It could be that many of us have not considered, Jesus often focused on people with special needs. “70% of his miracles were really on behalf of people with special needs – the disabled, those who couldn’t walk, those who were deaf, who couldn’t see, who had epilepsy. And so we think special needs ministry should be mainstream in the church because it’s closest to the heart of Jesus.”
Keeping with that vision, one special needs Kings & Queens Prom was held last Friday at the Liquid Church location in Parsippany, New Jersey, and another prom is set for Friday, June 10th at the church site in Princeton, New Jersey.
Pastor Tim Lucas shares that 350 guests took part in the festivities last week, including teens and adults with special needs, “all the way from autism, asperger's, down syndrome, cerebral palsy.” Three words describe it: “It was wonderful!”
“We roll out the red carpet and treat them like VIPs, because that’s who they are in Gods’ eyes.” The church team goes all out to honor the families. “We take the chairs out of the sanctuary, we put up a big ole dance floor. And we have a beauty bar for our girls – they do their hair and their make-up – they get it done for free. The boys have a shoe shine…and all sorts of karaoke and we rent stretch limos and drive around the parking lot, so it’s really an incredible community affair. And I think it’s like a little slice of heaven on earth” for these wonderful people.
For safety and maximum fun, the proms have over a thousand “buddies,” volunteers who are paired up for the evening with each guest.
Liquid Church has often worked alongside the Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” annual event, but this year’s Tebow February event was virtual again due to the pandemic. The Liquid Church leadership felt in their area an in-person under current conditions would be reasonable, so they did an event on their own.
In our complete podcast interview below, Pastor Tim explains why people with special needs are being treated much better nowadays than in past decades. “The stigma has been removed.” We also asked to what degree people with special needs can comprehend the Gospel. He says many have an “enormous spiritual capacity” and explains why. And if you’re wondering what the word “Liquid” means in Liquid Church – you’ll learn why.
This is worthwhile and encouraging listening.
Faith Is A Journey, Not A Guilt Trip.
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