SPECIAL MINISTRY
An oasis of safety,
respect, and joy
A Small Group serving young adults to seniors of all ages with intellectual and physical challenges.
Our Mission
Special Ministries serves young adults to seniors of all ages with varying intellectual and physical challenges. Our program provides a loving, nurturing environment where each person is viewed as a unique and beautiful creation of our Lord Jesus, who loves and cherishes each one. We celebrate every student’s birthday, awards, medals, achievements, and successes.
“We have been told we are the happiest group at Wayside.”
What We Teach
We teach our students all about God, the Bible, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Prayer, praise and worship music, Bible study, and recognition of successes are central to our ministry.
- Lifeway's Access Personal Study Guide
- Engaging activities, role-playing, and concrete examples of Biblical truths
- Recognition of every student's wins
- Specialized learning materials
- Prayer, praise & worship music
Sunday Mornings
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Arrivals, socialization, lesson-related activities (word searches, coloring pages, crafts)
9:30 – 9:50 AM
Prayer, recognition, praise & worship
9:50 – 10:30 AM
Bible lesson
10:30 – 10:45 AM
Fellowship & refreshments
10:45 AM
Head to the Worship Center for 11 AM Worship Service
Beyond
Sunday
Special Ministries connects with the wider community through partnerships and missions throughout the year.
UM Best Buddies
Once a month, we partner with the University of Miami Best Buddies Chapter — a time of socialization and mentorship that connects college students with our Wayside students. Some of these friendships last well beyond graduation.
UM Fun Day
Every year, we attend a University of Miami student service event called Fun Day — a celebration of inclusion, community, and joy.
OPerations CHristmas CHild
We support missions through Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child every year, usually collecting 100 or more shoeboxes filled with gifts for children in need around the world.
Special Ministry
