3. Intellectual
Disability (ID)
• Down Syndrome, Autism,
Fragile X, Prader Willi.
Any type of intellectual
impairment.
• In Australia, 588 000 or
3% population.
• This % not nearly
represented in churches.
4. 4
Main Aim:
To make Jesus Christ
known to adults with
intellectual disabilities.
5. To make Jesus Christ known to this
people group.
To reach every person with an intellectual
disability in Australia with the good news
about Jesus Christ and enable them to
have a full life of faith.
5
14. Getting Involved
Make a huge difference to their
lives.
Your main job is to relate and make
members feel valued.
Don’t need any experience.
14
15. Ways to Get Involved
• Prepare refreshments
• Lead singing
• Lead a Buddy Group (Bible study group)
• Teach up the front
• Prepare craft
• Lead fun activities
• Visit as a Bible Study Group
• Organise an event, e.g. Disco or dinner
15
Welcome to Jesus Club, a ministry to adults with intellectual disabilities.
When Jesus rose to life, he appeared in front of his disciples and gave them a commission – to make followers throughout all the world. We become a follower of Jesus when we hear what he has done for us on the cross. Having become a follower, we then go out and tell others about Jesus so they too can become followers.
Jesus Club is not merely a social group. We have the goal of sharing the good news about Jesus Christ with our Members so they can enjoy a friendship with God that lasts forever. All people, including people with intellectual disabilities, need the forgiveness that comes from Jesus Christ in order to be friends with God.
Our aim is to give Members every opportunity to participate in all aspects of the Christian life. We want our Members to enjoy all the benefits of a relationship with God.
The fortnightly Jesus Club program provides our Members with Bible teaching, an opportunity to serve others and experience church community. We would also like to set up other ways to help our Members relate to God each day and participate in God’s mission “to make disciples of the nations”.
Our vision is to set up Jesus Club networks in all states of Australia. Networks are important so that each ministry is not isolated by supported by other clubs.
In 2006, Jesus Club Gladesville was established. On the first night, there were 7 Members. In 2013, 3 other Jesus Clubs were set up and by 2016, there will be 8 clubs. We have gone from reaching 7 people to over 80 and hope to reach many more.
This is Hikaru. He is 20 years old and loves The Wiggles, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings. He is noverbal but is an amazing dancer.
Hikaru goes to Jesus Club in Turramurra. In the picture, he is acting the part of “Peter” in a skit as part of a Bible lesson. Alongside Hikaru is James, who was playing the part of Andrew, Peter’s brother. Jesus Club Members love performing so we incorporate acting into each lesson.
Hikaru loves going to church each Sunday even though the sermon makes him sleepy.
We’re thrilled to be organising Hikaru’s 21st birthday party this year. The theme will be Harry Potter, obviously.
Activities for adults with intellectual disabilities can be scarce. It is often difficult to find suitable jobs and many stay at home watching TV. Jesus Club is a much welcomed activity that engages them socially and spiritually. Some Members are so excited about Jesus Club that they memorise all the dates for the year.
We occasionally go on outings, like the movies, dinners and even the zoo.
All our Members love discos. This is a chance for Members to bring along their friends and share with them Jesus (as well as dance dance dance!).
Members love performing and come alive in front of an audience. We’ve performed various plays that show off the Members’ talents and what they’ve learnt at Jesus Club. The general public, including Members’ parents, come along to this event.