SOAR

Special Ones Are Remarkable

Oakland Baptist now has a program to address children with special needs such as physical disabilities, mental, social and emotional impairments. Through understanding the needs of many of our children, this ministry will focus on the various ways we can teach our children about the GOOD NEWS OF CHRIST. We also want to minister to and allow their families to attend worship services.

Mission Statement

Oakland Baptist wants to share the love of God with all people. To provide an opportunity for children with Special Needs to be involved in church and special events and also to minister to their families so they can be involved in worship and church activities.

  • That ALL people are created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27)
  • God is sovereign, even with our disabilities. (Exodus 4:11)
  • We serve Christ by serving others. (Matthew 25:40)
  • We need to look past the disability to the person God has created. (1 Corinthians 12:27)

Classes

We have classes for children (age 18 & under) who might not do well in a regular class. Volunteers work/play/ pray/teach the children during their Sunday School time. They will be given information on the child’s specific needs which will help them and the Teacher adapt to the activities appropriately. Some general training will be given and all relevant information necessary for the care of these children. There will also be lead volunteers that have had formal training with special needs children. Please call in advance to let us know about your child coming. (662-287-3118)

Shadowing Program

The Special Needs Program aims to provide a “Shadow” or “Buddy Helper” for each of the children in the program. The Shadow will be matched with a child and will work/play/pray alongside that child in the Sunday School Program They will be given information on the child’s specific needs which will help them and the Teacher adapt to the activities appropriately. This will be an opportunity for workers to be in God’s Service through learning about disability, serving others in need and forming a relationship with their child. Some general training will be given and all relevant information necessary for the care of the children will be collected and available to their Shadows.

Special Needs Ministry Enrollment Card

If you want to enroll a child in our Special Needs Class, we would like you to pre-register. Please download and fill out this card and return to us. Classes meet in Room C-100 and will last from 10:15 a.m. until 11:30 on Sunday mornings.