In 1987, the grade-two group in Children’s Ministry “just happened” to have three children with special needs. That same group was assigned a special teacher, Jodi Graff. Nobody knew that she “just happened” to have a background in special education. But as we know, there are no coincidences with God.

“They were the only ones with special needs in the whole Children’s Ministry program at the time,” recalled Jodi. “We began to see the need not only of supporting those children that God has entrusted to us, but of developing a ministry to their family and siblings.” Jodi became CSC’s first Special Needs Ministry Pastor.

“We began a yearly focus on special needs awareness. We spent a Sunday morning with each Sunday school class and taught them about the different types of disabilities and how important it was to include people with disabilities,” said Dorothy Cowling, who served CSC’s Sunday School Superintendent in the late 80s and early 90s. Dorothy’s daughter, Kate, has Cerebral Palsy, a cognitive disability, and is blind. Dorothy has found the acceptance at CSC “quite extraordinary.”

Over the next decade, with Jodi Graff at the helm in Children’s Ministry, a special curriculum took shape. CSC’s Special Needs Ministry officially launched in 1999 with Jodi Graff becoming CSC’s first Special Needs Pastor. Volunteers stepped forward. Parents received respite and help through conferences, programs and Christian support networks.

Our Special Needs Ministry supports those who could not otherwise flourish as well in the church environment. Some children need an aide or a special class; some adults need curriculum taught at that their level of understanding. In addition, the ministry supports parents and caregivers, who need a place where they could find help and hope — a place where they themselves are free to attend church.

“Being part of God’s plan to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities while supporting families was such a blessing to me,” said Jodi. “It is our deepest desire to see people with disabilities welcomed and part of the church body.”

When the ministry began in 1999, a Special Needs Task Force was also launched. Ray and Roberta Groff, who brought a background of expertise in special needs education, were invited to be a part of this task force. The couple had started a school in Alberta for people with special needs, and their adopted son, Tom, has Down syndrome.

“The task force was to brainstorm and figure out what should be the philosophy and journey of the church as it relates to special needs,” they said. Ray and Roberta shared how the ministry instills within each individual how God has placed them here for a purpose: “We don’t hide the fact that they have a disability…they know that there are things that come into our lives that we have no control over, for example, if they have Cerebral Palsy or are visually impaired or have Down syndrome. But, they realize that God has a purpose and a plan for them…we try to encourage them to use what they can to bring honour to the Lord.”

When CSC’s Central Campus was built and opened in 2004, Jodi ensured that the Special Needs Ministry room was built with purpose, and that the environment was as conducive as possible to individuals with special needs. “We made sure there was a ceiling with full spectrum lighting that mimics natural lighting (it helps so children don’t have seizures), non-irritant carpet, a bathroom with an adult change table built into it, natural light from outside, windows, reserved handicap parking stalls right outside the room…they did everything they could to make this room ideal. The thoughtfulness and support we had in that facility was incredible,” Jodi said.

Today, as one of the only churches in Canada to currently provide a Special Needs Ministry, our Central Campus overflows with God’s blessing on Sundays and all week long. “Our Special Needs Ministry is experiencing unprecedented demand,” said Special Needs Pastor Corinne Thomas, pointing out that Sunday services have CSC’s Special Needs room and prayer chapel bursting to capacity with people and their caregivers. It’s a challenge that has not slowed this ministry down, noted Pastor Corinne.

“I believe that people with disabilities and their families are one of the greatest unreached mission fields,” she said, adding that 1,000 people are impacted by this ministry each year. With each person with special needs requiring anywhere from one to two caregivers, extended communities of families and caregivers are being exposed to biblical teachings. “By coming alongside these people and their families on their challenging journey, we’re able to build lifelong relationships with them, as well as help them grow in their relationship with God,” said Pastor Corrinne.

“It can be a very challenging journey for families. The generosity within this church has allowed for the finances to build the Special Needs Ministry, and it has made an enormous difference to families like ours. Our daughter has Cerebral Palsy, cognitive impairment and is blind…yet she is living life to the fullest. She goes to Bible studies, serves on missions trips and plays in the hand bell choir. This is truly God’s ministry,” said Dorothy and John Cowling.

All week long, Central Campus hums with activity as people with special needs and their families find community, friendship, support, volunteer opportunities, as well as a place where they can belong and grow in their relationships with Jesus.

“Thirty-years ago, when I first started volunteering with CSC’s Children’s Ministry, I would’ve never imagined the amazing journey that God had in store for the church, for me and for people with special needs. Today, I’ve worked with many churches to help establish special needs ministries. I’ve learned that without the support of senior leaders, the ministry will go nowhere. CSC has flourished because it loves the vulnerable and provides significant spiritual and financial support for the programs that draw them deeper into a life of belonging and meaning in Christ,” said Jodi Graff.

BUILD more room for people with special needs

We are the hands and feet of Jesus for people who need extra support. As one of the only churches in Canada that provides a full-time Special Needs Ministry, we continue to grow.

Our Special Needs Ministry never stops. Programs are provided all week long to serve 250 families with special needs. Each month, a powerful outpouring service — designed and led by people with special needs — draws in parents and families of people with special needs, even if they don’t yet know Christ.

The journey we embark on with people with special needs is often a life-long partnership in which they receive meaningful opportunities to contribute, to find meaning, to grow in faith and to serve the community.

Our Special Needs Ministry has outgrown their space. We need a larger, purpose-built space that is designed to accommodate and engage people with special needs in meaningful learning experiences. Currently, our prayer chapel is being used as an interim space solution, and is filled to overflowing (40-50 individuals, many in wheelchairs).

Through a Central Campus expansion, we will be able to provide purposeful space to accommodate the incredible growth of our Special Needs Ministry, and continue to reach more individuals and families for Christ, so that they may find a place to belong and grow in their relationships with Him.

(With files from Elsa Henderson’s Stones of Remembrance)