But many who are first will be last, and the last first. —Mark 10:31

Viewing special needs as a different ability rather than a disability, the Prestonwood Baptist Church Special Needs Ministry is a Christ-centered environment with a person-centered emphasis that enables families to focus on the entire family’s spiritual growth. With a program for children and a separate ministry for youth/adults, each person can be ministered to by qualified staff at his or her own age level, helping to give the inspiration and freshness of His presence for which these families long.

Prestonwood Special Needs Ministry has a clear vision and new perspective:

A FOCUS on

A bility, rather than disability

F unctional, rather than dysfunctional
O rder, rather than disorder
C apable, rather than incapable
U nderstood, rather than misunderstood
S acred, rather than unsacred

“I tell you the truth. Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:13

The voice speaking on behalf of those with special needs exclaims, “I want to be loved like any other person. And I need you to love me just like Jesus would.”

Prestonwood Special Needs Ministry’s Core Values:

EMERGE

E xcellence
M ercy and compassion
E ncouragement
R espect and reverence
G race and empathy
E nthusiasm and passion

Prestonwood takes the opportunity to help lay a spiritual foundation in the lives of more than 70 Special Friends of all ages, helping them retain a unique understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

A Note from the Director:

Prestonwood Special Needs Ministry has the willingness to transform lives and build relationships, heart to heart, that will be the foundation for them to learn to trust others and then to trust Jesus. We nurture and enhance socialization, communication and appropriate behavior. Consistently guiding a student to learn self-control and to demonstrate obedience to parents and teachers is a first step to the ultimate goal of helping the student learn obedience to the Lord.

There are different environmental variables that make this exceptional ministry multifaceted. Because this Jesus ministry is dynamic, our aim is to be flexible to idiosyncrasies. Sometimes it seems the only constant attributes are the “predictability of unpredictability” and the “consistent inconsistency.”

As a mother of a son with autism I can testify how faithful the Lord is. Following a diagnosis, life changes forever. Envisioned dreams fade away, yet are replaced by a sense of immediacy, action and adventure. This blessing in disguise creates joy second to none. Life experience, a master’s education and autism specialization equip me to better direct the Special Needs Ministry.

Jessica Baldridge
Director of Special Needs Ministry
972-820-5468

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.—Colossians 3:23 (NIV)