The Need for Deliberate Spiritual Formation for Children Living With Global Developmental Delays

Abstract

Within the life of a congregational community, faith is formed, shared, and strengthened; relationships are forged and deepened; and gifts are discovered, developed, and dispensed. Unfortunately too many children with global developmental delays/intellectual disabilities do not experience the same opportunities as others to grow spiritually, enjoy community and experience relationships in our churches^[1] because, first, as much as the teachers prepare to come and teach, they do not put into consideration the learning styles and pace of children with delays and intellectual disability. Hence, these children end up going back to their homes having learned nothing. Second, the large class sizes deprive children from getting individualized attention hence certain children are unable to learn and understand at their level and pace. Third, the learning facilities are not designed to cater for children with special needs, therefore these children are unable to use the facilities. Fourth, children living with global developmental delays/intellectual disability do not benefit from teaching because there are no specially trained personnel to help them learn. And fifth, some teachers are oblivious of the existence of children living with global developmental delays/intellectual disability in their midst. By doing that the basic humanity of these children is diminished and God is equally dishonoured in the process. Jesus said we are to take the good news to all peoples of the world.“The church should be a community where people of any race, culture, tribe, nation, ability or disability, can find a place to belong.â€^[2] Each child diagnosed with global developmental delay/intellectual disability is different as an individual needing individualistic assistance in learning and coping with life issues. Therefore, as the Body of Christ, we need to be intentionally inclusive in everything that we do to specifically support the spiritual formation of all children. We need to have an inclusive gospel that deliberately and intentionally reaches out to all the people in the Church including those gifted differently, if we are to fulfill the Great Commission.

[1]White, George F., 15.

[2]David W. Anderson, “Biblical Perspectives: The Disabled and the Harvest: Whose Role?,†9.