Shine: Special Needs

About

Shine, the Special Needs Ministry at Highland Baptist Church, is dedicated to supporting individuals in embracing their unique role within the Body of Christ through our Gather, Grow, and GO mindset. Ephesians 2:10 underlines our belief that every individual is uniquely crafted and empowered by God for the purpose of revealing the glorious nature of Jesus.

We are dedicated to supporting students and families with special needs, fostering their spiritual growth, and strengthening their relationship with God, allowing His work to manifest through them.

Our mission comes from Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This mission is guided by four core objectives:

  1. Cultivate a safe and nurturing environment where individuals with special needs can thrive in their faith journey, deepening their understanding of the Gospel.
  2. Embody the qualities of Jesus through our words and actions, forming meaningful relationships with each individual.
  3. Share Jesus and His Word through engaging weekly lessons and activities during our Sunday morning and Wednesday night programs.
  4. Empower individuals to actively contribute to the Body of Christ by investing their God-orchestrated gifts to support the church in its mission to Gather, Grow, and Go.

Our heartfelt prayer is that through these efforts, individuals will experience growth in their faith, allowing them to shine their light by reflecting Jesus and sharing the Gospel with others.

Sunday mornings

Kids Connection

Kids will gather for a time of learning each Sunday morning on the 3rd floor for Kids Connection at 8:40 or 10am. We will have volunteers as buddies to accompany your child to their grade level class or in the Shine Kids classroom in 308.

Kids Connection (K-5th Grade)

Sunday mornings in the Kid’s Hall located on the 3rd floor of the Education Building. Kid's Connection uses “The Gospel Story for Kids” and "The Gospel Project" curriculums. Kids are taught how the Gospel of Jesus Christ weaves through every story in the Bible. These curriculums are a unique, three-year program that helps churches and families ground children in the Gospel story from Genesis to Revelation.  At each age level, kids are taught the Gospel through age-appropriate illustrations, activities, coloring pages, object lessons, and memorization. There are weekly family-friendly devotionals that go along with the curriculum, which is available for you to use at home.

Policy & Procedures

We provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for all kids and families. One method is our electronic Check-in system used on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Check-in stations enable parents to quickly and easily check-in kids and give our staff a way to contact parents, if necessary, during the Gatherings. K-5th grade students will need to be checked in and picked up by an approved adult.  A guardian receipt will be printed out at the time of check-in, which is required to pick up your child from class.

We also require our leaders to go through a rigorous screening process in order to serve in Highland Kids. If you are interested in being a Highland Kids Leader, please contact Emily Eagle.

Wednesday Nights

What is Kids Foundation?

In Kids Foundation, we will equip kids with the Truth, empowering them to defend their faith as set apart followers of Jesus. We will partner with families to lay a strong foundation through Scripture, worship, and discipleship in fun and engaging ways.

Spring Semester Going Now

Kids Foundation meets on Wednesday nights (August - April) at Highland from 6:30-8pm. Kids Foundation is open to kids from birth to the Fifth grade. Each age group will participate in large group teaching time, small group discipleship, worship, and games. There is a $10 cost for materials with scholarships available.

Register My Child

Volunteer Needs

We will be needing people who love the Lord and want to share the Truth with children. Volunteers must submit to a background check. We will have volunteers as buddies to accompany your child to their grade level group or in the Shine Kids classroom in 308. 

Volunteer Signup

Volunteer Resources

We are delighted that you are joining the team of Children Ministry Volunteers at Highland Baptist Church.  We want to partner with you to make this experience the best it can be.


Below are the resources you will need as you start your volunteer experience.

Staff

Shine (Special Needs) Coordinator

Kids Minister