Bethlehem Buddies
The Bethlehem Church family believes that people with special needs are an essential part of the body of Christ, and it's important that they are included and have ownership in the church.
About Buddies
The members and staff of Bethlehem Church take great care in providing environments and programming that suits a broad range of people, including children and adults with special needs.
Bethlehem Buddies is designed to provide inclusive support to help your preschooler, child, teenager or adult with special needs transition smoothly into one of our worship environments with other peers. Our goal is to help them participate at their comfort level, build a community of friends, and learn about the love of Jesus–all with the support of a well-trained Buddy Volunteer.
Bethlehem Buddies also provides an engaging and fun sensory room where Buddy Volunteers can take your family member if they need a calming break, or would feel more comfortable in a quieter environment.
Plan Your Visit
Bethlehem Buddies ministry for children and adults with special needs is offered during Sunday morning services at all campus locations. We want to be prepared for your visit, so please fill out the Bethlehem Buddies Family Form, and let us know you are joining us on Sunday! Can’t wait to see you!
Dream Team
Dream Team is a weekday volunteer opportunity for adults with special needs at Bethlehem Church. Dream Team is designed to connect adults to purposeful jobs and serving opportunities around the church that highlight their unique strengths and abilities. Interested in volunteering with this amazing group? Come join us!
Small Groups
We have several groups, with childcare, during both the spring and fall semesters for Parents or Caregivers. We believe having a faith community is life-giving as you share the unique journey of caring for a family member with special needs. Additionally, we have a Buddies Adult Small Group so that your adult with special needs can connect to a community of friends and build confidence and purpose through their faith in God.
FAQ's
We can’t wait to meet you! As you pull into the parking lot, you may let a parking attendant know that you are part of Bethlehem Buddies and they will lead you to a spot close to the entrance. Inside, you will be greeted by the First Time Family guest team who will lead you to the Buddies area. Our Buddies Coordinator will greet you, show you around and help answer any questions before you head to the worship service. We will pair your child/adult with a Buddy Volunteer and will enjoy getting to know them as they explore and have fun in our room. Depending on their age and comfort level with this first visit, their Buddy Volunteer may take them to join in with their preschool, elementary or student ministry classes/groups.
Yes, we offer Buddies Night Out respite events for parents/caregivers several times a year. We also host Night to Shine every February, a prom for individuals with special needs.
