When speech pathologist and long-time Jesus Club leader Leanna Fox stepped forward at Jesus Club Conference 2025, the room leaned in. Her session on Communication Partner Training was one delegates had eagerly anticipated — and the feedback afterwards confirmed it. “Leanna Fox… detailed explanations of how to keep our teaching simple but theologically correct. All speakers were excellent.”

Leanna began with a simple question: “How confident are you helping your members understand abstract concepts — like the fruit of the Spirit?” Phones lit up as leaders participated in the Mentimeter quiz, revealing most of us sit in the “somewhat confident, but wanting more help” zone.

From there, Leanna took us on a journey.

She reminded us that communication is far more than words. For some of our members, she said, “communication might look like tapping their hand… or simply being present with them in the moment.” Years of sitting beside someone, smiling when they smile, sharing interest — “That is communication,” she said, “and it is deeply meaningful.”

She made the room laugh with the “cookies kid” video — but the point was profound: simple words can carry complex meaning. And many of our members need concepts broken down with clarity, directness, and love.

Her advice was practical and empowering:

• Say less. Stress key words. Go slow. Show.
• Replace metaphors with concrete language.
• Use visual schedules, gesture, and keyword sign.
• Celebrate every communication attempt — even a glance, even a vocalisation.

One delegate wrote afterward, “The sensory and communication sessions were full of things I’d never considered before.”

Another shared how the training bore immediate fruit: “Someone new arrived Tuesday using finger spelling and key word signs — and I realised I needed to listen to the session again!”

This is the beauty of Jesus Club’s ministry. When leaders grow in their ability to listen, notice, simplify, and love through communication, our members grow in their ability to hear the gospel.

If you’d like to help more churches receive this kind of training — training that makes faith accessible — would you consider supporting Jesus Club?

👉 Your tax-deductible gift helps adults with intellectual disabilities engage meaningfully with God’s Word.