Building Youth Ministries That Embrace All Abilities.
Access Youth Ministry empowers faith communities to fully include young people and leaders with chronic illnesses and disabilities—because everyone deserves a place to belong
Why Inclusion Matters in Youth Ministry
In Luke 14 Jesus tells the story of a feast and for whom should be invited to the table. Yet, in youth ministry today, we find tremendous gaps in resourcing the Church to accommodate and assimilate both kids and leaders with chronic illness and/or disabilities.
For too long, youth with disabilities and chronic illnesses have been overlooked in ministry. They face barriers to participation, connection, and faith-building experiences. At Access Youth Ministry, we believe no one should be left behind. With over 35 years of experience and a growing community of supporters, we’re breaking down these barriers together.
Access Youth Ministry (AYM) is a new 501(c)(3) organization founded after decades of local and national youth ministry leadership and experience. We are positioned to ignite the conversation and lead the development of resources, support and advocacy for kids, their families and youth leaders alike.
Connecting Kids & Families
It is estimated that 20% of America’s youth have a diagnosed chronic illness or disability. Many are not connected to a community of faith let alone to Christ-following youth leaders who would share the beautiful message of the Gospel with them. AYM is working to provide resources and support to connect these kids and their families to existing youth ministries and churches across the country and beyond.
As a youth leader who may also struggle with chronic illness or disability, your story of worship and of following Jesus is inspirational and powerful for this generation of young people. Jesus has uniquely placed you to lead and serve despite the challenges you face. AYM is positioned to resource, support and advocate for you and your calling by providing leadership and ministry coaching, training and connection to other youth leaders.
Leading the Conversation
AYM is working to develop and sponsor research around students and leaders with chronic illness and/or disabilities; their work, faith journey and connection to a local church. Our research will begin to inform the types of resources and support needed for both leaders and kids to connect, grow and thrive in their faith in Jesus and their service to God’s Kingdom.
Access Youth Ministry connects you and your church or ministry to powerful and effective communicators for your next event, conference, or camp. Each sharing from a personal platform of struggle, pain and worship. We believe this posture of humility and vulnerability captivates people of all ages and leads them to follow and serve Jesus despite the circumstances or challenges they face in life.
“We live in a society which shuns weakness. But, I live for a God who empowers it!”
— Don Talley