Family Ministries
Disability Ministry
Our Vision
Weakness Is Not the Exception. It’s the Canvas.
Throughout Scripture, God consistently reveals His glory not through strength, achievement, or perfection—but through limitation, suffering, and dependence. From Jacob’s limp to Moses’ stammering tongue, from Mephibosheth welcomed at the king’s table to the man born blind, the biblical witness is clear: disability is not an exception to the image of God, but an expression of it. At Millington Baptist Church, Upside Down Glory is our commitment to live out this conviction together—building a church family where every person, of every ability, is welcomed, discipled, and empowered as an essential member of the Body of Christ.
This ministry is more than a program—it is a culture. Through our partnership with Joni and Friends, our Disability Leadership Team (DsLT), and a growing network of care, hospitality, and outreach, we are working toward a church that looks like the Kingdom: a table with room for everyone. Whether you are personally navigating disability, loving someone who is, or simply answering a call to serve the overlooked, there is a place for you here. Explore the resources below, join our team, and help us become a church known for the upside-down, glory-revealing love of Jesus Christ.
“Dignity before ability. Belonging before healing.”
Christ-Centered
Every act of service reflects the compassion and truth of Jesus.
Collaboration
We partner across ministries with unity, humility, and shared purpose.
Learning Posture
We pursue continual growth in understanding and practice.
Hospitality
We create environments of belonging for every individual and family.
Outreach
We engage our community as ambassadors of Christ’s inclusive love.
First Step
Help Us Serve You Well
Every person’s story is different. Our Disability Intake Form helps us understand the unique needs of individuals and families in our congregation and community—so we can walk alongside you with care that is personal, not generic.
Takes about 5 minutes
Confidential and reviewed by our Care Team
Helps us connect you with the right people and resources
No obligation—just a conversation starter
Resources
Grow Deeper. Serve Better.
Whether you’re new to disability ministry or looking to deepen your theological foundations, these resources will equip and inspire you.
Sermon Series
Upside Down Glory — 8 Week Series.
This series walks through Scripture to redefine ability, confront suffering with hope, and build a truly welcoming church family.
Ministry Partner
Joni and Friends
MBC has partnered with Joni and Friends to develop training, coaching, and resources for disability ministry in our local church and community.
Recommended Reading
Books on Disability & the Church
MBC has partnered with Joni and Friends to develop training, coaching, and resources for disability ministry in our local church and community. Check out these resources:
Podcast
Joni and Friends Podcast
Hosted by Joni Eareckson Tada, this podcast explores faith, disability, and the love of Christ for every person.
Church Resource
Key Ministry
Practical tools and training for churches seeking to include children and adults with disabilities in every area of congregational life.
Disability Support Team
Support Team
The Disability Support Team is the hands-and-feet engine behind MBC’s disability ministry. While the Disability Leadership Team sets the vision and strategy, the Support Team makes it real—showing up week in and week out to welcome families, assist individuals, and ensure that no one navigates church life alone. No specialized credentials required, just a willing heart and a belief that every person belongs at the table.
Get Involved
Tell us about yourself or your family member. Every form is reviewed by our Care Team so we can learn how to serve you better—personally and practically. Click HERE for intake form
We’re looking for members from Kids, Student, Care, Hospitality, and Outreach Ministries to serve on the DsLT.
Equip yourself through Joni and Friends partnership training to serve families impacted by disability.
Our Parent’s Night Out Respite Program is launching soon. Volunteers needed to give caregivers a meaningful rest.
Disability Ministry Internship
MBC is excited to announce a BRAND NEW internship opportunity in our disability ministry! Interested in learning more? Check out the information packet and fill out an application today!
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
-2 Timothy 4:1-5, ESV-
Garden Workday August 20th
MBC Communion / Lords Table
Lord’s Table | We practice two ordinances at MBC: Baptism and the Lord’s Table. By participating in these ordinances, Christians proclaim both their individual faith in Christ and our whole congregation proclaims our unity in the Gospel. MBC believes that the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a commemoration of the Savior’s death, and, through participating, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” MBC Articles of Faith, Article XI – To prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Supper we must understand that we are practicing these four things when we come to His table:
We Worship
This ordinance is part of corporate worship, normally on the first Sunday of each month. This is why the Lord’s Table is for believers only. It is an act of the gathered family, the church. Unbelievers may be present, indeed, we welcome them to be present as there is nothing secretive about the Lord’s Supper, it is done in public, but it is the family meal for those who have already professed their faith in Jesus Christ and have come to worship.
We Remember
Human beings are prone to forgetfulness. This is especially true spiritually. Therefore, the mental action of all the participants of the Lord’s Supper is to focus our minds on Jesus, especially remembering his sacrificial and historical work of dying on the cross for our sins. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 says “Do this in remembrance of me.” At the table we remember.
We Give Thanks
The word “Eucharist” in 1 Corinthians 11:24 means to “give thanks.” We are filled with gratitude at the table because Jesus paid our sin debt and provided for us in abundance all that we need.
We Practice Self-Examination
The Scripture says a person “ought to examine themselves before he or she eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) It’s important that we come to the table with a clear conscience before God. We come and confess our sins and renew our covenant commitment before God.
For Further Study
Communion is explained in the following key Scriptures: Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-32.
Check our our informative Mini-Series on the Lords Table
Check out more of our relevant content on our You Tube Channel
Resources to Learn More:
- Why is the Lord’s Table so important? (9 Marks ministries)
- Guidance for Parents concerning the ordinances document
- Four views on the Lord’s supper (Zondervan Counterpoints series)
- The Lord’s Supper: Remembering and Proclaiming Christ Until He Comes (New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology)
- The Jewish background of the Passover (Link to Chosen People Ministries doing Passover talk at MBC)
Questions?
Family Ministries
Family Ministries Resource Page | We live in a complex world. Raising the next generation to own their faith has never been more challenging—or more necessary. Yet, in the Scriptures, we see three institutions that God created: The Family, The Church, and the Nation—but the family is the foundation of society.
At MBC, one of our core values is building strong families. One of the ways we do this is by equipping parents and their children to navigate the difficult issues of the day. This page is for you. Below you will find some suggested resources to help you answer the most pressing issues of the day. Don’t see something? Ask us a question below!
MBC Kids Philosophy of Discipleship | We are passionate about discipleship. This resource was written to explain how we aim to lay the foundation for kids to grow in God’s Word while they are a part of our MBC Kids ministry. Download this document for more on our philosophy.
Don’t see something? Ask us a question below!
Video
- Raising The Next Generation in Turbulent Time by Voddie Bauchum
- Helping The Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
- How to Raise and Alien Child by Jen Wilkin
- The Storm Tossed Family: How The Cross Reshapes the Home by Russell Moore
- The Strange New World of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman
Books
- Parenting: 14 Gospel Principals That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
- The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps to Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
- Running With Horses: A Parenting Guide for Raising Children to be Servant Leaders for Christ by Larry Taylor
- A Practical Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet & Brett Kunkle
- Strange New World by Carl Trueman
- How Children Raise Parents by Dan Allender
- The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson
- Faithfull Different by Natasha Crain
- Another Gospel by Alisa Childers
Podcast
- The Think Biblically Podcast
- The Upstream
Seminars
Several times a year we offer seminars for MBC families and those in our community. We run these events to equip families to navigate the difficult cultural terrain we are living in. Here are examples of past seminar topics:
- The Tech-Wise Family
- Raising Generation Z
- Families in an Age of Anxiety
Building Strong Families
Check out this sermon from Pastor Bob on “Building Strong Families” from our 2025 “Summer in the Scriptures” sermon series!
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
-2 Timothy 4:1-5, ESV-
Baby Dedications
Let the little Children Come |
At MBC we believe in the importance of building strong families. A key component of this value is raising children to know and love Jesus Christ. In light of this, we encourage parents to take make a public commitment to raise their children in the Lord—this is called a “baby dedication ceremony.”
A baby dedication is a ceremony in which Christian parents make a commitment before the Lord to raise that child according to God’s Word and God’s ways.
This practice may be new to you depending on your church background. Baby dedication is NOT the same as infant baptism. We believe baptism is an individual decision a person makes when they are older and have made a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. For more information, see the BAPTISM page. By contrast, a baby dedication is a commitment by the parents, and an invitation to the larger church family, to help raise their child to follow Jesus. There are several good reasons for this practice.
“Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.
-Deuteronomy 6:4-7, NLT-
3 reasons to Dedicate your children
First
It models the concern and love Jesus had for little children.
As a church, we are people who love babies! We want to care and invest in the littlest and most vulnerable among us. Jesus said this in Matthew 19: “Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” (Matthew 19:13-14). Baby dedication reflects the love Jesus had for children.
Second
It reminds the church of its calling to be an extended family.
Scripture teaches that the church is our spiritual family and following Jesus is costly (Ephesians 3:14-19; Mark 10:29-30). Parenting is hard work and God gives us an extended spiritual family who can help carry the Load. The church should love and support families in this good work of raising the next generation.
Third
It is an opportunity to share the Gospel with unbelievers.
During a baby dedication, families will often invite relatives to watch this important ceremony. Baby dedication offers an opportunity to share the Gospel message with those who might not yet believe. When asked—why are we dedicating this child? Because we want them to believe the Gospel—Jesus died for our sins, Jesus rose from the dead, and Jesus is coming back. That is the hope for our children!
How does the process work?
If you are interested in taking this important step as a family, the process will work like this:
- First, contact one of the pastors about your interest and fill out the baby dedication WORKSHEET.
- Second, you then meet with one of the pastors so they can get to know your family and organize a time to have the ceremony.
- Third, you will create a video of your family sharing why you want to dedicate your child. You can see an example video below.
- Finally, your video will be played during a service on a Sunday morning and you will take part in a short ceremony when you recite vows before the congregation—this is a public commitment to raise your child to know Jesus!
Women’s Bunco Night
Can you count to 6? Then you can play Bunco! This fun, fast-paced game night is open to all women, from high school on up. It’s a great way for women of all ages and generations to get to know one another.
Please bring a dessert or an appetizer to share if you are able.
IMPORTANT! Please REGISTER by 12 noon, April 3!
Call the church office or contact ">Laura with any questions.
Teens
MBC Teens
Teens | The Rush is a place where students are loved, accepted and encouraged to play active roles in each other’s life stories. Together we engage in transformational experiences that broaden and deepen their relationships with God and each other with the goal of emerging as powerful women and men of Christ. Here teens are mentored by godly leaders who encourage the next generation to step into the roles they have been called to play. We share in each other’s struggles and joys; revitalize our communities; and care for the unwanted, unreached, and unengaged.
Summer 2026 Calendar
Events
Game Night
July 9th
5:30pm – 7pm @MBC
Movie Night
August 12th
7pm – 9:30pm @MBC
Outdoor Worship Night
August 19th
@7pm – 9pm
Summer 2026 Bible Studies
Band of Brothers
TBD – TBD
Weekly Bible Study
July 14th – August 18th
Open House
July 13th – August 17th
Anyone in Rush can come and enjoy some games and free time with each other. No agendas just time to hang out with each other.
MBC Teens Summer 2025 Mission Trip
We are so excited to open up applications for our mission trip of 2025. We had a great meeting on Sunday and know we have many of you desiring to serve the Lord with us in North Carolina.
Here is a quick snapshot of what this summer will look like. Some helpful photos below to explain our ministry and facts for this summer.
When – July 26 to August 1
Where – Western NC (Around Asheville, NC) Staying in local church
Who – Current Grades 7-12
Cost – $650 ($100 deposit)
What – Partnering with local ministries to serve in a few aspects. One, hurricane relief from Hurricane Helene. Two, kids ministry with local churches or kids groups. Three, serving with other ministries that need support in serving the community.
How to go – Sign up below and fill out an application that will be reviewed (Please have the student answer the questions in the application, we will send deposit link after application is approved!)
Typical schedule –
Morning -Devo/Breakfast then 1st Serve location
Afternoon – Bag lunch then 2nd serve location
Evening – Head back to site for dinner, clean up, debrief. Prep for tomorrow and lights out.
Any questions please reach out by phone or email (. Thanks and looking forward to what God will do through our team this year!
Our events are intended to encourage Renewal, Growth, Connection & Action within community.


























Every Sunday @ 9am
We gather every Sunday @ 9-10:15am in the lower level of the YFMB | This will be open to all students in 7th-12th grade. Our focus on Sunday mornings this year will be growing students stronger in their faith. Throughout the year we challenge our students with in depth biblical lessons that helps strengthen their faith in Christ. If you are a looking for a place to grow, Rush Hour seeks to accomplish just that.
Every Wednesday @ 7pm
Meetings are every Wednesday from 7-8:45pm | This is a chance, every week, for students to take a break from their weekly routine to hear relevant teaching, engage in small group discussion, and take part in fun, creative activities. Come out and bring your friends every Wednesday night at 7pm for “Rush.”
ALL ARE WELCOME AT 6:30PM FOR A TIME OF PRAYER OVER THE EVENING
2024 MBC Teens Summer Schedule
July 10th: Six Flags
July 17th: OFF
July 24th: OFF (Mission Trip)
July 31st: Pool Party
August 7th: Park Evening
August 14th: Beach Day
August 21st: Gabriel’s Fountain
Meet up at Gabriel's Fountain
August 23, 2023 7-9pm
Annual Winter Retreat
Winter retreat is January 20-22 at River Valley Ranch in Manchester, MD
Arrive at 3pm Jan 20 and arrive back at Jan 22 around 4pm.
Cost is 180 and students will need $$ for dinner on the way down, lunch on the way back and any snacks/gifts at the gift shop.
Click HERE to sign up.
Schedule a Meeting with Johnny Graves
Schedule a time to meet with Johnny to discuss what is going on in your life! Need help learning how to understand the bible, struggles at school, struggling friendships or walking through decisions, let’s talk it through. Pick a day and time that works for you!
If you’d like to schedule a meeting with Johnny, click the button below.
2026 Winter Retreat
February 27th to March 1st 2026.
When? February 27th to March 1st
Who? Grades 7-12
Where? Refreshing Mountain PA
What? 2026 Winter Retreat for the MBC Teens. Cost $190 (Sign up before February 9th as price increases to $200) Sign Ups Close February 13th)
Band of Brothers
At Band of Brothers, we aim to cultivate an environment where young men can support each other through fellowship, Bible reading, and prayer. Our goal is to grow in the Lord as we tackle various topics and read challenging chapters of Scripture. We will delve into the deepest parts of our existence because the Lord Jesus is coming back, and we must be ready. Each of us has a divine assignment and spiritual gifts that we intend to discover and embrace. In short, we are cultivating spiritual warriors for Jesus.
Our Goals: Cultivate a Biblical Worldview. Bear one another’s burdens. Confess sins to one another. Adopt a Biblical view of masculinity. Establish biblical character. Till soil where seed can be planted, watered and bear fruit. Establish ourselves in the ways of the Lord.
Want to learn more? Contact Tim Youtkus ()
Circle of Sisters
Circle of Sisters is a group of teen girls from 7th – 12th grade. All are welcome to come. We enjoy lunch together, studying God’s word and have a special prayer time. Our focus is on God’s Word and how to live our lives in a manner that glorifies the Father.
Want to learn more? Deirdre Rajoppi (973-769-3348) and Gail Loehr (908-612-2096) lead this group.
Transformed by the grace of God to share Christ’s love to a broken world.
The teenage years can be some of the most exciting and challenging that we ever face. Here at The Rush, we want to be a place where teenagers will be accepted and loved for who they are as they are challenged to grow in their knowledge, love, and passion for Jesus! We accomplish this through fun and compelling environments on Sundays and Wednesdays, through our retreats, service outreaches, and mission trips. Last summer we took an awesome group of teens to serve and share the love of Christ in Chicago. It was amazing to watch the growth, passion and excitement in our teenagers as they were used by God to reach our world. We desire this for everyone who comes in the doors! We invite you to come and check us out… and jump in with the Rush!


