ABOUT US
Inclusion Ministry
Created on purpose and for a purpose
This ministry was created to serve and love families impacted by disabilities and to build awareness of the special needs population.
The Inclusion ministry serves individuals throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with varying degrees of special needs who require assistance in order to understand the message of the gospel and/or to participate in the work of the church community. Disabilities cover a huge spectrum. We meet families and participants where they are, deliver the message of the gospel and invite participants to be a part of the body of Christ.
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The work of this ministry has begun at Crossroads East Side in Cincinnati, Ohio. We hope to continue to grow this ministry and expand to more Crossroads locations and other churches within the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. Currently our ministry serves students and adults beginning at age 11, or sixth grade. There is no age cap on this ministry as we want our friends to be a part of something that will hopefully outlast all of us.
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The Inclusion Ministry is a group at Crossroads East Side that meets weekly and monthly serving teens and adults with special needs.
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Our ministry begins in the church.
We come alongside families impacted by disabilities:
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sharing the message of the Gospel in a language for all to understand
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creating a community of support and inclusion
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building lifelong friendships
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empowering individuals to know and understand their
God-given purpose
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Message from Founder
I believe that everyone should have access to the gospel message in a language they can understand. I believe that every life has value and purpose. Every life is a gift from God. One of the most inspiring people in my life is my sister, Shelley, who has cerebral palsy. She has pushed through challenges in this life many of us will never face and she has done it all with a positive attitude. She has inspired me to reach a population often forgotten and definitely underserved. In the process of doing so lives are being changed! Lives of those with disabilities, lives of family members and most of all MY OWN!
Jesus calls us to humble ourselves and serve others (Matthew 23:11-12). In John 13 Jesus demonstrates this for us when he meets the needs of the disciples and washes their feet before a meal. It wasn’t a glamorous job. It was that of a servant. Steve and Patti Lane have demonstrated this verse with their lives as they gave up their desires to raise a daughter with cerebral palsy. That daughter is my sister, Shelley. My parents gave me an image of what it looks like to wake up every morning, get down on their knees and do the hard work of a servant. They never asked for an award, recognition or even a thank you. They have simply followed Jesus’ example with their lives.
I want to continue the work my parents have started. I want to reach more families impacted by disabilities. The Lane family will never be forgotten. This legacy will continue through Kingdom Inclusion as we continue to empower individuals impacted by a disability and share the love of God.
God has big plans for the church and those plans involve EVERY member of the community acting as the body of Christ. How? By loving and empowering everyone to know their value.
Stephanie Smith
