Special Needs Ministry Training Opportunities & More

Today’s post is a bit of a “catch-all” with news and notes that have come my way over the summer siesta.

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Beginning this fall, Dallas Baptist University is introducing a graduate level course, Ministry to Children with Special Needs, as part of DBU’s Disability Ministry offering.  This class will be utilizing the new book, Leading a Special Needs Ministry, as one of the primary texts.  Dr. Angela Linam developed the online course and will serve as faculty instructor this fall.  Dr. Linam has a PhD in Brain and Behavioral Sciences and an MS in Communication Disorders, both from the University of Texas at Dallas.  Dr. Linam also has a B.S. Ed in Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology from Baylor University (Sic ’em Bears!).

Dr. Linam began working with children with autism spectrum disorders in 1989 and has conducted research to identify interaction strategies that facilitate their ability to participate and communicate with others. She has worked as a Preschool Consultant in a variety of settings including public schools and private Christian schools, as a volunteer Preschool Minister, developing curriculum, and as an assessment specialist.

DBU also offers the option of an Advanced Certificate in Childhood Ministry Leadership for those not pursuing a Master’s degree.  Classes begin August 26th with late registration continuing until September 9th.

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On August 11th, Stacy Hodge will be leading a special needs ministry training event in the DFW area designed specifically to equip church volunteers.  Stacy taught two workshops on the special needs track at the recent Orange Conference and she is my first “go-to” source for all things related to teens and technology.  Stacy is the Church Relations Manger for the Dallas-Fort Worth office of Joni & Friends.  I’ve had a sneak peak at Stacey’s workshop outline and teaching notes and this training event is going to be fantastic.  This is a fast-paced, thorough training with practical pointers for the newbie or seasoned ministry volunteer.  The cost for this workshop is only $25 per church and includes a copy of the new LASNM book.  (Yes, you read the pricing correctly.  It’s a steal of a deal!)

Prior to coming onboard with Joni & Friends, Stacy served as the Minister to Special Needs at Hunters Glen Baptist Church (Plano, Texas).  While leading and growing her church’s special needs ministry, Stacy developed their ministry policies and procedures, wrote Bible study materials, and tailored church inclusion plans for individuals with special needs.  (Stacy is also a graduate of Baylor University.  Sic ’em Bears!)  For more information and workshop registration, see this flier:  J&F Dallas Area Volunteer Training Flyer August 2013

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Interview of Amy Fenton Lee at the Orange Conference 2013

This past April I was interviewed during the Orange Conference Live Stream.  Many blog and Facebook followers inquired about viewing a recording of that live interview.  Special thanks to Orange’s production team (ahem, Josh Lamm) who responded to the requests, wading through hours of OC13 footage to find and edit the interview.  In this video, Jared Herd and I talk about:

• Special Needs Statistics
• “Growing churches care about special needs”
• The special needs track and workshops at OC13
• Specific churches leading in special needs inclusion
• The new book, Leading a Special Needs Ministry

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Last but not least, I recently created a special needs ministry Pinterest Board.  The new board is listed under my name, Amy Fenton Lee,  and titled Special Needs Ministry-The Inclusive Church.  Come follow along!