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St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Shreveport, Louisiana |
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Special Ministry |
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Special Needs Ministry
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church has made a commitment to make itself accessible to people with disabilities and model Isaiah’s vision that “my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples” (Isaiah 56:7). As part of that commitment, SAPC maintains a partnership with Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, offers Bible Study and fellowship opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, and strives to help people with disabilities participate in the full life of the church.
Full Participation At St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, people with intellectual disabilities are encouraged and enabled to participate in the full life of the church to the best of their ability. In the past, this has meant reading scripture and singing in worship, serving as ushers and greeters, leading the congregation in prayer, attending and cooking for fellowship meals, sending cards to people on the prayer list, and joining the church by making a public profession of faith. If you or someone you know has an intellectual disability and is looking for a church to call home, please contact us for more information.
Friendship Bible Study The cornerstone of SAPC’s special needs ministry is the Friendship Bible Study. This class meets on Wednesday nights from September to May to learn about scripture using lessons written with the learning styles of people with intellectual disabilities in mind. The Bible Study also enjoys quarterly fellowship activities (Bowling, Bingo, Thanksgiving Dinner, etc) and regularly sings in worship.
Shepherd Church In 2006, Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries recognized St. Andrew Presbyterian Church as a Shepherd Church for one of its community homes. Since that time, St. Andrew has continued to grow this ministry to include the residents of three of Evergreen’s community homes and clients in independent living programs. The Rev. Barry Chance also serves on Evergreen’s Board of Directors and on the Northwest Louisiana Division’s Human Rights Committee. The congregation annually collects the Thanksgiving Offering that goes to help fund Evergreen’s ministries.
James Goodpasture Award In 2007, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church was given the James Goodpasture Award for Ministry with Special Populations by Union Theological Seminary and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, recognition the church’s commitment to special needs ministry. Because of this award, St. Andrew will be featured in an upcoming book highlighting the best practices of congregations. |
