CHICAGO, IL (March 26, 2015) — The Committee on Disability Ministries is asking each Covenant church to take several minutes to complete a survey in order to better provide them with resources and assistance.

The survey takes no more than five minutes to complete, yet it will have a big impact in helping congregations, said Millie Lungren, a committee member.

The survey has nine multiple-choice questions and five open-ended questions where responders may comment if they choose. Questions include asking whether a congregation has any attendees with disabilities, the type of their disabilities, and whether barriers exist to their participation in the life of the church.

The survey will enable the disabilities committee to determine how it can better serve the needs of congregations, Lungren said.

“Some have said that families with special needs are one of the largest unreached people groups,” said Steve Burger, director of children, adult, family, and intergenerational ministries.

“Many families do not attend church because there is no ministry available to them,” Lungren said. “As a result, we need to be proactive and to plan with intention so that we’re both willing and prepared to welcome everyone, even before a family attends for the first time.”

Churches, camps, and other Covenant institutions have been increasing their awareness and ministry to families with special needs, Lungren said. Others are considering how they might do the same.

The committee is comprised of members involved in serving special needs individuals and their families.