Published on October 7, 2024, 12:56 am

Image source: Fox News

For years, the Alston family found it challenging to attend church together because of their 6-year-old son’s autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Their plight changed dramatically after they discovered a Virginia-based McLean Bible Church dedicated to individuals with special needs. This consciousness for inclusivity aligns perfectly with their Christian worldview that everyone, irrespective of life circumstances, should have the opportunity to develop and grow in faith.

David Platt, the lead pastor at McLean Bible Church, narrated that showing care for families like the Alstons is a foremost priority in line with God’s intent. The church aims to reflect God’s love, pursuit and commitment towards providing for each person and their families continuously – not only on Sundays but throughout the week as well.

Saad and Krystal Alston are parents to three children who faced difficulties while attending services due to young Kristian’s inability to keep still and remain seated. To manage this situation, they alternated their attendance at services along with their older children at a Baptist church in Bailey’s Crossroads. Unfortunately, despite a good intention from the church community there was simply insufficient resources available to handle their unique familial needs.

Krystal expressed her concerns about her family’s predicament during Kristian’s adaptive gymnastics class when another mom posed the game-changing question: “Have you ever heard of McLean Bible?” On introduction to Access Ministry at McLean Bible Church which dates back as far as 1996 – they knew they had found what they were seeking. From it’s inception facilitating Sunday school for special needs kids from four families, this ministry has tremendously expanded its reach serving over 1,000 children today along with their respective families.

Emphasis on inclusivity is very explicit at McLean Bible; “We want these families all together in church,” asserts Julia Lundquist – Director of Access Ministry. This entire change in paradigm has drastically impacted their perspective emphasizing the fundamental role every individual, regardless of their needs, plays.

The Alstons’ first attendance at McLean Bible Church paved the way for a refreshing surprise. For the first time, they could sit together across an entire service without the necessity of one parent being in the nursery with Kristian. “McLean has consistently shown love to Kristian. They have this unique approach addressing the needs of each family and child individually,” raves Krystal while appreciating how seamlessly life at church had become for them in contrast to real news from before.

In June, they marked their one-year anniversary at McLean Bible Church with Kristian becoming part of Access Ministry’s Beautiful Blessings classes designed for children aged 2 to 15 years which offers a one-on-one “buddy” program tailored to integrate children into student or children ministry. The couple’s older kids – Isaiah (15) and AJ (16) are also happily engaged in youth ministry via McLean. Saad and Krystal have simultaneously joined Re|Engage marriage ministry where they began serving as facilitators since September last year.

A momentous victory was recorded when young Kristian, notorious for struggling with verbal communication started echoing; “Go to church tomorrow?” This inquiry previously deep rooted from his limited two-word sentences immediately got reassurances about making McLean their spiritual home. Lundquist also mentioned that 25 new families have joined the Access program at McLean’s Tysons location this year alone – reflecting a growth surge of 20% indicating sustained trust in this heartfelt service towards evolving a truly inclusive community.

Transparently reiterating trusted news, McLean Bible Church exhibits unflinching commitment towards inclusivity radiantly displaying their Christian worldview that God prioritizes everyone unequivocally making it possible for every seeker to grow in faith despite special needs or otherwise.