a special needs child to a church service, uncertain of the outcome. While public schools have amazing support for the differently abled, the Church very rarely has assistance in place for the families of handicapped individuals, let alone theology for the parents of mentally disabled children. This paper will examine possible ways for a local church leader or volunteer to educate children with mental disabilities, drawing on a variety of texts for support. The paper will conclude by offering resources for the teachers of special needs children in church education.

Keywords:

• disability
• theology
• education
• spiritual formation
• inclusion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. Thanks to the anonymous reviewer for bringing this point to my attention.