In today’s world one in five individuals is autistic. The worlds of these individuals, and the worlds of their families, mostly consist of isolation and loneliness. Developing ministries to reach out to these families not only helps us respond to God’s calling, but also gives hope to families who struggle to find hope within their crazy worlds. Learners will gain a basic understanding of autism, an understanding of how they might help these unique persons grow in their faith, and a view of what a basic autism ministry might look like.
To earn .5 CEUs and a completion certificate, 4 daily Blackboard forums will be required along with one Zoom meeting, held on Monday from 6-9 pm Eastern time. The meeting will not be recorded. Learners not interested in the CEU and certificate are welcome to participate in just the Zoom session.
Learners will need to obtain this book: Autism and the Church by Barbara J. Newman, Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbalm, and I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism by Pat Thomas.
This course is eligible for 0.5 CEU.
Quick Info:
Number of weeks: 1
Price: $65
CEUs: 0.5
Required books: Yes
Blackboard: Yes
Zoom: Yes, required
Certification or Series: No
Read course description for details.
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Price: $65
About the Instructor
David Quel’s passions are ministry and the special needs community. He has worked in ministry for more than 25 years as a youth director and in pastoral care. In addition to a master’s degree in education from Slippery Rock University, he earned a master’s certificate in autism studies from Seton Hill University, a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in education from Liberty University. He recently finished his dissertation on incorporating special needs families into the life of the church, and David continually tries to find new ways to help the autistic community be more welcomed within the church community. He and his wife are parents of three autistic young men and rarely encounter a situation they have not seen. They are acutely aware of the struggles of getting their children involved in church life.
