ARISE Special Needs Ministry Conference
The Arise Special Needs Ministry Conference exists to equip church leaders and volunteers to build, strengthen, and grow thriving special needs ministries within their local churches. This conference will bring together pastors, ministry leaders, volunteers, and advocates who are passionate about ensuring individuals and families impacted by disability are fully included in the life of the church.
Cost: $20 per person
Lunch is included and will be provided by Chick-fil-a of Merritt Island.
The first 50 people to register will get a free copy of “Disability & the Gospel” by Michael Beates.
Schedule
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:15-9:00a | Check-in/Registration |
| 9:00-9:15a | Welcome & Worship |
| 9:15-9:45a | Theology of Disability Ministry Speaker |
| 10:00-10:50a | Breakout Session 1 |
| 11:00-11:50a | Breakout Session 2 |
| 12:00-12:50p | Lunch |
| 1:00-1:50p | Breakout Session 3 |
| 2:00-2:30p | Disability Etiquette Panel |
| 2:30-3:00p | Worship & Closing Remarks |
SESSIONS
Breakout Session 1
Special Needs Ministry 101: Building Your Plan
Speaker: TBD
Equips leaders and volunteers with the foundational tools to launch or strengthen a Special Needs Ministry. This class walks through key components of a successful plan—vision, volunteers, environments, and practical strategies—so you can build a ministry that is both compassionate and sustainable.
Sensory Interventions
Speaker: TBD
Learn how to recognize sensory needs and respond with practical strategies that help individuals stay calm, focused, and engaged during ministry activities. This session will introduce easy-to-implement tools and environmental adjustments that create a more inclusive and supportive worship experience.
Intervention Strategies for Behavior Challenges
Speaker: TBD
In this Hands on experience, you will learn to prevent unexpected behavior from becoming a challenge through the use of best teaching practices and evidence-based practices in your classroom.
Recruiting Volunteers
Speaker: TBD
Learn proven strategies to attract, equip, and retain passionate volunteers for your disability ministry. This session will focus on building a sustainable team culture that inspires commitment and reflects the heart of inclusive ministry.
Breakout Session 2
Risk Management
Speaker: TBD
Learn how to create a safe, welcoming environment by identifying potential risks and implementing practical policies for your disability ministry. This session will equip church leaders with tools for screening volunteers, managing emergencies, and building confidence in inclusive programming.
Sensory Interventions
Speaker: TBD
Learn how to recognize sensory needs and respond with practical strategies that help individuals stay calm, focused, and engaged during ministry activities. This session will introduce easy-to-implement tools and environmental adjustments that create a more inclusive and supportive worship experience.
Intervention Strategies for Behavior Challenges
Speaker: TBD
In this Hands on experience, you will learn to prevent unexpected behavior from becoming a challenge through the use of best teaching practices and evidence-based practices in your classroom.
Training Volunteers
Speaker: TBD
Join us for practical guidance on preparing volunteers to serve with confidence, compassion, and consistency. This class covers effective training methods, clear expectations, and ongoing support strategies to ensure volunteers feel equipped to meet diverse needs and build meaningful relationships.
Breakout Session 3
Creating Community- Focused Special Events
Speaker: TBD
Explore how to design inclusive events that foster connection, belonging, and meaningful engagement for individuals with special needs and their families. Participants will learn practical strategies for planning, partnering, and hosting events that meet diverse needs while strengthening relationships within the church and the broader community.
Bible Study Curriculum
Speaker: TBD
Discover how to adapt curriculum that meets the diverse needs of those with disabilities. This session will highlight practical tips for modifying lessons, using multi-sensory approaches, and fostering meaningful participation for all.
Adult Ministry Planning
Speaker: TBD
Explore how to develop purposeful, relationship-centered ministry opportunities for adults with disabilities beyond childhood programs. This session will provide practical ideas for discipleship, community integration, and long-term spiritual growth.
Retaining and Developing Volunteers
Speaker: TBD
Ever felt overstretched or under supported? This workshop focuses on how to build a strong, supportive volunteer team that thrives. Become a leader of leaders by investing in equipped volunteers to increase their competencies and capabilities. This class offers practical tools for deepening vision, pouring into passionate leaders, and giving away responsibility to the people God has sent you.