Special-Needs Ministry

A Word from our Pastor

At Coastline, our heart for the special needs community is deeply personal. 

As a pastor and his wife, we are also a special needs dad and mom—our son Seth has severe nonverbal autism—so we understand both the joys and the unique challenges that can come with attending church as a family. It is our desire to create an environment of genuine welcome, understanding, love, and inclusion for families of all kinds. 

God’s Word reminds us in Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made,” and we truly believe every individual is a beautiful reflection of His design and deeply loved by Him.

Each service, we offer a sensory room equipped with crash pads, sensory toys, playdough, and more, along with trained, patient, and caring volunteers so parents can worship together with peace of mind. Parents are also always welcome to stay in the sensory room with their child—we typically have the service livestream playing in there (unless the kids decide they’d rather watch something else…which happens more often than you might think!).

At the same time, if your child is more comfortable staying with you, please know that movement, stimming, and joyful sounds in the sanctuary are always welcome—we’re used to it, and we love it.