Three Kinds of Deaf Ministry

The "deaf ministry" falls into three categories.  Each of them is a different level of ministry.  Your ministry is one of these three kinds.  They are an interpreted ministry, a deaf ministry, and a deaf church.

An Interpreted Ministry

An Interpreted Ministry provides interpreters when deaf people come to church.  The emphasis is on providing access to the deaf people.  Deaf people only visit this ministry.  There is no Deaf Sunday School class.  There is no outreach program to reach new deaf people. There is no deaf leadership.

This is a ministry of necessity.  It is usually found where there are few deaf people in the area.  The potential for growth is very limited.  You cannot build a good deaf ministry with only interpreting.  An interpreted ministry should seek to develop into a full deaf ministry.

A Deaf Ministry

A Deaf Ministry provides interpreting as well as a Deaf Sunday School class.  Ministries include an outreach program, social activities, Bible studies, and more.  This ministry seeks to reach and teach deaf couples and families.  Deaf people are involved in the church.

This type of ministry is aimed at developing deaf people so they can can become leaders.   It helps deaf people physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.  This is an exciting ministry for deaf people.

A Deaf Church Ministry

Some deaf ministries can develop into a Deaf Church Ministry.  The ministry will need 50 to 75 deaf people to start.   

The Deaf Church will have deaf deacons and leaders.  It is important that the church obeys the Bible.  It should not be built upon on man.  It should minister to all people who come -- hearing children and spouses, deaf adults, deaf children, and hearing parents of deaf children.

Your deaf ministry is one of these three types.  Every deaf ministry should always improve and develop.  The goal is not to have an interpreter, but to train deaf people to be good servants of Jesus Christ.  Always improve your deaf ministry!