Intellectually Delayed Adults
Using Stories with Special Need Adults
The beauty of worship and storytelling is that it transcends age, ability, and background, offering a universal language of connection and reverence. This inclusivity is especially evident in the “Young Children & Worship” approach, which was initially designed for young children. Worship & Wonder uses this technique of storytelling with scriptures and adults with special needs. Using simple, sensory-rich stories, this method encourages participants to experience God’s love and truth in ways that respect their unique pace, style, and understanding.
Worship & Wonder
The Power of Storytelling in Worship
Storytelling in worship isn’t merely about sharing narratives; it’s about creating a sacred space where individuals can connect with God. For adults with special needs, the structured, predictable storytelling approach used in Worship & Wonder offers:
- A Calm, Familiar Environment: The repetitive nature of the stories and the routines built around them foster a sense of safety. This can be especially comforting for adults with cognitive or developmental differences, allowing them to relax and engage more fully.
- Sensory-Rich Experiences: Many special needs adults connect well with tactile, visual, and auditory elements. These stories often incorporate sensory props, such as felt boards, wooden figurines, and sand, providing them with tangible ways to connect with abstract spiritual concepts.
- A Respectful Pace: The slower, intentional storytelling pace allows each participant to process at their own rhythm. There’s no rush, only an open invitation to engage as they are ready.
Worship & Wonder Works for Adults with Special Needs
This curriculum was designed to appeal to all ages because of its simplicity, sensory engagement, and depth of spiritual meaning. Here’s why this approach works exceptionally well with special needs adults:
- Focus on Relational Connection
These stories prioritize a relational experience with God over cognitive understanding. For adults with special needs, connecting to God can be deeply meaningful without requiring complex theological comprehension. - Freedom to Wonder and Ask
Each story includes an invitation to “wonder,” which allows participants to engage their thoughts and feelings without the pressure of “correct” answers. This open-ended approach encourages inclusivity, respecting each person’s unique response. - Active Participation through Role Play and Response
Many of the stories allow for role-playing or physical interaction, where adults with special needs can move, touch, and even embody parts of the story. For example, they might walk a wooden figure along a felt path, signifying a journey with God, or light a candle to represent Christ’s light in the world. - Creating a Sense of Belonging
Because the stories are familiar and predictable, adults with special needs often begin to feel that they have a place within the storytelling experience. This can be particularly empowering for those who may feel left out in more traditional worship settings.
Practical Tips:
Create a Consistent Environment
Implementing these stories in a way that respects and accommodates individual needs is essential. Here are some strategies:
Invite Participation without Pressure
Encourage Gentle Transitions
Foster Reflection with Quiet Moments
Adapting Stories for Accessibility
Simplify Language if Needed
Some stories may need slight modifications to fit the comprehension levels of your group. Focus on the core message, using words and phrases that resonate with their understanding.
Incorporate Visuals and Symbols
Adding images, signs, or even personal photos connected to the story can reinforce understanding.
Use Multisensory Props
Enhance the sensory experience by including touchable elements like sand for desert scenes, a small bowl of water for baptism, or scented candles for symbolic moments.