FARRAGUT, Tenn. — First Baptist Concord Church in Farragut says its on a mission to better bridge the gap between faith and families who have members with special needs.
The church held its "JOY! A Disability Conference" to discuss ways they can bring the special needs community together through faith.
"One of the big things that our families seek is a sense of community," Diane Knudsen, a special needs ministry coordinator at First Baptist Concord, said.
The church is hopeful to include more families who have recently moved to Knox County, so they can feel accepted and loved.
"A lot of times in the community, they're turned away or looked at differently," Knudsen said. "Where, when they come here to First Baptist, we find what their abilities are and find things they're good at."
Keynote speakers, volunteers and members also attended the conference to discuss starting a disability ministry. Many volunteers and family members say it's a good idea and furthers the church's path of inclusion.
"I just love it, I love everybody here," Nicholas Williams, one volunteer at Saturday's conference, said. "All the teachers, my mom, my family, everybody's my family at this church."
First Baptist Concord is serving 60 families who have members with special needs.