Share the gospel with adults with intellectual disabilities

Why disability ministry?

About 1 in 50 Australians are estimated to have some form of intellectual disabilities, yet they are one of the most unreached people groups for the gospel. For adults with intellectual disabilities, a faith community where the Bible is shared in a way they understand can make all the difference.

How do we reach this people group?

Jesus Club Community is a Christian organisation dedicated to equipping churches grounded in the Gospel to establish their ministry for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Through our program, Jesus Club, churches create faith communities where adults with intellectual disabilities can embrace life under Christ. Here, the Bible comes alive to members in a meaningful and enjoyable way, while trained leaders demonstrate the gospel practically through their care and support.

At the heart of our program is an inclusive church culture, where people of mixed abilities come together as one body in Christ. This rich tapestry of individuals creates a welcoming environment, making our clubs a place of acceptance, fun, friendship and spiritual growth.

See our values and beliefs.

Two Jesus Club Rooty Hill members holding up their artwork about what they loved about God and what they were thankful for.

A Jesus Club Thornleigh member in a green top completing a Buddysheet, looked on by a caring leader.

What training and resources are available?

A Jesus Club Albury member completing a Buddysheet with the help of a leader.

A library of over 100+ biblical teaching lessons designed to effectively share the gospel with adults with intellectual disabilities, covering topics such as What is a Christian?, God’s Family, Lord’s Prayer and Creation. Each gospel-centred Bible study includes clear teacher instructions, worksheets and craft & game ideas to take your session from start to finish.

Download a sample lesson plan

A Jesus Club leader giving an orientation training presentation in a room full of church workers.

This foundational study offers a comprehensive insight into ministering to adults with intellectual disabilities. It is an introductory course designed for new ministry workers and covers everything from types of intellectual disabilities, Safety & WWCC and tips and ideas to create an inclusive and nurturing environment.

View our disability resources

A Jesus Club representative presenting a professional conference to a roomful of Jesus Club leaders and coordinators.

Held in October each year, this training opportunity brings together workers in the disability ministry field for a time of growth and collaboration. Led by seasoned Jesus Club coordinators and professionals, this conference equips you with the best practices and ideas for effectively sharing the gospel with adults with intellectual disabilities.

Watch past conference video

Keen to learn more about starting a disability ministry?

Speak to us today

What is involved for you?

Aside from a genuine love for people with disabilities, all it takes to start a Jesus Club is a team of committed volunteers and the ability to meet basic meeting costs. Most clubs start with only one or two members and grow over time through word of mouth.

Meeting cost

Hosting a Jesus Club is very affordable. Members usually contribute a weekly fee of $5 per meeting, which helps cover the costs of purchasing afternoon tea, craft materials, and other supplies as needed.

Membership

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on donations to support our work. We kindly ask participating churches to make regular monthly or annual contributions to help cover our ongoing expenses, which amount to around $5,000 per month.

Volunteers

To run your Jesus Club successfully, you'll need a team of leaders and one coordinator. The coordinator should be a mature Christian with leadership experience, though they don't need to be disability specific.

A typical Jesus Club schedule

Most churches host their Jesus Club program every fortnightly for 2-2.5 hours.

A typical Jesus Club begins with games and songs, followed by a Bible lesson and Buddy group, and ends with refreshments and other activities.

Wherever you're on your journey of ministry, we'd love help you.

More from our coordinators

"What we love about this mission is that people with intellectual disabilities are so keen to come to church. In fact, most of the people who came to the first Jesus Club when it opened in 2006 are still attending today!"

Mel Fung Jesus Club Founder

"The highlight of Jesus Club for me is seeing our members recall the bible stories they've been taught. Just last meeting, a girl from our club recalled the story of the good Samaritan in great details and completely wowed us!"

Louis Gosbell - ex-coordinator of Jesus Club Rooty Hill

Louise Gosbell Jesus Club Coordinator
2018-2020

"This ministry is so worthwhile and its great that I have the opportunity to build the capacity of church to support people to share the gospel with vulnerable people within our community."

Rhyannah Torrance Jesus Club Coordinator

Do you have questions about starting a disability ministry?

Let us know by filling in the form below.