Abney Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church

Special Needs Ministries seek to inspire, equip, and mobilize those who are differently-abled to serve God and community as expressed in the mission statement of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Special Needs Ministries seeks to bring wholeness to all in a world that is broken. A sense of “wholeness” is not dependent on the elimination of one’s special need, but is a rediscovery of a person's completeness in God. This ministry has a unique opportunity of not only proclaiming, but also emphasizing the value and dignity of each person. The Church is not only known by what it says, but also by what it does. Therefore, this ministry exists to coordinate and promote acceptance, support, and inclusion of people who have special needs and those who care for them. This global ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church encompasses ministry for and with those with different abilities such as the Deaf, blind, orphans, and those with mental health and mobility challenges. It also seeks to provide support for caregivers of those with special needs. At the heart of this ministry is the conviction that all have something to contribute and by contributing they have entered the journey toward wholeness.

The mission of Special Needs Ministries is built around the concept that while all are broken in some way, nevertheless, “All are gifted, needed and treasured.” This clearly suggests that the principle of inclusion includes receiving and sharing the benefits of participating in God’s mission. Through various means, this ministry brings to the forefront the recognition of the value and inherent dignity in every person. This is addressed through three areas of emphasis.