ARISE Conference Highlights Expanding Attention on Special Needs Ministry in Brevard
BREVARD COUNTY — Representatives from more than 23 churches across Brevard and beyond gathered Oct. 4 for the ARISE Special Needs Ministry Conference, highlighting growing attention to how churches can better serve individuals with disabilities and their families on the Space Coast.
The conference was organized by the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network, launched in 2024 by First Baptist Church of Merritt Island congregant Doug Rothenbush. What began with a Bible study class at his church has grown into a countywide network where churches share practical training, resources and experience in developing special needs ministries.
“We were mainly trying to target churches that have nothing at all to help them get started,” Rothenbush said.
ARISE featured sessions on topics including starting a disability ministry, supporting caregivers, organizing inclusive events and developing ministry for adults with disabilities. The “Building Ministry 101” session drew the largest turnout and had to be moved into a larger room, Rothenbush said.
More than 80 ministry and church leaders registered for the conference, along with about 25 presenters and volunteers. Attendees came from across Brevard and from as far away as Gainesville and Miami.
Rothenbush said one of the strongest themes from participant feedback was the need for churches to think beyond children’s ministry. Many congregations already provide “buddies” or other accommodations for children with disabilities, but attendees identified growing needs for adult ministry and caregiver support.
“A lot of the feedback was, ‘I didn’t think of it from the adult aspect—that all these kids were going to grow into adults,’” Rothenbush said. “We need to get ready for that.”
That is where Rothenbush sees the value of the Brevard network. About eight local churches currently participate at different stages of developing disability ministry, allowing congregations to learn from one another rather than build programs in isolation.
“That’s what we’ve been doing—just working together, helping each other,” Rothenbush said.
The network is also connecting churches with organizations that can provide additional resources, including Joni and Friends and FCA All Abilities who both contributed to the conference. Love INC of Brevard recently joined the network as well and has offered space for its monthly roundtable meetings.
Rothenbush said churches do not need to already have a special needs ministry to participate. Some members are only beginning to explore what their programs should look like, while others are expanding into areas such as adult ministry, caregiver support and community events.
For local churches interested in getting involved, the network’s next roundtable will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 to 11 am at Love INC of Brevard. The group normally meets on the third Thursday of each month, with meetings paused in November and December before resuming in January.
Rothenbush said he is also available to work directly with churches looking to begin or strengthen a ministry. Those interested can join the Brevard Special Needs Ministry Network Facebook group or contact Rothenbush at brevardsnmnetwork@gmail.com.
The network is already looking ahead to the next ARISE Special Needs Ministry Conference, planned for Sept. 25, 2027, at First Baptist Church of Indialantic.
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