Whether you’re looking for more information on starting a disability ministry, have been running one for a few years, or are a pastor looking at how your church can be more inclusive, disability ministry conferences are wonderful resources.
There are generally keynote speakers and breakout sessions at these events. Depending on the size of the event, there may also be other ministries from surrounding counties, states, and even the country, sharing how their organization can help churches with disability ministry. Not only is this a great place to gather information, but it is also a wonderful place to network. There may be ministries in your area that you didn’t even know about. Perhaps they are doing or trying to do something similar to what you’re doing at your church. This could be the perfect opportunity to collaborate and possibly join forces.
Now that I’ve convinced you that these events are worthwhile to attend, let me highlight a few annual events that go on that you may be interested in looking into:
SOAR Special Needs Wonderfully Made Conference
This conference is located in Lenexa, KS. It is a 3-day conference that takes place in the fall. SOAR Special Needs is an organization that provides respite and other activities geared towards serving families affected by disability. Not only do they do this locally, but they help equip churches around the country to do the same. Their conference is split up into situation-specific days. One day is talking about families affected by disability, another day is for ministry leaders, and the last day includes a dinner with the speakers. There are many opportunities for breakout sessions and networking at this event. This is not one to miss!
To find out more about this conference, visit:
http://www.wonderfullymadekc.org
All Access Disability Ministry Conference
This conference is located in Houston, TX. It is a 1-day conference, with the Friday night before the conference being a banquet/respite night for families affected by disability. What a great way to serve those affected by disability, and then offer an opportunity for learning the following day!
They have hosted well-known speakers and authors in the disability ministry community such as Doc Hunsley and Sandra Peoples, and have many breakout sessions which include topics like “Discipling Teens and Adults with Intellectual Disabilities” and “Building a Theology of Disability”. This seems to be a well-put-together conference that packs a wealth of information into just one day.
To explore more of what this conference has to offer, visit:
Community for ALL Virtual Conference
This conference is a wonderful opportunity for anyone, because not only is it virtual, it is free! It is hosted by the Faith Inclusion Network, but has partner church denominations that help host it, such as the Christian Reformed Church in America. They have quite the lineup of speakers, many who are published authors and well-experienced in the field of disability ministry. There are some live opportunities to interact on Zoom calls, as well as pre-recorded sessions that are available for a pre-set amount of time from the start of the conference.
This is unique in that it is in reach for everyone! You don’t have to worry about travel arrangements or figuring out the financial side of flying across the country for a conference. You can enjoy this one from the comfort of your own home or office.
Faith Inclusion Network also has other virtual events that they host throughout the year and cover topics such as “Autism and Faith” and “The Stress on Caregivers”. This is a great resource to have in your pocket.
If you’d like to find out more information about this event and the other events that are hosted by the Faith Inclusion Network, visit:
https://faithinclusionnetwork.org/past-events/
Disability Ministry Conference
If you’re located in California, this could be the event for you! This is an annual event that has been going on for ten years now. It is a 1-day conference, and they have held them in both Northern and Southern California. Their morning consists of many well-known speakers in disability ministry, as well as helpful breakout sessions.
The really cool thing about this conference and getting involved in it is that they have ongoing Regional Networks in California. That means that once you’ve left the conference and have thought of a million more questions or ideas, there are people in your area to collaborate with! This is an amazing opportunity to continue the valuable conversations that were started at the conference, and build relationships among other people wanting to start a ministry, running a ministry, or a family who is affected by disability. This is such a unique opportunity!
If you’d like to look into this more, here is the info:
https://www.disabilityministryconference.com/
Joni and Friends Events
While there are some bigger and more well-known conferences that take place which I have listed above, there are also many churches that will have meet-ups and small conferences. Those are great opportunities to meet and talk with people locally. If the church is in contact with their local Joni and Friends offices, they will often be listed on Joni and Friends’ website. Occasionally, you will find a bigger conference listed on there as well if Joni and Friends has a big part in hosting or putting it on.
Here is the link for more information on those events:
https://www.joniandfriends.org/calendar/category/community-events-trainings/
Lastly, if you’re looking for lasting communication with people around the world who are passionate about disability ministry, Joni and Friends has a resource called Global Access, which hosts virtual live events throughout the year to continue learning and connecting. If you’re wanting to learn more about this resource, you can find that information here:
https://www.joniandfriends.org/globalaccess/
As you can see, there are some wonderful events that are put on each year to encourage learning and starting new ministries for those affected by disability. I hope this list has encouraged you that you are not alone in your quest to learn more, network, and bring the hope of Jesus to more families affected by disability.