Church Ministry Empowers Special Needs Families
The Alston family struggled for years to attend church together due to their six-year-old son Kristian’s autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Their situation changed when a chance conversation during Kristian’s adaptive gymnastics class introduced them to McLean Bible Church in Virginia. The church has made it a priority to support families with special needs, aligning its mission with the belief that providing care for such families is important to God. David Platt, the lead pastor, emphasized that the church aims to reflect God’s love and commitment to these individuals and their families.
Prior to discovering McLean Bible Church, Saad and Krystal Alston had been attending a Baptist church for 15 years but often had to take turns attending services, as their church lacked the necessary resources to support Kristian’s needs. Their breakthrough came when another mother suggested McLean’s Access Ministry, which caters to individuals with special needs through various programs including Sunday school, respite activities, and summer camps. This ministry has grown significantly, now serving over 1,000 children and their families since its inception in 1996.
The Alston family’s first visit to McLean Bible Church was transformative, as they could finally sit together during the service instead of splitting up. Krystal praised the church staff for their dedication and ability to meet Kristian’s unique needs, creating a supportive environment for all family members. Since joining, Kristian has been participating in the Access Ministry’s Beautiful Blessings classes, which provide him with a one-on-one “buddy” to help him engage with the church community.
Over the past year, the Alstons have not only found a church that accommodates their family but have also become actively involved in various church ministries. Saad shared how Kristian’s excitement about attending church has grown, with the young boy expressing his wishes to go each week. This development indicates a positive shift in Kristian’s communication and overall confidence, making the family feel that they have found a suitable church home.
As McLean’s Access Ministry continues to grow, it recently welcomed 25 new families and added 20 new volunteers, enhancing its capacity to support even more children and their families. The church remains dedicated to ensuring that all families, regardless of their unique challenges, can come together in worship and feel valued as part of the community.