Publication Date

Spring 5-4-2026

School

School of Education

Major

Education: Special Education

Keywords

Gospel understanding, profound cognitive disabilities, gospel presentation, disability ministry, special needs ministry

Disciplines

Accessibility | Disability Studies | Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

This study attempts to build a bridge over a gap in research regarding how to observe children with profound cognitive disabilities’ understanding of the gospel, also incorporating information about ministry structure, caregiver responsibility, and methods for presenting the gospel. This qualitative study was interview-based: four ministry leaders representing three disability ministries were interviewed, and then a focus group was conducted to discuss further. Field observations also took place at each ministry site. Key findings included importance of flexibility in ministry environments, shared spiritual responsibility of caregivers and ministry leaders, necessity of repetition and concrete examples in gospel presentation, emphasis on discerning nontraditional methods of communicating gospel understanding, and that every child is capable of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

Download

Share

COinS