Ministries · First McKinney Church, Texas
Special Needs Ministry at First McKinney
People with special needs have a place to know Jesus, build relationships, and belong at First McKinney.
Special Needs Ministry at a Glance
First McKinney’s Special Needs Church Ministry provides opportunities for kids, students, and adults with special needs to learn about Jesus, build relationships, and participate in the life of the church. Dedicated classes and groups are available on Sundays, along with Incredible Fridays and Incredible Friends, which provide respite opportunities and meaningful connection for participants and their families.
A Place to Belong on Sundays
On Sunday mornings, First McKinney’s Special Needs Ministry provides dedicated spaces for kids, middle school students, and high school students with special needs during both the 9:15 and 10:45 AM services. In the Kids Building and Student Ministry, individuals can participate in Bible teaching, activities, and relationships with support designed for a variety of needs and abilities.
Our team takes time to learn about each individual and help create an environment where they can participate, build relationships, and grow in their understanding of Jesus. For families looking for a church for special needs families, we want every person to be known, welcomed, and given a meaningful place to belong.
Incredible Fridays: A Night for Kids and Families
Incredible Fridays is a free monthly respite night that gives kids and students with special needs, through high school, a fun evening designed with them in mind while parents and caregivers have three hours to rest, recharge, or spend time as they choose.
Each participant with special needs is paired with one or two trained teen or adult buddies for the evening. Participants enjoy play rooms, movies, crafts, snacks, and other activities, with a low-stimulation quiet room available when a calmer environment is needed.
Siblings without disabilities are welcome, too. Parents and caregivers may drop them off for the evening, where they participate in their own group activities in a separate space. This allows siblings to enjoy the night while parents and caregivers receive respite care for special needs families as a whole.
Incredible Fridays serves kids and students with special needs through high school and is open to families throughout the community. Church membership is not required.
How the Evening Works
Here’s what families can expect from drop-off to pickup:
-
01
Meet Your Buddy
At drop-off, parents and caregivers spend a few minutes with their family member’s buddy to share important information about individual needs, preferences, communication, and anything else that will help them have a great evening. You know your family member best, and we start by listening.
-
02
Individual Buddy Support
Each participant with special needs is paired with one or two trained teen or adult buddies who stay with them throughout the evening, providing consistent support and helping them participate in activities at their own pace.
-
03
Activities and Spaces for Different Needs
Participants can enjoy play rooms, movies, crafts, snacks, and other activities. A low-stimulation quiet room is also available for anyone who needs a calmer environment during the evening.
-
04
Siblings Are Welcome, Too
Siblings without disabilities may also be dropped off and participate in Incredible Fridays. They enjoy group activities in a separate space, allowing parents and caregivers to receive respite while all of their kids enjoy the evening.
-
05
Pickup After Three Hours
After three hours, parents and caregivers return for pickup. Incredible Fridays is free, offered monthly, and open to families throughout the community.
A Place for Adults to Belong: The Fellowship Life Group and Incredible Friends Respite Nights
Adults with special needs have meaningful opportunities to learn about Jesus, build friendships, and be part of the church community at First McKinney through our disability ministry.
The Fellowship is a Life Group for adults with special needs that meets Sundays at 10:45 AM in Room 3116 of the Life Center. It provides a consistent place for Bible study, relationships, and connection within the church.
Incredible Friends gives adults with special needs another opportunity to build friendships and enjoy time together through games, activities, and shared experiences. Incredible Friends meets on the first Thursday of each month during the semester from 6:00–8:00 PM in the Student Building. While participants enjoy an evening together, caregivers have time for respite.
Serve With Special Needs Ministry
Volunteers help create the relationships and individual support that make Special Needs Ministry possible. During Incredible Fridays and Incredible Friends, volunteers are paired with participants to spend the evening together, join them in activities, and provide support based on their individual needs and preferences.
Before serving, volunteers receive guidance for the evening and are expected to treat every participant with dignity, kindness, and respect. We presume competence, recognize that every person is created in the image of God, and seek to care for each individual in a way that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus.
For Incredible Friends, volunteers are paired with one or two adult participants and arrive at 5:30 PM. for an overview before participants arrive at 6:00 PM. Volunteers age 18 and older must have an active background check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Families ask us these first
Your Family Is Expected Here
We want every person with special needs to have a meaningful place to learn about Jesus, build relationships, and belong at First McKinney. Before your first Sunday, contact our Special Needs Ministry team and tell us about your family member, including their needs, communication, preferences, and anything else that will help us prepare for their visit.
Whether you’re looking for a Sunday opportunity for a child or student, The Fellowship for an adult, or respite and relationships through Incredible Fridays or Incredible Friends, we’d be glad to help you find the right place to begin.
