Establishing and Maintaining a Ministry for the Deaf within the Local Church

This helpful book, originally an academic research paper, is written out of a heart passionate to educate church leaders about the frustrations and struggles of deaf individuals as well as the joys of working with them. Readers of this book will gain understanding of the needs within the deaf community and learn best practices for including deaf people in worship services and Christian education opportunities. The author explains the mission field and needs of the Deaf population in the U.S., and shares her own journey working for their inclusion not only in the "hearing" world but also in the spiritual world.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract … 7
Introduction … 9
I. Freedom of Religion for the Deaf in America … 12
II. Education and Training for Ministers … 17
III. Understanding the Deaf Culture … 20
IV. Demographics … 28
V. A Deaf Ministry in Michigan … 30
VI. Applying Research … 33
VII. Addressing Music in Deaf Ministry … 37
VIII. Deaf Ministry in Smaller Churches … 40
IX. The Importance of Visualization … 46
X. Timing and Christian Education … 49
XI. Community Unity Is Important to the Deaf … 56
Bibliography … 63
About Northwind Seminary ... 65