Agape | Special Needs Ministry

Inclusive faith. Lasting community. God’s unconditional love.

At Athens First UMC, we believe every disciple of Jesus Christ is a vital part of God’s kingdom. Agape is not a ministry apart, but a ministry within every part of our church. Through Agape, we strive to ensure that people of all abilities are fully welcomed into the life of the church. Whether in worship, student ministry, kids ministry, missions, or small groups, every person belongs, contributes, and is celebrated as a beloved child of God.

Do you have a family member who would benefit from participating in our Agape Ministry?
Contact Emma Baughn, Assistant Director of Kids at Athens First |

Our Approach

Agape Special Needs Ministry exists to reflect Christ’s love through belonging and inclusion. We believe the church is at its best when people of all abilities worship, learn, and serve together. That’s why Agape works hand-in-hand with every ministry area in our church, from nursery care to adult small groups, to create spaces where everyone can thrive.

Our Core Values:

Inclusive Faith – Every disciple is welcome and affirmed in their faith journey.
Lasting Community – We nurture meaningful relationships that support individuals and families.
God’s Unconditional Love – We celebrate each person as perfectly and wonderfully made.

Kids Agape

Through Kids Ministry at AFUMC, we come alongside families with intentional accessibility and Christ-centered inclusion. From nursery care to elementary activities, our goal is to provide a safe and loving environment where every child can experience God’s love, grow in faith, and build a strong foundation of belonging.

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K-5 Sunday Morning

Model: Large Group, Small Group

All children will be dropped off in the Agape Room (insert room number) by their parents to be paired with a buddy, an adult volunteer, if needed. Here, they will review expectations, routines, and the day's timeline using a visual schedule.
Children, who are able, will be encouraged to attend Large Group in Hancock Hall and sit with their buddies and their grade level peers. Those unable to attend Large Group will remain in the Agape Room to watch the day’s Bible story in a quieter environment.
After Large Group, children will go with their grade level peers and buddy upstairs to the third floor for their small group. This is a great opportunity for hands-on and sensory-based reinforcement of the Bible story.
Once small group is over, all grade levels will transition back to Hancock Hall to be picked up by their parents after the service has concluded.

Nursery

Model: Story Time, Craft, Play

Children aged four and under attend Sunday School in the nursery. During Sunday School, we hear the Bible story of the day and then spring into a hands-on, sensory-based activity to reflect what we just learned!
If your child would benefit from having a buddy included in their nursery Sunday school lesson, please stop by the Agape room (insert room number) before dropping off your child in the nursery

Students Agape

Student Ministry at AFUMC is a place where teens of all abilities can explore faith, build friendships, and discover their unique gifts. By offering intentional accessibility and Christ-centered inclusion, we create space for every student to feel seen, supported, and connected as they navigate life and faith together.

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Sunday School

Students in grades 6-12 gather in the Student space for a time of fellowship, donuts, and a lesson that will deepen their faith and their understanding of the Bible. The Agape ministry supports Students by providing a peer-aged buddy to assist their fellow Students with mobility and inclusion!

Sunday Nights

Students (6-12) come join us on Sunday evenings to experience all of this as we seek to grow in discipleship and relationship with God.

Students will enjoy a meal and worship together, and then we will split for the message, games, and small group time according to whether they are in Middle School or High School. Coordinate with Emma Baughn if your student would benefit from a buddy on Sunday nights.

Adults Agape

At AFUMC, we believe adults of all abilities are vital members of the body of Christ. Through small groups, worship, missions, and fellowship, our Agape Ministry provides intentional accessibility and Christ-centered inclusion, ensuring every adult has a place to belong, grow spiritually, and share their gifts with the church community.