I am so excited to hear about your call to Deaf Ministry and your willingness to be obedient to that calling! I know that God will guide you and make it clear just what He wants you to do.

We have a booklet, How to Start and Keep a Deaf Ministry, to help you get started, you can find it at Here.

Step 1: The first step you need to take is to talk with your church leaders. Tell them about the deaf and ask them to pray with you about starting a deaf ministry. Once your church is in agreement that this is God's calling not only for you, but for your church, then you can go on to the next step.

Step 2: Next, use the Deaf Ministry Commitment Card to see who in your church is also called to be a part of the deaf ministry (hint, they do not need to know sign language) You can find the Deaf Ministry Commitment Card on this page.

Step 3: Take some time to fill out the Church Deaf Ministry Evaluation Survey. This will really help you to see where you are at and what you need.

Step 4: Begin the ministry. Start out by having a deaf event or potluck and invite all the deaf people you know. Advertise that you will be starting a deaf ministry on the radio (friends and family members of the deaf can hear it and let them know about it), in the newspaper, with flyers or by personal invitations.

Step 5: Have a regular time that church will be interpreted every Sunday with an interpreter ready to go. I suggest interpreting the songs, even if no deaf people attend, just so you and the congregation can get used to the interpreter. Also, if a deaf person shows up late they will know right where the interpreter is and not cause any disruption.

Step 6: Have a deaf bible study, go visit the Deaf in their homes, create outreach events so you can build relationships with the Deaf and tell them about Jesus.

Step 7: Invite guest speakers for a deaf event, revival, start up of the deaf ministry or any other occasion (deaf retreat, deaf conference, workshops etc.)