Church Partnerships
For the people we serve, no community is more important than the faith community. We depend on churches for support, encouragement, and spiritual growth.
However, many people with disabilities or disadvantages are not getting that vital spiritual nourishment. National studies reveal that more than 80 percent of people with disabilities do not attend church due to various barriers. Our Church Partnership Program is all about breaking down barriers, reaching across them, and forming relationships between churches and the people we serve.
Pastoral Services provides professional, effective leadership and advocacy in integrating persons with disabilities or disadvantages into a local faith community of their choice. We strive to model mutuality in our care and concern for all persons made in the image of God by focusing on the strengths and gifts of each person. We encourage congregations to think in new ways of supporting people with disabilities in mutually enriching relationships. Church partners can work with individuals or with group homes, focusing on people with a particular special need or serving those with a variety of issues.
To learn about ways you can get involved in our Church Partnership Program contact us at pastoral@hopenetwork.org or call 616.301.8000.