Stephen “Doc” Hunsley, M.D. is the Executive Director and founder of SOAR Special Needs in Lenexa, Kansas. SOAR (Special Opportunities, Abilities, and Relationships) serves over 1000 individuals with disabilities through regular respite events and Special Needs Day Camps. Doc is currently assisting over 500 churches locally, nationally, and globally in starting a Disability Ministry. Doc also organizes the Wonderfully Made Disability Conference held annually every October in Kansas City. Doc is a retired pediatrician while his wife, Kay, continues practicing pediatrics. They are proud parents to three beautiful children: Luke, Mark, and Sarah. The Hunsley’s middle child, Mark, is presently running the halls of heaven. During Mark’s five-year earthly stay, he gave his family the opportunity to learn from and love a child with autism. You can follow SOAR on Facebook or Connect with Doc on Twitter: @DocHunsley SOARSpecialNeeds.org.

Mythbusting: How to Get Senior Leadership on Board for your Disability Ministry

Are you trying to start a Disability Ministry at your church but having difficulty in getting your senior leadership to understand your vision? Or are you part of the senior leadership and have concerns about starting another ministry? We will debunk many of the myths on why one can’t do a Disability Ministry! We will provide you the tools to have effective conversations with church senior leadership to promote the initiation of a Disability Ministry – even in adverse situations.

Mythbusting Handout


Starting a Disability Ministry in Any Sized Church

Has God called you to start a Disability Ministry at your church, but you don’t know where to begin? Whether you are a small church or a large one, this workshop will answer the questions of how, what, and why. Learn different classroom environments; types of behaviors; engaging and partnering with church staff and community organizations; and helping your church become an inclusive place for those with special needs. After this workshop, you will realize that YOU can do disability ministry at your church!

Starting – Handout