Trinity professors examine special needs and church ministry

Three Trinity professors co-edited the spring 2016 issue of the Christian Education Journal focusing on "Special Needs and Church Ministry."

Assistant Professor of Education Ruby Owiny, Associate Professor of Education Peter L. Wright, and Professor of Christian Ministries Gregory C. Carlson started work on the project last year.

CEJ is a peer-reviewed academic journal published twice a year in Los Angeles by Biola University's Talbot School of Theology, in cooperation with the Society of Professors in Christian Education (formerly NAPCE). Carlson has served on the CEJ advisory board.

"We sought to bring together the special needs of individuals, the promise of opportunity in the local ministry and the best of research in the field of special needs education," said Carlson, who serves as chair of the Department of Christian Ministries at Trinity College. "I'm pleased with the result, but also know that this is only a beginning, a catalyst for ministry with special needs people."

"This is a topic we feel is relevant to the church and one which is often neglected," Owiny said. "The collaboration across departments was refreshing and I learned a great amount about the field of Christian education as we worked to bridge the gap with special education. I have a new appreciation for journal editors."

The articles examine the conception and practice of Christian education in church and parachurch settings. The journal issue explored the application and integration of research to the educational concern of ministering to special needs learners and their families.

It also addressed the changing cultural context and ministry needs of church workers in fostering improved educational opportunities for those with special needs.

"Now that the journal has been published, I pray that it will bless and edify the body of Christ, encouraging the inclusion of all of God's children in local congregations, especially those that have yet to welcome people with special needs," Wright said.

The journal can be accessed online at journals.biola.edu/ns/cej/volumes/13/issues/1/.