✝ Inclusive Worship for Every Ability ✝ Every person has a place in God's house ✝
Open Arms Ministry
Every Person Has a Place in God's House
We exist to make worship genuinely accessible and welcoming for individuals with disabilities and additional needs — equipping churches, empowering families, and transforming faith communities.
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As a parent of a son with additional needs, Dr Karen May doesn't just understand this journey professionally — she lives it. That personal experience is at the heart of everything Open Arms Ministry does.
"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."
MATTHEW 20:26
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Churches
Equipping faith communities to become truly inclusive spaces for all.
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Families
Supporting families with disabilities to find their place in worship.
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Every Ability
Because disability is not a barrier to faith, worship, or community.
Our Mission
Opening Doors to Inclusive Worship
Open Arms Ministry exists because every individual — regardless of ability, diagnosis, or need — deserves to encounter God in a space that truly welcomes them. We work with churches and faith communities to make that a reality.
Through training, consultancy, and practical support, we help faith leaders, children's ministers, and church teams build genuinely inclusive environments where everyone belongs.
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Church Disability Inclusion
We help churches assess, plan and implement genuine disability inclusion across all areas of church life.
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Inclusive Children's Ministry
Supporting children's and youth ministers to serve every child — regardless of ability or additional needs.
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Disability Awareness Training
Practical, faith-grounded training for church leaders, volunteers and congregations on disability and inclusion.
"The ground at the foot of the cross is level. Every person — whatever their ability — stands equal before God."
DR KAREN MAY — FOUNDER, OPEN ARMS MINISTRY
Why It Matters
The Church Should Lead the Way
Disability affects 1 in 5 people in the UK. Yet many churches remain unintentionally inaccessible — not out of malice, but simply because they don't know where to start. Open Arms Ministry changes that.
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1 in 5 People Have a Disability
In any congregation of 100 people, around 20 may have a disability — visible or hidden. Is your church ready to welcome them fully?
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Families Are Leaving
Many families with disabled children or members quietly stop attending church because they don't feel fully included. We help churches bring them home.
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It's Simpler Than You Think
Inclusion doesn't require a complete overhaul. Small, intentional changes — with the right guidance — can transform how a church welcomes everyone.
Digital Resource
These-Abilities™ Worship & Bible Study App
12 accessible, multi-sensory Bible study sessions for people with learning disabilities. Picture-based, no reading required, free on YouTube — with session packs and a complete bundle available.
✅ Free on YouTube12 SessionsSensory StoriesInteractive Puzzles
Our story, our heart, and the person behind this movement.
Home / About
Our Story
Born from a Conviction
Open Arms Ministry was born from a deeply personal and professional conviction — that the church, of all places, should be the most welcoming institution on earth for every person, regardless of ability.
Founded by Dr Karen May — a social care leader, educator, and disability advocate with over 31 years of experience — this ministry bridges the gap between faith communities and the disability world, equipping churches with the knowledge, tools and heart to serve everyone well.
Karen has seen first-hand what happens when a church gets inclusion right — and what families lose when they don't feel welcome. Open Arms Ministry exists to help every church get it right.
"Every individual has the capacity to grow, contribute, and live a meaningful life — including a meaningful life of faith."
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A Personal Journey
Dr Karen May is not only a professional advocate for inclusion — she is also a parent of a son with additional needs. This deeply personal experience shapes everything she does. She understands the joy, the challenges, the frustrations, and the profound love that comes with raising a child with additional needs. And she knows exactly what it means to walk into a church and wonder: "Does my son truly belong here?" That question drives Open Arms Ministry forward every single day.
Founder
Dr Karen May
Doctorate in Special Education · Social Care Leader · Disability Educator · Faith Advocate · Founder, Aspired Learning & Lifestyle Ltd and Abilities Development Ltd
31+ Years ExperienceSpecial EducationFaith & Inclusion
Our Values
What Guides Us
Inclusion
Every person — whatever their ability — belongs in the body of Christ.
Dignity
We treat every individual with the respect and honour they deserve as God's creation.
Compassion
We approach every church and every family with patience, grace and understanding.
Excellence
We provide the highest quality training and support — because people deserve no less.
Faith
Our work is rooted in a deep belief that God's house truly is a house for all people.
Empowerment
We equip churches to sustain inclusion long after we've gone — building lasting change.
Partner With Open Arms
Whether you're a church leader, children's minister, or congregation member — we'd love to work with you.
Practical, compassionate support to help your church become genuinely inclusive.
Home / What We Do
Our Programmes
Three Ways We Serve Churches
Whether you're just beginning your inclusion journey or looking to go deeper — we have a programme that meets you where you are.
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Church Disability Inclusion Programme
A comprehensive programme helping churches assess their current inclusion levels and implement practical, sustainable changes across worship, buildings, communications and culture.
✓ Inclusion audit and assessment
✓ Action planning and implementation
✓ Ongoing support and review
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Inclusive Children's Ministry Support
Dedicated support for children's and youth workers to serve every child — including those with autism, learning disabilities, ADHD, sensory needs and other additional requirements.
✓ Needs assessment for your group
✓ Adapted resources and activities
✓ Volunteer and leader training
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Disability Awareness Training
A practical, faith-grounded training programme for church leaders, wardens, volunteers and congregations — building understanding, empathy and the confidence to include everyone well.
✓ Half-day or full-day sessions
✓ Online or in-person delivery
✓ Tailored to your denomination
"Inclusion is not a programme. It is a posture of the heart — and we can help your church develop it."
DR KAREN MAY
How It Works
Simple Steps to Becoming Inclusive
Step 1 — Discovery Call
A free 30-minute conversation to understand your church's current situation, challenges, and vision for inclusion.
Step 2 — Inclusion Audit
We assess your church across key areas — physical access, communication, worship, children's ministry, and culture.
Step 3 — Action Plan
We create a practical, prioritised plan with clear steps your church can take — starting with quick wins and building to lasting change.
Step 4 — Training & Support
We deliver training for your team and provide ongoing support as you implement your inclusion plan.
Step 5 — Review & Grow
We check in, celebrate progress, address new challenges, and help you continue growing as an inclusive community.
Ready to Begin?
Book a free discovery call and take the first step towards becoming a church where everyone truly belongs.
Faith-grounded, practical training to help your church serve everyone well.
Home / Training
Our Approach
Training That Changes Culture
Our training is not a tick-box exercise. It is a genuine, transformative experience that challenges assumptions, builds empathy, and equips church teams with practical skills they can use immediately.
All sessions are grounded in scripture, delivered with warmth, and tailored to the specific context of your church and denomination.
Training Details
DeliveryOnline, in-person or hybrid
DurationHalf-day to full-day
Who it's forLeaders, volunteers, whole church
Group sizeFlexible — small to large
Tailored toYour denomination & context
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Disability Awareness for Churches
Understanding disability — models, language, theology, and practical application for every area of church life.
Most Popular
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Inclusive Children's Ministry
Equipping children's and youth workers to serve every child with confidence, creativity and compassion.
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Creating Accessible Worship
Practical guidance on making worship services, events and communications genuinely accessible for all.
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Supporting Autistic Worshippers
Understanding autism in a faith context and adapting church environments and services to be sensory-friendly.
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Faith, Disability & Theology
Exploring what scripture says about disability, image of God, and the call to radical inclusion.
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Bespoke Church Training
Tailored training days designed around your church's specific needs, culture, and inclusion goals.
Book Training for Your Church
Individual sessions or full programmes available. Get in touch to discuss what's right for your community.
We are growing — this page will be home to real stories of transformation as our work develops.
Home / Stories
A New Chapter
Stories of Welcome
Open Arms Ministry is a growing movement. As we walk alongside more churches and families, this page will be filled with real stories of transformation, inclusion, and belonging. Watch this space.
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Share Your Story
Has your church been on an inclusion journey? Has your family found a welcoming church community? We'd love to hear from you and share your story here.
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Churches Supported
Growing number of faith communities on their inclusion journey with Open Arms Ministry.
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Families Welcomed
Families with disabled members finding their place in worship and community.
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Lives Transformed
Individuals with disabilities experiencing genuine belonging in the body of Christ.
Be Part of the Story
Partner with Open Arms Ministry and help us build a church where everyone truly belongs.
Join a growing movement of churches committed to inclusive worship for every ability.
Home / Partner With Us
Partnership
Let's Build Something Beautiful Together
We are looking for churches, denominations, faith organisations and Christian charities who share our vision — a church where every person, whatever their ability, is fully welcomed, fully included, and fully valued.
Partnership looks different for every organisation. Whether you want training, consultancy, speaking at your events, or ongoing support — we'd love to explore what's possible together.
Partnership options include
✓ Church inclusion consultancy
✓ Staff and volunteer training
✓ Speaking at services or events
✓ Denominational inclusion programmes
✓ Ongoing advisory support
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For Local Churches
We work with individual congregations of all sizes and denominations — from small independent churches to large multi-site communities.
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For Denominations
We partner with denominational bodies to develop network-wide inclusion strategies, training programmes and resources.
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For Christian Charities
We collaborate with faith-based organisations and charities whose work intersects with disability, family support or community inclusion.
Ready to Open Your Arms?
Book a free 30-minute conversation and let's explore how we can work together.
Accessible, picture-based, multi-sensory worship sessions for people with learning disabilities — created with love by Aspired Learning & Lifestyle Ltd.
These-Abilities™ Worship & Bible Study brings 12 beautifully crafted sessions to life for people with learning disabilities — picture-based, multi-sensory, and designed so that no reading is required and there are no wrong answers. Just connection, story, and belonging.
Every session follows the same familiar structure so participants build confidence over time. Suitable for churches, care homes, day services, and families at home.
Each session follows the same familiar five-step structure — building confidence and anticipation every time.
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1. Watch
Watch the free YouTube session video together on any screen.
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2. Puzzle
Complete the interactive touch-to-place jigsaw puzzle in the app.
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3. Sensory Story
Experience the Bible story through all five senses together.
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4. Workbook
Fill in the picture-based activity workbook — on screen or printed.
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5. Prayer
Close with a simple personal prayer and celebrate together.
Complete Sensory Story Pack
Bringing the Bible to Life Through Every Sense
The Complete Sensory Story Pack contains all 12 multi-sensory Bible stories — each one designed to engage sight, hearing, touch, smell and feeling. Written specifically for people with learning disabilities, these stories use simple language, sensory prompts, and carer's tips to make every Bible story a full-body, full-heart experience.
All 12 stories cover: Zacchaeus, Psalm 23, Friends of Jesus, The Lost Sheep, Feeding the 5,000, Blind Bartimaeus, Woman at the Well, Jairus's Daughter, Palm Sunday, The Last Supper, Easter Morning, and You Are Loved.
