2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Special Ministries at Grace Community Church. It was back in 1975 that the Lord brought together a group of special men who had the desire to reach the disabled community.
Dr. Sam Britten, who was a professor at Cal State University Northridge and an elder at Grace Church, was instrumental in starting this ministry. Sam, with the help of a few others, first desired to start sign language interpretation for the worship services. He also developed a training program to teach a beginning-level ASL class.
In 1977, Gene Newman asked Dr. Britten about the possibility of starting a class for the developmentally disabled here at Grace. In 1978, through the efforts of Sam Britten, Gene Newman, and Greg Barshaw, a training meeting was scheduled and amazingly, 70 people showed up. Later that year, Gene started a training course on how to serve those with disabilities, after which he and Wayne Foglesong started a Tuesday night outreach for the mentally disabled called GRACE Club (which stands for Grace Recreational Activity Center for the Exceptional). That first year, the ministry served eight students.
In 1979, Joni Eareckson arrived in Los Angeles for the filming of her movie, “Joni.” She lived in the house next to our campus, where the Facilities building is now located. During that time, Joni would become a real blessing to Special Ministries, leading by example in her faith and encouraging the precious people in our ministry. In a special moment at our Thanksgiving service in 1979, Grace Church presented her with a new wheelchair van with the necessary modifications for her to be able to drive it.
In 1980, Steve Miller started a Bible study for the deaf in the home of Steven and Tari Kelley. Also in 1980, a second class for the developmentally disabled began. Later in 1980, Debbie Stone came to Grace Community Church to become the secretary of Special Ministries and coordinator for ministries to the physically disabled. Debbie, who had polio, blessed every life she touched in this ministry.
In 1981, Connie Jacobs and Diane Sabol helped start our transportation ministries. They served for many years with us before going home to be with the Lord. In 1982, Sam Britten and Greg Barshaw asked Wayne Foglesong and Gene Newman to think about starting a summer camp ministry. This opened great opportunities to take our disabled friends to many beautiful national and state parks in California.
The decade that spanned 1984 to 1994 represents the growing years of Special Ministries. Stan Carder was called to become the pastor. The Lord used Stan’s energy and enthusiasm to create excitement, growth, and refinement in the ministry. From what we know, he was possibly the first pastor ever to be appointed over a ministry to those with disabilities.
In 1987, Karen Bolyard started the Grace on Wheels program. This would involve Saturday activities, outings, and parties for the physically disabled. For those who were able to come to church, worship assistants would sit with them, fellowship with them, and help them hold their Bibles and hymnals.
In 2002, Rick McLean was called to be the Pastor of Special Ministries, a role in which he has now served for 23 years. The ministry encompasses Sunday School classes for both children and adults, the continuation of GRACE Club as an outreach ministry, and many special events throughout the year for both individuals with disabilities and their parents.
Throughout all these years of Special Ministries at Grace Church, what has been ever constant and readily evident through this ministry is the faithfulness of God. This has been most plainly demonstrated by committed people who have served continuously, some who have served for over 30 years. It is exciting to see how God continues to bring a steady stream of faithful men and women year after year to minister to these dear friends.
We have also seen God’s faithfulness in the lives of our disabled friends, many of whom have now been attending this church for many years. Many have come to embrace Grace Community Church as their family. Praise the Lord!