Creating worship experiences where every child belongs
At With Ministries, we believe every child should have the opportunity to encounter God and fully participate in worship…just as they are.
WITHOne Worship (WOW) is a 12-month cohort that equips church teams to reimagine inclusive worship and children’s ministry through training, coaching, and practical tools.
What Is WITHOne Worship (WOW)?
WITHOne Worship (WOW) is a project of With Ministries designed to help churches create worship experiences where all children can participate and belong.
Grounded in Dr. Erik Carter’s research, Toward Accessible Worship, the cohort introduces a framework for designing worship that meaningfully engages children with disabilities and their families – both in gathered worship and in faith life at home.
WOW moves beyond one-time training to support churches in learning, implementing, and growing together over time.
Who Should Apply?
WITHOne Worship (WOW) is for churches ready to take meaningful steps toward inclusive worship and children’s ministry.
This cohort is ideal for churches that:
Each participating church forms a Core Team of at least four people:
Cohort Highlights
12-month cohort with hands-on learning and implementation
Vision Casting & Team Workday
Virtual trainings every other month
Starter kits and sensory tools
Monthly office hours and individual consultations
Lifetime access to all resources
Two complimentary admissions to the Worship as One Summit
What You’ll Learn
What the Year Looks Like
Fifteen churches will participate together in this 12-month cohort. Each church forms a core team and begins the journey with a Vision Casting & Team Workday, introducing the foundations of Toward Accessible Worship and setting shared goals.
Throughout the year, churches gather for every-other-month virtual trainings focused on practical changes within worship and children’s ministry. Between sessions, teams receive coaching through monthly office hours and individual consultations.
Even after the cohort concludes, churches retain full access to all resources to continue this work over time.
Key Dates
Investment
What Churches Are Saying
“One of the best parts of this project is the encouragement from the team and the resources they provide. With Ministries makes it easier to include children who are often left on the sidelines.”
“God has been stirring my heart to make our church a place where every child and family can worship together. This is a beautiful and important work.”
“I feel more equipped to adapt our spaces, programs, and volunteer training so every child can participate fully in worship and children’s ministry.”
“Making worship inclusive for children with disabilities also benefits all kids—and creates no barriers.”
FAQs
When are applications due?
For priority consideration, please submit your application no later than Sunday, May 31. Applications received after that date will be considered only if space remains.
When will churches be notified of selection?
Priority Applications will be notified by end of June. Applications received after the priority deadline will be notified within 4 weeks.
How long does the program last?
The WOW Cohort is a 12-month commitment.
- Training & Implementation (10 months): Church teams participate in virtual trainings and one-on-one
consultations while actively applying the tools and strategies in their worship and children’s ministry. Teams
actively apply tools and strategies throughout the training period, integrating changes gradually and
sustainably. - Reflection & Support (2 months): After the formal training period, teams continue applying what they’ve
learned with ongoing access to cohort staff for guidance, questions, and coaching. Even after the 12-month
cohort concludes, churches retain full access to all resources, so they can continue using and adapting the
tools over time.
Will any of the meetings require in-person attendance?
All cohort trainings are held virtually via Zoom to make participation accessible for churches in a variety oflocations.
For the initial Vision Casting and Team Workday on Sept 26, 2026, With Ministries will lead the session virtually, but church teams are encouraged to meet together in person at their church or another local space. This allows teams to collaborate, plan, and engage hands-on with the resources provided during the session.
As part of the cohort, each church will also receive two complimentary tickets to our half-day Worship as OneSummit, a training event for pastors and church staff. Attendees are responsible for their own travel to the summit. Participation is optional but provides an excellent opportunity to connect with other church leaders and continue learning from our team.
Will you come visit our church?
On-site visits are not included as part of the standard cohort program. However, we can facilitate an on-site visit per request as an optional add-on for $1000 plus travel expenses, designed to provide personalized coaching and encouragement specific to your church’s context.
Does my church need to belong to a particular denomination to participate?
No, there is no denominational requirement for participation. We are happy to welcome applications from anychurch that affirms our core values and is committed to inclusion for children of all abilities.
Will our church be asked to change parts of our worship service?
No, we do not prescribe specific changes for your church, as we recognize that every church context is unique.
Instead, the cohort provides practical and creative strategies to include all children, which your team can implement in ways that make sense for your ministry. Our goal is to provide ideas for change that are both attainable and sustainable, helping your church grow in inclusion without feeling overwhelming.
What topics will be covered in the trainings?
Training sessions are designed to equip churches with both theological foundations and practical tools for creating worship environments where every child can fully participate. Topics will include:
- Theology of Children and Disability
- Postures of Flexibility in Worship
- Creating a Culture of Belonging
- Reframing Expectations
- Improving Communication and Understanding
- Designing Sensory-Friendly Environments
- Having Challenging Conversations with Grace
- Supports for Challenging Behaviors
- Promoting Your Ministry (website and communication strategies)
- Recruiting and Training Volunteers
Each session will offer practical next steps, real-life examples, and time for church teams to reflect on how to apply these ideas within their unique ministry context.
How many people from my church can participate?
Each church will form a Core Team of at least four members:
- One pastor
- One children’s ministry leader
- One parent of a child with a disability
- One person with relevant experience (special educator, disability ministry leader, occupational therapist, etc.)
You are welcome to invite more than one person to fill each role. However, if your team is expected to grow larger than eight people, please reach out to us before applying. Teams that are too large can make it challenging to implement ideas effectively and maintain consistent collaboration.
Do you have the dates for the meetings already set?
Yes. The WOW Cohort includes:
- Initial Vision Casting and Team Workday:
Date: Sept 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Central Time
Purpose: Introduces foundational elements of Toward Accessible Worship and allows team planning and goal setting - Recurring Cohort Trainings:
Schedule: 3rd Wednesday of every other month starting in Oct
Date: October 21, December 16, February 17, April 21, June 16 | Time: 10:00 – 11:30 AM Central Time
Purpose: Focused on practical strategies to implement accessible worship and children’s ministry changes, with opportunities for discussion, coaching, and peer learning - Open Office Hours:
Schedule: 1st Wednesday of every month
Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, July 7, Aug 6, Sept 1
Time: 10am – 11:30am Central Time
Purpose: Optional time for teams to ask questions, seek guidance, or discuss challenges - Individual Church Consultations:
We recognize that each church context is unique and want to provide personalized support throughout the year. Our team is available for individual meetings as needed, but we have also set aside dedicated times for these one-on-one sessions.
Available Months: November, January, March, May, July, Sept
Purpose: To provide tailored guidance and consultation specific to each church’s ministry and goals
When do I need to pay the registration fee?
$1000 deposit due upon confirming participation. Balance due before Sept 26.
Will you offer the cohort program again next year?
Yes! We plan to offer the WOW Cohort program annually.
Our church isn’t able to participate in the cohort this year. Are there other ways to get sup-
port from With Ministries?
Absolutely! Even if your church is not able to participate in the WOW Cohort, there are many ways to learn andgrow in welcoming children and families impacted by disability.With Ministries offers a variety of resources, including:
- Access & Access Premier | Monthly training resources, tools, and an interactive website course to guide your church on accessibility.
- Transform Coaching | A 12-month coaching journey to help your congregation become a place where everyone flourishes.
- With Faith | Updated discipleship resource to engage people with disabilties in meaningful conversations
about salvation, baptism, and belonging - Accessible KidMin Kit | Practical tools to support disability inclusion and stregthen your children’s ministry
- And more
You can explore all of these options and find additional resources here: With Ministries Resources
Apply to WITHOne Worship (WOW)
Applications are open through August 30, 2026. Churches are encouraged to apply early for priority consideration.
Questions? Contact kristinlangford@withministries.org
WITHOne Worship (WOW) is a cohort experience and is separate from the Worship as One Summit. Participation in WOW includes complimentary Summit admissions, but the Summit is not required.
