ADAPTIVE MINISTRY

MAKING CHURCH ACCESSIBLE FOR EVERYONE 

At Calvary, we believe every person – regardless of ability, learning style, or sensory need – is valued by God, welcomed in our community, and invited to grow in Christ. Our Adaptive Ministry exists to help individuals with varying abilities and their families experience, understand, and participate in a Christ-centered community with dignity, love, and joy. 

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO GET CONNECTED:

INTAKE FORM

CULTIVATE BELONGING

We believe that everyone has a specific place and purpose in the body of Christ. 

Adaptive Ministry partners with families and individuals impacted by disability to pursue life in Christ together. We value inclusion, compassion, and Christ-centered discipleship.  We desire to create spaces where people of all abilities can learn, worship, and engage with Scripture in an accessible way.

CAPTURE MOMENTS OF GROWTH

Every stage of life is an opportunity to grow closer
to Jesus. 

In Calvary’s Adaptive Ministry, we encourage and equip all ages- children, teens, and adults- to experience meaningful spiritual growth in ways that are engaging, safe, and tailored to
their needs.  

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

Belonging to God’s family looks like walking together. 

We believe community is essential- not just as a physical gathering but as support, encouragement, and shared life. Adaptive Ministry creates opportunities to build relationships, share stories, and grow together in Christ-centered community.  

HERE'S HOW WE HELP

  • Personalized Support: Volunteers and trained ministry partners walk alongside individuals to help them engage fully in worship and community experiences with their peers.  
  • Adaptive Teaching: Bible lessons and activities are tailored so the truths of Scripture are accessible to every disciple.  
  • Sensory-Friendly Tools: We offer sensory tools and quiet spaces to make worship and classes more comfortable for those with sensory processing challenges. 
  • Respectful Care: Every family’s goals and preferences are respected — from supporting participation in the main service to providing one-on-one ministry support.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Adaptive Class Options: Small group learning environments where Bible teaching is paced and presented according to individual needs.  
  • Buddy Support: Compassionate ministry partners help individuals with disabilities participate in Sunday morning programs and special events with confidence.  
  • Volunteer Training: Volunteers are equipped with practical tools to support individuals with varying abilities in learning and worship contexts.  

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

  • Family & Caregiver Support Groups: Connect with others walking a similar journey of faith and caregiving. (Similar to what Boulder is currently doing)  
  • Inclusive Events: Social gatherings and church-wide events designed to be welcoming for all ability levels. (Like the sensory friendly Egg Hunt and sensory room during Kids Week) (Hoping to invite the deaf couple to the Egg Hunt and have an interpreter at a table for them)  
  • Serving Together: Join ministry teams that support Adaptive Ministry- from buddies to small group leaders, sensory room managers and more. 

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      WHO IS ADAPTIVE MINISTRY FOR?

      Adaptive Ministry is for children, students, and adults who have physical, cognitive, developmental, behavioral, sensory, or learning differences that make a traditional classroom or church environment challenging. We also support their parents, caregivers, and siblings. 

      WHAT KINDS OF SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE?

      Support is personalized and may include: 

      • One-on-one Buddy support 
      • Small group adaptive classes 
      • Visual schedules and communication tools 
      • Sensory supports (fidgets, headphones, quiet spaces) 
      • Help transitioning into or participating in larger church environments 
      • Sensory room for Kids and Middle School programming 
      • Mixed-Ability Adult and Teen Bible Study group

      Our goal is always meaningful participation, not just supervision. 

      CAN MY CHILD BE IN A TYPICAL CLASSROOM?

      Yes! We love inclusion whenever it’s a good fit. Some individuals thrive in a peer classroom with a Buddy, while others do best in a more sensory sensitive setting. We partner with families to decide what will help each person succeed. 

      DO I NEED TO CONTACT YOU BEFORE I VISIT?

      We strongly encourage it. Connecting ahead of time allows us to: 

      • Learn about your family’s needs 
      • Prepare a Buddy if needed 
      • Share photos or schedules to reduce anxiety 
      • Help make the first Sunday feel calm and welcoming

      But it is not required!

      ARE YOUR VOLUNTEERS TRAINED?

      Yes. Adaptive Ministry volunteers receive training in: 

      • Disability awareness and inclusion 
      • Sensory needs and regulation strategies 
      • Communication differences 
      • Safety and support best practices

      Most importantly, they serve with patience, kindness, and joy.

      IS THERE A COST?

      No. Adaptive Ministry is part of Calvary’s commitment to make discipleship accessible to every family!

      STORIES OF HOPE

      “We didn’t know church could feel like this — safe, welcoming, and built with our child in mind.

      Calvary Family

      “For the first time, our son was excited to go to church. His Buddy understands him, and we finally get to attend service without worrying.” 

      Adaptive Ministry Parent

      “Serving as a Buddy has changed my faith. I’ve learned more about love, patience, and joy than I ever expected.” 

      Adaptive Ministry Volunteer

      ADAPTIVE PROGRAMMING COORDINATORS

      Sheryl Levine: Director of Adaptive
      Vanessa Yoakem: Co-Coordinator of Adaptive Programming – Kids
      Sam White: Coordinator of Volunteer Development
      Theresa Bell: Coordinator of Adaptive Programming – Students & Adults