Ministries Making a Difference

Ministries to people with disabilities and special needs

This month marked 11 years of Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine celebrating people with special needs. More than 800 churches in 60 countries participated in the event Friday, Feb. 7. Videos show onlookers cheering and holding handmade signs as participants dressed in tailored suits and glittering gowns dance down red carpets and receive crowns. The Tim Tebow Foundation also launched Shine On, a ministry that provides resources for churches to reach and disciple people with special needs year round. The Tim Tebow Foundation has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 75.

With California facing a shortage of qualified special education teachers, Vanguard University in Southern California will start offering a new special education teaching credential program in fall 2025. The Education Specialist Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) credential will be offered as part of a traditional bachelor’s degree program and as a continuing education option, with both online and in-person offerings. Vanguard University has 4 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 71.

Beginning in March, Shawn Thornton will step into the role of president at Joni & Friends, the international ministry founded by Joni Eareckson Tada for people with disabilities. Thornton is senior pastor of Calvary Community Church in California, where he spearheaded a disability ministry. He has also served on the ministry’s board of directors. As president, he will oversee outreach and evangelism efforts, offering practical help such as wheelchairs and the Gospel. Joni & Friends has 2 stars and an “A” transparency grade in the MinistryWatch database, and a donor confidence score of 63.

Photo via AG News

Calvary Champions, a ministry of Calvary Church in Naperville, Illinois, is celebrating one year ministering to people and families with special needs. The church kicked off the ministry by hosting its first Night to Shine event in February 2024, then formed Calvary Champions to support families with children ages 4-12 with special needs. The need grew, initiating Calvary Nursery for children with special needs from birth to 4 years old. Senior Pastor Marty Sloan estimates that more than 70 families have joined the church this past year because of the special needs ministry.

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