Growing up in a family of pastors—my father, my grandfathers, and brother all serving the local church—I’ve seen firsthand the power of a welcoming multicultural church community.
Deaf Ministry Church Begins With a “Yes”
So, what happens when a deaf person attends a church for the first time? More than likely, that church has been on a journey to understand the experiences of deaf people—including the reality that sign language is its own language. And, that church has chosen to respond with a heartfelt “yes” to being the kind of community where everyone belongs.
What Deaf Ministry Church Options Look Like
Thankfully, churches across the country are saying “yes” and adding their ministries to the free online directory at Deaf Church Where. There are two kinds of options for church ministry for the deaf: Deaf churches with services entirely in sign language and Deaf ministries in hearing churches that offer interpretation—both welcoming deaf neighbors who seek a place to explore the Bible and follow Jesus.
Practical Steps for Deaf Ministry Church Leaders
What “yes” looks like for Deaf ministry
When it comes to cultivating a Deaf ministry, your church’s response will take time to develop. Here are six tips to guide you:
1. Engage with excitement and quick care. A smile needs no interpretation. Ask questions with humility, such as, “How can we support you?” This posture creates trust and signals that your church is ready to learn and serve well. The spectrum of deafness and hearing loss may involve different kinds of needs.
2. It’s okay to communicate with written notes when you first meet a deaf person. Thanks to Deaf education in the United States, deaf visitors are likely to read and write. Short notes on paper or a phone app can help you get by, but lip reading can be prone to misunderstanding.
3. Make sign language a priority. Encourage church members with interpreting skills to serve. But also hire a qualified professional interpreter—because you don’t want the spiritual impact of your ministry to be lost in translation. For those looking to learn, the Oklahoma School for the Deaf offers free online classes for beginners in American Sign Language.
4. Encourage use of the Deaf Bible app. For deaf individuals, seeing the Bible in sign language makes a connection in a way that written words do not. This free access to Scripture in a video format gives them an opportunity to grow in their faith.
5. Minister to the entire family. The vast majority of deaf children are born to hearing parents, creating significant effects on family life. Resources at Deaf Kids Connect can help them and you.
6. See it as an opportunity for Deaf leadership and community growth. Deaf people are well networked. When they find something good, they tell their friends. Build relationships with the local Deaf community outside of church walls, including Deaf schools near you.
When Deaf Ministry Church Looks Different
Your “yes” might look different
Your church may not be ready to say “yes” to Deaf ministry—especially if there’s already another option in your community. Contact your nearest Deaf church to learn about starting a Deaf ministry or to make referrals.
Keep in mind that deaf pastors need prayer and encouragement just like you do—and they’re often isolated from support. As an expression of local outreach, consider giving missions funding to a Deaf church or offering a meeting space in your building.
Why Deaf Ministry Church Requires Wisdom and Prayer
Seek wisdom to serve well
Most importantly, seek wisdom from God. Every Deaf person has unique needs, but all deserve to encounter the gospel in a language and context they fully understand. Serving the Deaf community is about making room for every person created in God’s image. And it begins with your “yes.”
Chantel Pagán became President and CEO of Deaf Bible Society in 2020, but her connection to the mission began long before. As one of the organization’s founding members, Chantel is driven by her experiences navigating diverse languages and communities. She has spent more than a decade advocating for Deaf communities worldwide to have access to the Bible in their heart sign language. Chantel and her husband, Joel, live in Midlothian, TX, with their two daughters, Zebadi and Keziah.
