Resource Guide
Last Updated: May 29, 2026
The Bridges to Belonging project’s Resource Guide offers a curated selection of resources and community partners that support ministry engagement with individuals affected by disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. While some resources are located within the broader Central Texas region, the majority are available online and accessible to churches and ministry leaders regardless of location. This guide is not a comprehensive list of all available resources.
Resources included on this guide and map do not denote endorsement. Readers are advised to exercise judgment and seek professional advice. Baylor University and its employees assume no responsibility for the use made of any information published in this resource list.
Established organizations that churches can partner with to strengthen care for individuals and families affected by disability, mental health conditions, or chronic illness. These resources help ministry leaders extend care beyond the church by connecting families with additional forms of support.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
8701 Georgia Avenue, Ste. 412
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Website: https://adaa.org
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) serves as a vital bridge between clinical science and practical ministry, offering church leaders evidence-based resources for the prevention and treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. By aligning scientific research with educational outreach, they can equip ministry teams with the professional insights needed to support congregants navigating mental health challenges and co-occurring disorders.
The Arc of the US
2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202)-534-3700
Website: https://thearc.org/
The Arc is the largest national organization in the United States advocating for and supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The Arc serves individuals across the lifespan through advocacy, education, and community‑based supports. The organization has over 600 state and local chapters in communities across all 50 states. Ministry leaders can use The Arc to connect individuals and families with trusted resources such as advocacy, education support, vocational services, and community inclusion opportunities that complement church‑based care.
Center for Chronic Illness
P.O. Box 31193
Seattle, WA 98103
Phone: (425) 296-2705
Website: https://www.thecenterforchronicillness.org/
The Center for Chronic Illness supports pastoral care by providing professional, virtual support groups for individuals and caregivers navigating the complexities of long-term health/chronic illness challenges. By offering specialized programming and educational resources, the Center for Chronic Illness equips ministry leaders with the insights necessary to support the unique spiritual and emotional needs of those living with chronic illness within their congregations.
Faith Inclusion Network
Phone: +1 432 553 5456
Email: tjones@faithinclusionnetwork.org
Website: https://www.faithinclusionnetwork.org/
Faith Inclusion Network provides bi-annual faith and disability conferences, gala events, and many smaller community events. This organization offers consultation for church leaders on issues of faith and disability. They provide resources for various faith backgrounds.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
4301 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 300
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 524-7600
Website: https://www.nami.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and supporting the recovery of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. By providing a national framework for awareness and education, NAMI equips church leaders with the resources necessary to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding mental illness. Their network of local affiliates, listed on their website, provides a point of connection for ministry leaders seeking to integrate community-based support into their congregational care plans.
Parents Helping Parents
1400 Parkmoor Av Ste 100
San Jose, CA 95126
Phone: (408) 727-5775
Email: info@php.com
Website: www.php.com
Parents Helping Parents offers age-specific resources for kids and youth, alongside support groups and trainings that help families manage the unique challenges of a disability diagnosis. For church leadership, this resource can help with fostering long-term resilience and informed advocacy among congregational families.
Shine On (Tim Tebow Foundation)
Website: https://shineon.org/
Shine On is a ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation that provides resources for churches and families to improve inclusion and support individuals with disabilities. Church leaders can find many resources, including leadership enrichment, deaf ministry, community events and more. This organization supports church leaders to cultivate a culture of authentic belonging, ensuring that every individual is recognized as an essential and valued member of the faith community.
Texas Advocates
8001 Centre Park Dr, Ste 100
Austin, TX
Email: info@texadvocates.org
Website: http://www.texadvocates.org
Texas Advocates is run by and for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Church leaders can find programs, conferences, and resources to help advocate for and with individuals with disabilities. For church leaders, this serves as a resource for fostering authentic inclusion and identifying opportunities for individuals with disabilities to serve in leadership and advocacy roles within the faith community.
Texas Faith and Disability Network
Email: Contact@TxFDN.org
Website: https://txfdn.org/
The Texas Faith and Disability Network (TxFDN) serves as a statewide network for linking congregations, advocacy organizations, and families dedicated to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities. By fostering a multi-disciplinary network of clergy, service providers, and self-advocates, TxFDN provides a platform for sharing best practices and developing effective communication models. Their monthly collaborative forums offer church leadership a unique opportunity to engage with regional experts and peers to strengthen the contributions of neurodivergent members within their faith communities.
Texas Impact
200 East 30th Street,
Austin, Texas 78705
Phone: 512-472-3903
Email: staff@texasimpact.org
Website: https://texasimpact.org/
Texas Impact helps church leaders put their faith into action by engaging with lawmakers on pressing public policy issues. They provide resources on many different topics, including human rights and economic justice.
Resources that help church leaders prepare for and respond to mental health crises within their congregations. This category focuses on training, assessment tools, and response models that increase safety, strengthen church policies, and help leaders know when and how to connect people to appropriate crisis support.
Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry
5700 W. Plano Parkway, Ste 1600
Plano, TX 75093
Phone: (469) 385-1827
Email: contact@beaconoflightmh.org
Website: https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/
Beacon of Light Mental Health Ministry is designed to help church leaders minister to those of all ages struggling with mental health, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. This ministry provides resources for ministry leaders like trainings, articles, podcasts, and other educational tools to equip churches and help develop their own mental health ministries.
Be the 1 To
Website: https://bethe1to.com/
Be the 1 To is a division of the 988 Lifeline, which equips staff and leadership with essential suicide prevention protocols that can assist churches in developing a proactive response to mental health emergencies. Be the 1 To focuses on teaching individuals how to support themselves and others during a crisis while streamlining the process for engaging trained medical professionals and acute care facilities.
Heart of Texas Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
1200 Clifton St.
Waco, TX 76704
Crisis Hotline: (866) 752-3451
Website: https://hotbhn.org/services/adult-behavioral-health/mobile-crisis-outreach-team/
The Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) provides 24/7 crisis response services for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing mental health crises. MCOT can be dispatched to homes, schools, churches, or other community locations to provide emergency care, urgent intervention, crisis follow‑up, and relapse‑prevention support. Church leaders can use this resource as an immediate referral option during acute mental health situations, and MCOT can also assist with initiating psychiatric hospitalization and locating available inpatient beds when needed.
The Hope Line
Phone: 832-831-7337
Website: https://hopeandhealingcenter.org/get-help-hope-line/
The Hope Line provides digital resources and mental health training to assist ministry teams in addressing the diverse mental health needs of their communities. This platform facilitates connections to email mentors, mental health coaches, and crisis counselors.
The Lighthouse Project
Website: https://cssrs.columbia.edu/
The Lighthouse Project equips church leadership with the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). This protocol allows anyone, including clergy and church staff, to effectively screen for suicide risk in any setting. It can serve as a component of a church’s emergency response plan, providing a clear, science-backed method for identifying individuals in need of urgent professional care.
Mental Health First Aid
Phone: 888-244-8980
Website: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
Mental Health First Aid equips church leadership and staff with the essential skills to recognize and respond to emerging mental health and substance use challenges. By providing a structured framework for 'mental health first aid,' the course empowers ministry teams to offer immediate, informed support to individuals in distress, bridging the gap until professional clinical intervention can be secured. Multiple locations are available on their website.
The Trevor Project
2261 Market Street, Ste 5164
San Francisco, CA 94114-1612
Phone: (212) 695-8650
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ youth. By offering 24/7 access to trained counselors via phone, text, and chat, the organization serves as a critical emergency resource for ministry leaders navigating high-stakes mental health situations. Their platform also delivers educational tools designed to help church staff facilitate informed and compassionate conversations regarding suicide prevention within their youth and young adult communities.
Courses, certificates, research initiatives, and training programs that support ministry leaders in deepening their understanding of disability, mental health, neurodiversity, and inclusion. These resources are designed to shape long‑term learning, leadership formation, and informed ministry practice.
Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing
2201 MacArthur Drive, Suite 101
Waco, TX 76708
Phone: (254) 710-7677
Email: bcdf@baylor.edu
Website: https://disability.research.baylor.edu/services
The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing advances research, training, outreach, and clinical services that support the flourishing of people with disabilities, their families, and their communities. The Center collaborates with educators, clinicians, churches, and local partners to promote disability inclusion and provide accessible, evidence‑based resources. Ministry leaders can use BCDF’s research, trainings, and practical tools to strengthen disability inclusion within worship, pastoral care, and congregational life, as well as to connect families with trustworthy information and supportive services.
Certificate in Disability Ministry at Moody Bible Institute
820 N. LaSalle Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (800) 356-6639
Email: info@moody.edu
Website: https://www.moody.edu/academics/programs/online-cert-disability-ministry/
The Certificate in Disability Ministry, provided by Moody Bible Institute, offers a one-year academic pathway for church leaders seeking to integrate a biblical perspective with specialized practical skills. Through this online program, ministry leaders develop the necessary competencies to effectively serve individuals with special needs and their caregivers. By providing a flexible, research-backed curriculum, Moody Bible Institute equips leadership teams to cultivate environments of deep compassion and informed advocacy within the local church and the broader community.
Covenant Seminary Disability Ministry Course
12330 Conway Road, St. Louis,
Missouri 63141
Phone: (314) 434-4044
Email: inbox@covenantseminary.edu
Website: https://resources.covenantseminary.edu/programs/disability-ministry
Covenant Seminary’s Disability Ministry course is a free resource which provides a platform of firsthand experience and practical resources designed to enhance the effectiveness of a church’s engagement with those touched by disability. Focused on the lived experience of the disability community, Disability Ministry offers church staff the resources necessary to identify and remove barriers to full congregational participation.
Center for Autism and Theology:
Website: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/dhpa/research/centres/centre-for-autism-and-theology/resources/
The Center for Autism and Theology offers theological resources and scholarship that explore autism, disability, and the life of the church. In addition to written resources, the Center hosts the Autism & Theology Podcast, which features conversations with theologians, clergy, autistic Christians, and practitioners on faith, disability, and inclusion. This resource can be used to deepen theological reflection, inform preaching and teaching, and better engage and support autistic individuals and families within their congregations.
Cultivating God’s Brainforest - Princeton Theological Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry
P.O. Box 821
64 Mercer Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: (609)497-7914
Email: iym@ptsem.edu
Website: https://iym.ptsem.edu/programs/cultivating-gods-brainforest/
Designed as a collaborative bridge between neurodivergent youth, scholars, and practitioners, Cultivating God’s Brainforest is an asynchronous learning module provided by Princeton Theological Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry. The module equips youth ministry leaders to recognize and cultivate neurodiversity as a gift within the body of Christ. The project provides a structured, online educational experience that integrates academic insight with practical ministry application, helping leadership teams foster a more unified and inclusive congregational life.
Gateway to Hope University
717 Sage Road
Houston, TX 77056
Phone: (346) 335-8700
Website: https://gatewaytohopeuniversity.org/
Gateway to Hope University, a training program of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute, provides faith communities with evidence-based behavioral health resources and mental health training. This program is designed to equip church leaders with a professional framework for addressing mental wellness, offering structured support systems that bridge the gap between spiritual care and clinical behavioral health.
Western Theological Seminary
101 East 13th Street
Entrance A
Holland, MI 49423
Phone: (616) 372-3679
Email: luke.soderstrom@westernsem.edu
Website: https://events.westernsem.edu/event/westernsem.events.1205530
The Symposium on Disability and Ministry, hosted by Western Theological Seminary, serves as an annual professional development forum designed to equip ministry leaders with the specialized knowledge and strategic tools necessary for effective disability engagement. Through a curated series of insightful discussions and practical workshops, the event provides a collaborative environment for deepening congregational competency in the areas of inclusion and accessibility. This symposium is free for all participants. Western Seminary also offers a Master of Arts in Disability and Ministry degree and a Graduate Certificate in Disability and Ministry for those interested in pursuing further study.
Wheaton Center for Faith and Disability
Wheaton College
501 College Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630)-752-7811
Email: centerforfaithanddisability@wheaton.edu
Website: https://www.wheaton.edu/wheaton-center-for-faith-and-disability/
The Wheaton Center for Faith and Disabilities offers resources for congregations, including articles and webinars. They provide academic and research-based resources that help church leaders promote inclusion and flourishing within their congregations.
Networks and ministries rooted within specific traditions that help support churches in developing inclusive, accessible, and theologically grounded practices. These resources can help clergy connect with denominational expertise, peer support, and tradition‑specific guidance for disability and mental health ministries.
ACNA Access Leadership Network
Email: kayres@acna.org
Website: https://pln.anglicanchurch.net/access-leadership-network/
The Access Leadership Network connects church leaders within the Anglican Church in North America who are committed to accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. The network offers grants, monthly gatherings, training opportunities, shared resources, and an active Slack channel, giving clergy practical support and direct access to other ACNA leaders working on accessibility and disability inclusion.
Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries
Email: contact@bethesdaldm.org
Website: https://bethesdaldm.org/
Bethesda Lutheran Disability Ministries provides educational and devotional materials tailored for the IDD community. From bulletin inserts and brochures to ebooks and magazines, their materials are designed to help ministry teams integrate disability-specific spiritual care into the regular rhythm of the church. This organization provides the necessary infrastructure for leadership to support and uplift the unique faith journeys of neurodivergent members.
Texas Baptists- Special Friends Retreat
Phone: (214) 828-5205
Email: sarah.johnson@texasbaptists.org
Website: https://www.texasbaptists.org/events/special-friends-retreat
Special Friends Retreat offers an intergenerational environment for individuals aged 12 and older with cognitive or intellectual disabilities, alongside their families and ministry leaders. By providing a structured space for shared experience and spiritual growth, the retreat serves as a resource for church leadership seeking to foster deeper belonging for neurodivergent members. Specific dates, times, and locations found on their website.
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
4500 State Highway 360,
Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 1-877-953-7282
Website: https://sbtexas.com/church-ministries/disability-ministry/
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC) provides consultation for churches wanting to start or grow. Through their disability ministry, they provide training and networking events, consultation services, and Special Needs Ministry Sunday, which can help church leaders foster inclusion within their congregations.
United Church of Christ Mental Health Network- Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, Engaged (WISE)
Email: wise@mhn-ucc.org
Website: https://www.mhn-ucc.org/becoming-wise/
The United Church of Christ offers a WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) certification program designed to enhance a congregation’s capacity for mental health ministry. Through curriculum of courses and leadership training, this initiative equips churches with the professional and pastoral competencies required to foster a truly supportive environment for individuals navigating mental health challenges.
United Methodist Disability Network
Email: information@umcdmc.org
Website: https://www.umcdmc.org/home
The United Methodist Disability Network provides resources for church leaders to include individuals with disabilities and their families. Their resources focus on Wesleyan theology; church leaders from all faith traditions are welcome to come to utilize their resources. These resources were created by both clergy and lay persons with lived experience of disability.
Practical ministry trainings, curriculum, and consultation services that can help churches build welcoming, sustainable practices for people with disabilitiees, neurodivergence, trauma, and mental health challenges. These resources focus on strengthening church systems, volunteer and staff trainings, and inclusive participation in the life of congregations.
Ability Tree
PO Box 14928
Springfield, MO 65814
Phone: (855) 288-6735
Website: https://www.abilitytree.org/
Ability Tree provides resources focused on recreation, education, support, & training (R.E.S.T). Ability Tree has a consulting branch and four community branches that can assist church leaders. They also offer Ability Camp, an overnight camp experience for adults with disabilities in either Oklahoma or Pennsylvania.
Able Faith
4350 Sigma Road, Ste 100,
Dallas, TX 75244
Email: info@ablefaith.org
Website: https://www.ablefaith.org/about-able-faith
Able Faith is a ministry that allows a space for individuals with neurological disabilities and their families to come together in worship. They provide trainings and resources that can be beneficial for church leaders in growing a more inclusive congregation.
The Adapted Way
Website: https://www.theadaptedway.com/
The Adapted Way is dedicated to the strategic equipping of ministry leaders and volunteers, providing the practical, Christ-centered tools necessary to cultivate inclusive environments for children of all abilities. By offering step-by-step training and adapted Bible curricula, the program ensures that every student has the opportunity to learn, worship, and grow.
Autism and the Church
Website: https://www.autismchurch.com/
Autism & the Church provides training, coaching, and practical resources to help churches better welcome and support autistic individuals and their families. A key offering of the ministry is its sensory‑engaged Bible studies, which intentionally incorporate sight, sound, touch, movement, and other sensory experiences to support more inclusive ways of learning and processing faith. Church leaders can use these studies to support accessible discipleship, small groups, and faith formation, allowing autistic individuals to engage Scripture in concrete, embodied, and meaningful ways.
The Autism Pastor
Email: info@autismpastor.com
Website: https://autismpastor.com/
The Autism Pastor, Dr. Hardwick, offers disability related educational workshops and training opportunities on his website for church leaders. He also offers speaking engagements and consulting to help churches become more inclusive of individuals with Autism and related disabilities.
Awe and Wonder
Website: https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/
Awe & Wonder provides adapted Bible curriculum and practical discipleship tools designed specifically for children and individuals with disabilities. The organization equips churches and families with ready-to-use lesson plans, visual supports, and accessibility resources that make the gospel more understandable and engaging for diverse learning needs. Their resources are especially helpful for ministry leaders seeking to build inclusive, developmentally appropriate faith formation within their church communities.
The Banquet Network
2232 N. Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
Email: info@thebanquetnetwork.com
Website: https://www.thebanquetnetwork.com/
The Banquet Network is a Christian nonprofit that equips and resources churches to welcome, serve, and fully integrate individuals and families impacted by disabilities into the life of the local church. Through training, coaching, and practical tools, they help congregations of all sizes develop sustainable disability inclusion ministries rooted in biblical hospitality and belonging.
Disability Ministries
Website: https://abilityministry.com/product/volunteer-101-free-training-resource/
Disability Ministries offers many free courses on many topics, including volunteering in disability ministry. These resources can be great for church leaders growing their team to better support individuals with disabilities.
Engaging Disability with the Gospel
Email: connect@engagingdisability.org
Website: https://engagingdisability.org/
Engaging Disability with the Gospel offers resources for inclusion of individuals with disabilities in church communities. They offer cohort-based church training, church coaching, and a publishing branch which produces gospel-centered materials inclusive of a variety of learners.
Joni and Friends Texas
2001 West Plano Parkway, #2060
Plano, TX 75075
Phone: (972) 941-4525
Email: texas@joniandfriends.org
Website: https://joniandfriends.org/texas/
Joni and Friends Texas serves as a resource for ministry leaders seeking to enhance their disability inclusion efforts. The organization provides specialized training and materials designed to help churches integrate families with disabilities into the life of the congregation. They offer financial support through the Christian Fund for the Disabled, allowing churches to apply for grants to fund specific accessibility projects and outreach initiatives.
Key Ministries
Website: https://keyministry.org/
Key Ministries provides resources for individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma. They support church leaders with various resources such as podcasts, virtual roundtables, and an annual conference.
Little Light House Academy
Website: https://little-light-house.teachable.com/p/cultivating-an-accessible-church-volunteer-training
Little Light House Academy offers a Cultivating an Accessible Church: Volunteer Training course which helps train church volunteers to better support those with special needs. Church leaders can use this course to help grow a space of belonging and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Mental Health Grace Alliance
P.O. Box 23401
Waco, TX 76702
Phone: (254)-300-1419
Website: https://mentalhealthgracealliance.org/
Mental Health Grace Alliance is a non-profit organization whose mission is to equip the Church with mental health resources that blend science and Scripture. They provide free group leader training and support video/resources, free access to a group leader network, and free group workbooks/articles/educational guides and devotionals.
Red Balloon Training
Email: joanna@redballoontraining.co.uk
Website: https://www.redballoontraining.co.uk/
Red Balloon Training offers practical training for staff and volunteers working with children and young people, covering mental health, trauma, and disability‑related needs. Their courses help churches equip volunteers with understanding and confidence to support vulnerable young people, improve safeguarding practices, and create more inclusive and supportive ministry environments.
With Ministries
7616 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy
Ste. 829
Dallas, TX 75251
Phone: 616-301-7729
Website: https://withministries.org/
With Ministries provides educational resources designed to equip church leadership and staff for effective ministry alongside the disability community. By providing webinars, tailored curriculum, and training, they offer the frameworks necessary for inclusive engagement within congregations.