Special Needs Ministry
Connecting Families with Special Needs to the Church
Church is for everyone!! We offer services in Special Needs Ministry for kids, students, and adults.
We provide an environment that is safe, fun, loving, and conducive to their specific learning ability to teach about Jesus. One way we do this is by keeping our student-to teacher ratio low.
If you are planning a first-time visit, please fill out the visitor form below.
The Special Needs Director will call within 2 business days (if it is after 3:00pm on Thursday, you will get a call back on Monday). This helps us insure the best accommodations for your student.
If you visit on a Sunday without talking to the Special Needs Director first, we may not be able to accommodate your students that day, due to space and teacher ratios.
If you have any questions, please email Katina Yeargain, Special Needs Director.
Thank you for trusting us to provide a safe, fun, loving environment for your special needs student to learn about Jesus. I look forward to meeting you!
Our Intake Process
After visiting, we will email you an intake form. This form will help us gather information to understand your child's needs better and serve them in the best way possible. For questions or more information, please do not hesitate to contact our Special Needs Director, Katina Yeargain.
Special Needs Ministry Eligibility
To provide the best environment for each individual to grow in their faith while attending our special Friends VBS here at Grace Fellowship Special Needs it is our policy that:
- Every participant must not be aggressive* to themselves or others.
- Must not pose a threat to themselves or others.
- Must not have such severe medical needs requiring specialized care. Including one on one care.
With this in mind, a case-by-case decision will be made based on a participant’s medical, emotional, and behavioral needs.
*The Special Needs Ministry defines aggressive behavior as behavior that is forceful, hostile verbally/physically.
If you would like to tour our ministry before attending, please contact Special Needs Director, Katina Yeargain at (903) 530-1619 to set up a time.
Opportunities for Involvement
Each of our participants are involved in worship and Bible lesson time in a most appropriate way to learn about God's love for them during our 9AM and 11AM services.
Sunday Mornings- Preschool/Elementary
Preschool/Elementary meets in the Special Needs Ministry area, located in the Children's Building. Our volunteers assist with worship, Bible study, and much more with our special needs children.
Sunday Mornings- Junior High & High School
On Sunday mornings, we meet in the Student Ministry Building downstairs in rooms 101 and 105. Volunteers accompany special needs youth to the Junior High Sunday morning service for worship, teaching, and fellowship. We also have a special time of Bible study, games, friendship, and more with our special needs youth in our classrooms.
Sunday Mornings- Adults
Special Needs Adults meet at 9am and 11am in the Adult Special Needs Room located in the Kids Building. This class is for individuals who have completed high school. Our volunteers assist with worship, Bible study, and much more with our special needs adults.
Special Events
- Vacation Bible School
- Family Events
- Respite Nights
- Summer Camp
Summer 2026
Special Needs VBS
June 8-11, 9am-12pm
*for elementary- Junior High
- Illumination Station VBS is open to students in elementary- 8th grade (as of Spring 2025).
- $20 registration fee covers all materials, snacks, & t-shirt. (50% off child registration when a parent signs up to serve at VBS)
- VBS is a very fast paced day, with lots of moving and transitioning. We would like for your child to feel as safe and comfortable as possible, therefore VBS may not be the best place for all Special Needs Students.
- If you do not attend Grace Fellowship Special Needs Ministry on Sundays, please contact our director, Katina Yeargain, so that she can learn more about your student to ensure our VBS program is a good fit for your student!
Special Friends VBS
June 29th- July 1st, 5-8pm
*for 8th grade- adults
- Special Friends VBS is open to students who have completed 8th grade (by Spring 2025) to adults.
- $35 registration fee covers a meal each night and a t-shirt.
- This is a 2-night VBS, with a fun activity planned for the 3rd night!
- VBS is a very fast paced day, with lots of moving and transitioning. We would like for your child to feel as safe and comfortable as possible, therefore VBS may not be the best place for all Special Needs Students.
- If you do not attend Grace Fellowship Special Needs Ministry on Sundays, please contact our director, Katina Yeargain, so that she can learn more about your student to ensure our VBS program is a good fit for your student!
Love Like Jesus- Special Needs Camp
July 13-16, 9am-2pm
- Camp is for Students with Special Needs: ages 5 through adults. This camp is for students with a physical, developmental, or intellectual disability.
- $200 Camp fee (Registration includes $75 nonrefundable deposit)
*Grace Fellowship's Special Needs Camp is a 4-day, faith-based camp. They will enjoy crafts, games, science experiments, and much more. Our day is a fun, fast paced day, and unfortunately the needs of everyone cannot be met. If your student has trouble with transitions, has diapering needs, or has behaviors that would harm themselves or others, this camp is not the best place for them. If you are unsure your student meets the criteria, please email our Special Needs Director, Katina Yeargain, before registering.