2. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 2
Abstract:
As the church family at Resurrection Life Church Rockford is continuing to grow, necessary
changes are being made to accommodate a larger population. This is an opportune moment to
address
any
further
structural
changes
that
may
need
to
take
place
to
further
benefit
our
church,
specifically
the
Children’s
Ministry.
Currently,
there
is
a
concierge
service
available
to
anyone
who
would
like
to
attend
our
church,
and
also
an
American
Sign
Language
translator
to
help
those
who
have
mobility
or
hearing
impairments
to
have
access
to
our
church
services.
The
Psalm
139:14
project
is
designed
to
align
with
the
current
strategy
of
the
Children’s
Ministry
(About,
n.d.),
and
expand
on
it
to
better
reach
children
of
all
levels
of
ability
and
needs.
This
proposal
is
meant
to
expand
the
existing
Children’s
Ministry
–
Adventure
Bay
area
in
order
to
include
an
optional
Sunday
school
program
for
children
who
have
different
needs
and
abilities
in
a
learning
environment.
Since
the
Adventure
Bay
section
of
the
Children’s
Ministry
includes
children
from
six
weeks
up
to
around
seven
years
of
age,
this
project
works
best
for
the
preschool
classroom.
This
includes
children
who
are
three
years
old
up
to
around
seven
years
old.
For
the
purposes
of
this
expansion,
a
child
older
than
seven
should
be
considered
eligible
to
enter
this
classroom
as
well,
if
they
would
developmentally
fall
between
that
age
range.
3. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 3
Psalm 139:14 Project
Introduction:
At
Resurrection
Life
Rockford
Church,
our
church
has
three
morning
services
for
adults
and
children.
Our
church
is
filled
with
members,
visitors,
and
new
members
each
Sunday
morning
as
it
continues
to
grow.
There
recently
has
been
an
approval
for
an
expansion
project
to
the
construction
of
our
building
to
adapt
to
the
population
growth
of
our
church.
Along
with
a
growing
church
membership
comes
a
thriving
Children’s
Ministry.
The
Children’s
Ministry
is
large,
and
divided
into
two
sections
called
“Real
Kids”
and
“Adventure
Bay”.
Adventure
Bay
is
the
area
of
the
church
where
the
children
ages
six
weeks
up
to
around
seven
years
old
go
for
Sunday
school.
In
our
large,
modern,
non-‐
denominational
church,
we
ensure
that
the
children’s
Ministry
is
appropriately
high
energy
and
geared
for
fun.
The
Children’s
Ministry
has
proven
itself
to
be
the
main
factor
for
most
families
making
the
decision
to
return
and
become
members
of
our
church
family.
As
stated,
the
Children’s
Ministry
staff
members
strive
to
create
an
enjoyable,
safe,
and
fun
environment
for
all
children.
Since
we
serve
a
creative
God,
we
know
that
he
did
not
create
us
all
the
same
way.
This
leads
to
the
fact
that
our
Children’s
Ministry
is
not
a
“one-‐size-‐fits-‐
all”
environment.
Service
after
service,
there
are
many
children
smiling,
laughing,
and
lit
up
with
joy
as
they
sing,
dance,
hear
stories,
and
engage
in
social
activities.
Unfortunately,
there
are
always
just
a
couple
of
children
who
stand
apart
from
the
crowd.
They
may
be
covering
their
ears,
in
a
corner
lining
up
trains,
running
in
circles
screaming,
or
crying
from
possible
overstimulation.
These
are
the
children
who
are
hard
to
understand.
So
many
4. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 4
people
are
uncertain
how
to
approach
the
behaviors
that
seem
distracting
to
others
or
unruly.
This
is
a
time
when
it
is
vital
to
remember
that
we
are
all
fearfully
and
wonderfully
made
by
a
perfect
God,
and
also
that
the
shepherd
came
to
save
the
one
lost
sheep,
not
the
ninety-‐nine
that
were
safe.
According
to
a
dissertation
by
Webb
(2012),
there
are
many
ways
a
church
can
effectively
reach
children
with
special
needs/different
abilities
who
are
currently
attending,
and
also
appeal
to
families
not
yet
attending
our
church
that
have
children
with
different
learning
needs.
The
following
concepts
are
proven
effective
methods
that
have
been
found
to
be
helpful
in
churches
that
have
already
begun
to
address
this
issue.
• Connect with Community Resources **
• Special Curriculum **
• Separate Classroom **
• Counseling *
• Special Training for Workers **
• Sunday school Changes **
• Buddy system *
• Support Group (Lifegroup) **
* Already an available option at our church ** Should be considered for this strategy
In a survey taken in 2001, the percentage of children in Michigan who had a physical or mental
disability was at 14%. In 2012, the percentage had grown to 21% (Children, 2013). While these
statistics may not accurately show the percentage of children who may need a change of
5. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 5
classroom environment in order to function optimally; it is still a good indicator that the need for
drastic changes in larger churches are vital to the successfulness of reaching all of the members
regardless of ability.
Specifically, the main issues that need modification are connecting with local community
resources for our staffing purposes and also for family resources, reviewing and modifying the
monthly lesson plan, using a separate classroom space, having the proper training resources for
the main staff/volunteer members who will be constantly involved in this ministry, and assessing
the needs and demographics of Lifegroups to determine if a Psalm 139:14 Project based
Lifegroup is achievable and sustainable at this time. Lifegroups are small groups of families that
that meet weekly outside of church as a means of spiritual support and forming closer bonds
within the church.
Local Community Resources Available:
• Lean On Me: May provide readily available donated usable condition items that will be
needed in the classroom. This is also a good support tool for the families in need who are
struggling financially.
• Kent County Health Department Children’s Special Health Care Services: Provides
parent support group meetings and also provides diagnostic and medical treatment,
advocacy, supplies, and equipment on a sliding scale (616) 632-7066
• Network 180: Provides low cost training specializing in caring for and working with a
community of youth with special needs and/or disabilities. This is a great resource for
the lead teacher for this Sunday school classroom.
6. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 6
Prices for these classes include (Training 2013):
First Aid/CPR: $70.00 Autism/Asperger’s: $28.00
Developmental Disabilities $42.00 Cultural Competence: $28.00
Person Centered Planning: $42.00 Role of Support Provider: $56.00
Cultural Gentleness: No Charge Recipient Rights: No Charge
Modifications Needed for Effective Lesson Planning:
As the main goal of the lesson planning will always be to remain parallel with the values and
current themes of the entire Children’s Ministry, Children with special needs learn in different
ways. Likely, this small class will begin with 5-10 children in the beginning stages of
implementation (estimated). Notbohem (2012), reminds us of a few key factors when interacting
with children who have special learning challenges. Key factors are that activities must be age
appropriate, language must be spoken literally and specifically, overstimulation often leads to
chaos and/or withdrawing from the environment, visual aids are highly effective, it is extremely
vital that nonverbal communication is noticed and understood, transitions especially when
unexpected can be tough, social interactions are a learning experience and may take teamwork as
well as encouragement, and activities must be within my ability to achieve.
Separate Classroom:
According to Hatch (2015), “Children…with autism, as well as those with other developmental
disabilities, may have a dysfunctional sensory system. Sometimes one or more senses are either
7. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 7
over- or under-reactive to stimulation. Such sensory problems may be the underlying reason for
such behaviors as rocking, spinning, and hand-flapping.”
These findings are redundantly expressed in studies exposing overstimulation and sensory
differences found with children living lives diagnosed on the autism spectrum and/or other
developmental diagnosis including those who are physically and mentally differently abled.
Hatch (2015) adds “Implications: In general, dysfunction within these three systems manifests
itself in many ways. A child may be over- or under-responsive to sensory input; activity level
may be either unusually high or unusually low; a child may be in constant motion or fatigue
easily. In addition, some children may fluctuate between these extremes. Gross and/or fine motor
coordination problems are also common when these three systems are dysfunctional and may
result in speech/language delays and in academic under-achievement. Behaviorally, the child
may become impulsive, easily distractible, and show a general lack of planning. Some children
may also have difficulty adjusting to new situations and may react with frustration, aggression,
or withdrawal.”
There are many ways to avoid overstimulation. Each child is different, so keeping detailed logs
of their strengths, triggers, comforts, etc., may be a helpful way to avoid over or under
stimulation.
Possible Positive Sensory Stimulators Possible Negative Sensory Stimulators
Bean Bag Chairs Loud noises – provide sound barrier ear muffs
Weighted Vests Bright lights
Play Dough and fidgets Large Crowds
8. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 8
Aroma Therapy Uncomfortable clothing
In addition to the need of a separate classroom space, there can be benefit in lesson planning that
provides for occasional times outside of the classroom. Seasonally, learning outdoors can be a
good option; but additionally there may be things around the church that the children would both
enjoy doing and also gain value from. There are many times for example that a specific area of
the church needs assistance with setting up for a welcome lunch, baptism room, or other event. I
have found that many children thrive on serving others and gain a sense of independence and joy
from serving others, even from setting up snacks. This in itself can be a lesson plan on occasion
as feasible.
Strategic
Intent:
The
intent
is
to
expand
our
ability
to
reach
a
larger
community,
and
give
them
the
same
opportunity
to
learn
about
and
have
a
personal
relationship
with
God
as
every
other
person.
Mission
Statement:
The
Psalm
139:14
Project,
extension
of
the
Children’s
Ministry;
exists
to
extend
Grace,
Mercy
and
Love
to
children
who
have
special
needs
and/or
who
are
differently
abled.
Teaching
them
God’s
truth
on
a
curriculum
tailored
to
their
strengths,
they
will
know
how
to
live
out
their
faith.
Providing
a
calming
environment
through
an
understanding
of
individual
learning
styles
allows
every
child
an
equal
opportunity
to
learn
about
and
9. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 9
develop
a
relationship
with
God.
With
the
foundations
laid,
they
will
have
long,
blessed,
God-‐centered
lives.
Vision
Statement:
“Partnering
with
families
to
encourage
kids
in
developing
a
true
relationship
with
God”
(About,
n.d.).
Organizational
Values:
In
the
Children’s
Ministry
of
Resurrection
Life
Rockford
Church,
there
are
five
core
values.
These
same
core
values
will
be
upheld
in
the
Psalm 139:14 Project. These values are as
follows:
• Truth:
Effectively
communicating
God’s
Word
• Worship:
Responding
to
God
for
who
He
is
and
what
He
has
done
• Community:
Building
friendships
with
other
kids
and
leaders
• Safety:
Providing
a
secure
environment
• Fun:
Create
a
contagious
atmosphere
The
learning
themes
chance
each
month
including
Biblical
values
such
as
generosity,
humbleness,
and
forgiveness;
and
these
will
also
be
the
themes
each
month
that
the
Psalm
139:14 Project will follow to correlate with the entire Children’s Ministry (About, n.d.).
Likewise, the constant curriculum outline used will be aimed to ensure the children learn the
following three major points:
10. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 10
• God Loves Me
• God Made me
• Jesus wants to be my friend forever
Identification
of
Critical/Strategy
Issues
1.
Industry
Competitive
Analysis
In
a
study
by
Webb
(2012),
a
random
survey
of
churches
throughout
the
nation
was
conducted.
In
the
findings,
data
showing
the
ratio
of
children
with
special
needs
in
attendance
to
the
church
based
on
congregation
size
did
not
shift
according
to
the
denomination
of
the
churches.
The
ratio
for
children
who
are
differently
abled
to
size
of
congregation
correlated
appropriately
on
an
upward
scale.
The
findings
also
concluded
“pastors
who
addressed
the
topic
of
special
needs
from
the
pulpit
were
significantly
more
likely
to
have
children
on
the
autism
spectrum
in
their
congregations”.
Many
of
the
churches
who
were
being
proactive
in
serving
families
of
special
needs
and
differently
abled
children
also
added
that
they
had
at
least
one
member
in
the
ministry
with
some
form
of
training
in
this
field.
2.
SWOT
Analysis
of
Strategy
Implementation
1. Strengths:
• This
extension
of
the
Adventure
Bay
Sunday
School
at
Resurrection
Life
Church
allows
an
equal
opportunity
for
all
children
learn
about
and
develop
a
true
relationship
with
God
in
a
way
that
is
comfortable,
safe,
fun,
and
understandable.
11. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 11
• New
communities
of
families
along
with
existing
members
of
our
church
with
children
who
are
differently
abled
will
find
a
higher
sense
of
comfort
and
joy;
knowing
that
their
child
(children)
can
come
to
a
church
who
is
prepared,
willing,
and
able
to
provide
the
same
love
and
guidance
in
a
Sunday
School
setting
that
is
tailored
specifically
to
their
needs.
• The
adoption
of
this
extension
to
the
Children’s
Ministry
opens
new
doors
for
God
to
work
within
and
outside
of
our
growing
church.
2. Weaknesses:
• Not
all
volunteers
are
experienced
and
trained
to
work
within
a
classroom
filled
with
a
diverse
array
of
special
needs
and
possibly
unique
ability
differences.
• Marketing
and
advertising
the
Psalm
139:14
Project
needs
to
be
carefully
communicated,
as
the
language
used
must
be
delicate,
yet
knowledgeable
and
comfortable.
Using
inappropriate
or
insensitive
terminology
regarding
the
project
can
offend
quickly;
however,
confidence
and
competency
must
shine
through.
• There
is
not
a
designated
area
in
the
church
as
it
stands
for
this
classroom,
and
it
may
take
quick
evaluation
and
determination
to
discover
the
most
opportune
position
in
the
building
for
the
small
area
that
this
room
would
require.
3. Opportunities
• Encourage
parents
and
families
of
the
children
to
volunteer
in
the
classroom
area.
This
can
be
a
good
way
for
staff
to
get
to
know
more
about
the
child,
and
possibly
encourage
parents
to
be
involved
on
a
long-‐term
basis
(serving
in
the
ministry
as
a
volunteer).
12. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 12
• There
are
three
morning
services
each
Sunday.
The
9:00
AM
service
typically
has
the
lowest
number
of
members
in
attendance
and
possibly
would
be
the
best
service
to
implement
this
new
extension
of
the
Children’s
Ministry.
By
launching
this
project
for
only
one
service
to
begin
with,
we
would
be
able
to
meet
the
ratio
requirements
more
easily.
• Using
our
flexible
scheduling
tool
“Signup
Genius”,
volunteers
can
sign
up
for
the
needed
slots
months
in
advance.
Likewise,
the
church
website
can
open
up
an
option
for
parents
to
pre-‐register
their
child(ren)
for
this
Sunday
School
class.
Families
can
find
assistance
to
do
this
online
at
the
welcome
center
computers.
4. Threats
• There
is
a
lot
of
liability
in
any
situation
when
a
child
is
left
in
the
care
of
others.
Children
with
special
needs
often
have
more
health
risks.
Unknowledgeable
staff
could
be
a
threat
to
the
project.
• Setting
up
a
new
ministry
may
not
require
a
ton
of
money
in
this
case,
but
it
will
require
some.
This
includes
sensory
materials
and
other
classroom
items
that
create
less
risk
of
an
over
stimulating
environment,
but
also
are
fitting
to
the
appropriate
sensory
and
other
needs
that
the
children
may
have
during
this
time.
• The
Psalm
139:14
Project
caters
to
children
of
many
different
needs
and
abilities
who
do
not
fair
well
in
the
typical
Sunday
school
setting
that
is
in
place.
Such
being
the
case
there
can
be
many
language
barriers,
developmental
delays,
behavioral
differences,
and
other
unique
differences
that
may
be
unfamiliar
to
staff.
This
requires
an
immense
amount
of
patience,
understanding,
self-‐control,
self
-‐
monitoring,
team
support,
and
ongoing
motivation.
It
may
be
difficult
to
regulate
13. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 13
and
manage
staff
and
positions
if
someone
is
not
a
good
fit
for
the
area
they
are
serving
in.
Key Advantages and Core Competencies
Resurrection Life Church Rockford is a strong church, growing rapidly. There is much strength
that serves as a foundation to gear this project toward success.
• Leaders
of
the
church
are
respected,
effective,
and
delegate
the
management
of
projects
well.
• Our
community
outreach
ministry
is
resourceful.
Many
of
the
materials
needed
for
the
classroom
may
be
available
for
use
already
such
as
beanbag
chairs,
craft
supplies,
sensory
materials,
first
aid
kit,
and
other
necessary
classroom
equipment.
• Staff
and
volunteers
feel
a
sense
of
belonging.
We
are
connected
and
feel
unified
because
of
the
team
culture
that
exists.
• We
are
up
to
date
on
technology.
This
gives
us
the
opportunity
to
advertise
this
new
Sunday
school
classroom
to
the
congregation
at
services
on
screen
during
the
Sunday
morning
“Wire”
announcements,
bulletins,
Facebook,
and
our
website.
Families
can
feel
the
same
security
in
this
classroom
as
they
do
with
our
existing
classrooms,
as
it
will
also
be
monitored
with
using
the
same
security
systems.
• Our
church
has
smaller
“lifegroups”
that
meet
throughout
the
week.
This
can
possibly
be
implemented
into
a
lifegroup
for
a
“family
with
members
with
special
needs”
friendly
group.
This
would
offer
some
families
a
closer
feeling
of
bonding
with
each
other
and
support
within
the
church.
14. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 14
Action Plan:
1. Propose
Psalm
139:14
Project
to
Children’s
Ministry
Pastor
2. Work
with
necessary
church
leaders
to
configure
any
classroom
space
available.
3. Gather
items
necessary
for
the
classroom.
This
can
be
done
through
charitable
donations,
as
there
are
minimal
necessary
items
needed
in
excess
of
what
is
already
available.
4. People
Needed:
• Children’s
Ministry
Pastor
to
oversee
the
Children’s
Ministry
• Designated
overseer/manager
of
operations
who
can
help
evaluate
the
progress
and
implementation
of
the
strategy
• Lead
Classroom
Teacher
knowledgeable
to
plan
lessons
developmentally
appropriate
for
this
classroom.
• Strategic
marketing/advertising
partner(s)
within
the
church
to
help
promote
the
plan
to
families
through
our
media
• Accounting
must
be
on
board
to
facilitate
the
Sunday
School’s
offering,
and
other
project
funding
regarding
the
ministry.
• Volunteers
to
work
with
this
specific
ministry.
This
includes
supports
for
a
lead
teacher
in
the
classroom.
• A
Concierge
Ministry
is
already
in
place
that
can
assist
any
member
or
visitor
at
our
church
to
their
desired
location
by
whatever
means
are
needed
(mobility
assistance,
buddy
system,
etc.).
This
classroom
would
eliminate
the
need
for
a
buddy
system
from
the
Concierge
Ministry
in
this
area
of
the
church;
however,
the
mobility
assistance
will
still
be
very
helpful
and
needed.
15. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 15
• Families
that
are
willing
to
enroll
their
eligible
child(ren)
into
this
new
extension
of
the
children’s
ministry.
Achievable Goal: Get Classroom Ready to launch first day
This comes after approval from needed said areas of the church and the concierge ministry
integrated.
Assessment
Each step of the strategy and every goal should be continuously communicated and evaluated.
The following Alignment Checklist serves as a helpful tool when assessing the strategy’s ability
to succeed. This tool can and should be used several times throughout the implementation
Classroom
ready
Families
signed
Up
Marketing
team/
Advertising
Program
Lead
Teacher
Trained
Supports
signed
up
for
ratio
Furnished
space
Obtain
Classroom
Area
16. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 16
process to ensure that the necessary foundations are aligning correctly. It also serves as an
excellent guide to discovering what area needs improvement. (Collis, 2005)
17. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 17
Psalm 139:14 Project Budget Worksheet (Sample)
Leadership Development (Training, Fellowships, etc.)
Resources…………………………………………. ___________
Publicity…………………………………………… ___________
Program Guests (expenses and honoraria)………... ___________
Registration/Conference Fees…………………….. ___________
Transportation…………………………………….. ___________
Meals/Refreshments………………………………. ___________
Total requested…………………….. $___________
Parent Meetings
Resources…………………………………………. ___________
Publicity…………………………………………... ___________
Program Guests (expenses and honoraria)……….. ___________
Meals/Refreshments……………………………… ___________
Total requested…………………….. $___________
Curriculum
Sunday School:
Literature………………………………........___________
Media………………………………………..___________
Special Studies (January Bible Study, etc.):
Literature……………………………………___________
Other (snacks, etc.)……………………….... ___________
Total requested…………………….. $___________
Materials and Supplies
Teaching materials (puzzles, books, blocks, etc.)…. ___________
Consumable art materials (paper, markers, glue, etc.) ___________
Permanent art materials (scissors, paint brushes, etc.) ___________
Total requested……………………… $__________
Equipment
Maintenance and repair (including carpet cleaning)..___________
New equipment (cribs, CD players, furniture, etc.) ___________
Total requested…………………….. $__________
Other
…………………………………………………….. ___________
…………………………………………………….. ___________
Total requested…………………….. $___________
GRAND TOTAL BUDGET REQUEST……………………………….. $___________
18. PSALM 139:14 PROJECT 18
Reference
About children's ministry. (n.d.). In Rockfordres.org. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
Children with special health care needs (2013, August). In Kids count data center. Retrieved
February 1, 2015.
Hatch-Rasmussen, M.A., OTR/L, C. (2015). Sensory integration. In Autism Research Institute.
Collis, D. J. (2005). Strategy: Create and implement the best strategy for your business. Boston:
Harvard Business School Press.
Notbohm, E. (2012). Ten things every child with autism wishes you knew. In
www.autismspeaks.org.
Training price list (2013, September 1). In Network180. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
Webb, M. (2012). A study on churches as a source of support for families of children on the
autism spectrum (Doctoral dissertation, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga).
