We recently hosted “Inclusion in Practice” for our Central Kids team—a night to celebrate what God is doing in our ministry and to grow in how we welcome and disciple children with disabilities and high support needs.
Click the link below to listen to the message, and then dive into practical ways to build into Sundays.
We started by thanking God for the growth we’re seeing: more kids, more families, and a huge team of faithful volunteers. We reminded ourselves that kids ministry is not childcare; it’s disciple‑making. Our vision is that every child would be rooted in Christ, built up in faith, and learning to live for Him in an environment that is safe, secure, welcoming, and where they truly belong.
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7
Our guest, Alicine Grochowski from Southridge Fellowship, helped us think biblically and practically about disability. She reminded us that children with disabilities are:
- Made in the image of God
- Intentionally created
- Necessary members of the body of Christ
- Co‑laborers in the kingdom when they know Jesus
Our goal is not to “fix” kids to fit church, but to remove barriers so they can fully belong and participate.
Alicine also reframed behavior as communication. Running, shouting, withdrawing, or refusing often signal unmet needs (like hunger, fatigue, sensory overload), missing skills (like how to ask for help or transition), or problems kids don’t yet know how to solve. Instead of only asking, “How do I stop this?” we can ask, “What are they telling me, and what do they need?”
She highlighted the difference between self‑control and self‑regulation. Kids can’t reliably control their behavior if their bodies and brains aren’t calm and feeling safe. When a child is in “fight/flight/freeze,” reasoning and lectures don’t work. Our first job is to help them regulate; only then can they learn and respond well.
Practical Ways to Live This Out
Here are some simple practices we can build into Sundays:
- Assume behavior is communication.
When a child is struggling, pause and ask: “Are they hungry, tired, overwhelmed, confused, or needing connection right now?” - Help kids regulate before you correct.
Use a calm tone, name what you see (“You really want to move right now”), and then offer a way to move or calm: wall pushups, carrying something, a short walk with a leader, a drink of water, or a quieter spot for a minute. - Use clear, positive instructions.
Say what you want instead of only what you don’t want:
“Feet on the floor,” not “Don’t jump.”
“Walk in the hallway,” not “Stop running.”
“Quiet mouths, eyes up here,” instead of “Stop talking.” - Make the environment your ally.
Whenever possible, give kids:
Easy access to water and simple snacks (within your ministry’s guidelines)
Visuals of “what’s happening now and what’s next”
Built‑in movement (quick jumps, stretches, or “heavy work” between segments) - Pick your battles and guard the relationship.
If a child is doing what you asked but with some attitude, consider “dropping the rope” in the moment rather than escalating. You can coach tone later; keeping them regulated and connected now matters more. - Keep your posture: “I’m for you.”
Aim to consistently communicate, in words and body language: “You’re safe here. You’re wanted here. I’m on your side, even when it’s hard.”
As we keep practicing these things together, our prayer is that Central Kids increasingly becomes a place where every child—including those with high support needs—can encounter the love of Jesus, grow in faith, and know they truly belong.
Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact Crystal Stulp | Kids Pastor - crystal@centralcommunity.ca