Special Needs

Our Vision is to provide an accessible, loving environment to any family or individual to help them grow closer to Christ through being involved in the life of our church.

Building Accessibility

First Baptist Church is committed to ensuring that all individuals have accessibility to every aspect of church life. There are three handicapped-accessible points of entry into our facilities: corner of Hill and Popular, Child Enrichment Center and the Family Life Building entrance located on 8th Street. Elevators are available for access to classroom areas and the church has wheelchairs for use upon request. An electric mobility chair is available for use on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.The mobility chair and several wheelchairs are available each Sunday at the Poplar Street entrance into the Cheatham Building. Additional wheelchairs are in the FLB Lobby on Sundays and Wednesdays. Please do not hesitate to use this equipment if needed. Restrooms meet ADA requirements.

Worship Enhancement

Large print hymnals, hearing devices, and personal air purifiers are available upon request from ushers. Transportation can be provided. Contact the Church Office or the Special Needs Ministry Team for more information.

Circle of Friends

For individuals who are unable to attend a worship service the Special Needs Ministry Team will provide a circle of at least four friends that will provide spiritual formation activities during the 11 o’clock worship service. Contact the church office for more information.

Sunday School

Our goal is for all people to connected with their peers. The Preschool and Children’s teachers have been trained to work with those who have difficulties with transitions, varied abilities levels with learning, vision, hearing, physical, behavioral, and mental development as well as medical conditions. We use a multi-faceted approach with the first option being to provide a support system in the typical Sunday School classroom.

Ambassador Program

The Ambassador Program provides each special needs attender a “buddy,” if warranted, to guide them during their Sunday activities. Each Ambassador will have the new visitor or new visitor’s guardian fill out an Ambassador intake sheet to be kept in the Special Needs Sunday School class with pertinent information on this individual. Each individual’s level of Ambassador involvement will vary depending upon that person’s level of functioning.

Special Needs Classroom

The Special Needs Classroom is a separate classroom setting during Sunday School hour. Individuals in this setting will have the opportunity to be a UPS (Unique Person in Service). There will be a variety of activities developed for individuals to serve the church family.

Please contact the Special Needs Ministry Team for more information.