-
Pray for Deaf leaders and Deaf people.
-
Contact your local association or state convention to identify the number of Deaf people in your area.
-
Look for ways to bridge the gap between hearing people and deaf people.
-
Enlist an interpreter who is fluent in sign language.
-
If you do not have an interpreter, use a data projector connected to a computer. A fast typist can keep up with the preacher/teacher similar to the closed-captioning offered on television.
-
See the "Preparing your church" page to prepare your building for ministry to people with disabilities.
-
See the "Prepare your people" page for suggestions about training you greeters, leaders, and teachers how to respond to Deaf people in the church.
-
Advertise to the community that interpretation is provided for the Deaf.
-
Provide a section of the worship center or class for Deaf to be able to see the interpreter clearly.
-
Provide interpretation for all services and Bible studies.
-
Eventually provide separate worship and Bible studies for Deaf people.
-
Learn about the Deaf culture and provide specific outreach for Deaf people.
-
Offer classes to teach Sign language to your people.
-
Use Chronological Bible Storying (CBS) to train preachers / teachers. It is a method of teaching that is being used in International missions and presents the lessons visually more than verbally. (Visit
www.imb.org for more information).
