Our Mission

The Children's Ministry Department of Nutley Abundant Life Worship Center has had a growth in the area of children with special needs. Bishop Bruno and the entire Pastoral Staff feel that every person who attends the church is considered family and of great value to our house and to the kingdom of God . Our special needs program is on its way and focused for success.

Our Chosen Vessels Program currently cares for children whose needs include various degrees of autism, emotional instability, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome and more. We believe that we can, by God's Grace, provide love, support and basic Christian education to these precious children.

We have a committee of qualified individuals who assist with this program. The volunteer committee consists of educators, children's ministry staff, elders, healthcare professionals, care givers and siblings of children with special needs. We in no way suggest that we are able to provide clinical evaluations, therapy or treatment but we do provide love, prayer, bible lessons and lots of fun.

We also strive to provide a safe environment where parents/families can leave their child while enjoying their own personal spiritual experience. Summer 2007 we celebrated the grand opening of our upgraded special needs classroom. Equipped with games, toys, music, visuals, arts & crafts, Parent Communication Board, ISGP's (Individualized Spiritual Growth Plans) and more, the room is a wonderful place to learn about God's love. The “Comfort Nest” is a particular favorite for those children who periodically experience a “sensory overload.” Although this classroom is fantastic, most of our ISGP's include “mainstreaming” children into the “typical” classroom setting. During services, our volunteer staff members “shadow” the children to insure their safety and optimal spiritual education experience. As our little ones enter the pre-teen years, our program works closely with the Youth Department to see that the ISGP is maintained and altered as needed.

We offer periodic Worship Service designed specifically for our children with special needs. During these services, you, your family and child can worship freely without concern of “disturbing” others who may not understand that God works differently through each of his children. It is a service where your child can express worship to God in their unique way.