In this episode, we sit down with Noah’s Ministry, an organization training and equipping churches to meet the needs of families affected by disability. They share the hard truth: 80% of individuals with disabilities are unchurched—not because they don’t want to belong, but because the Church often isn’t ready for them. We discuss what it means to truly love every child, how to start a special needs ministry from the ground up, and why this overlooked group may be the most unreached people group in the modern Church. If you’re a pastor, parent, or believer wondering how faith communities can rise to the challenge, this episode will open your eyes—and your heart.
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
Blake introduces the episode and welcomes guest Tab Howell, founder of Noah’s Ministry. Tab shares thanks for the invite and appreciation for mutual connections that brought them together.
00:15 – Meet the Howell Family
Tab talks about his wife Candace, their two sons Noah and Titus, and what life looks like for their family — including Noah’s severe autism diagnosis and the realities of 24/7 care.
02:13 – From Pastor to Founder
Tab shares his journey through ministry — from pastoring churches in Georgia to serving with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Colorado, and how that experience helped him build Noah’s Ministry from the ground up.
03:13 – The Birth of Noah’s Ministry
During the summer of 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, the Howells stepped out in faith to start Noah’s Ministry in Texas — a 501(c)(3) focused on serving special needs families and equipping churches.
04:10 – Two Main Missions: Families & Churches
Tab explains the dual focus of the ministry:
Helping families with daily functionality and emotional support.
Training and equipping churches to build or expand special needs ministries.
05:00 – The Emotional Weight of Special Needs Families
He opens up about loneliness, hardship, and moments of questioning God — sharing lessons from Henry Blackaby about not letting circumstances change your view of God’s character.
06:13 – Meeting Practical Needs with Love
From repairing walls to installing cameras, Noah’s Ministry meets physical needs as a way to build spiritual trust with families who often feel unseen by their community.
06:54 – Equipping Churches to Serve
Tab describes how they partner with churches of all sizes and denominations to create individualized ministry plans — not one-size-fits-all models.
07:29 – The Four Pillars of a Special Needs Ministry
Safety: Every child must be safe.
Love: Every child must be loved.
Clean Environment: Especially for those with medical sensitivities like pica.
Discipleship: It’s not babysitting — every person can grow in faith.
09:08 – The State of the Church: 84% Unprepared
Tab reveals that roughly 84% of U.S. churches have no special needs ministry — leaving a massive gap for families seeking spiritual community.
10:32 – The Numbers Behind the Need
An estimated 11–15% of the population has a disability, and 80% of those individuals are unchurched. This group represents one of the largest unreached populations in America.
11:26 – The Church’s Uncomfortable Blind Spot
Many churches acknowledge the need but avoid action because it’s “uncomfortable” or unfamiliar — leading to missed opportunities for inclusion and discipleship.
12:16 – Intentionality Over Perfection
Blake and Tab discuss how intentionality and empathy go further than perfection — you don’t have to have it all figured out to start making a difference.
13:04 – Understanding the Family Perspective
Blake shares his own experience growing up around special needs families and how easy it is for outsiders to “check out,” while parents never can.
14:20 – Honest Conversations with Churches
Tab recalls times when churches admitted they couldn’t meet a family’s needs. He explains why honesty is the first step toward building a real plan for change.
15:11 – Building a Vision for Discipleship
Tab unpacks a message he’s developing: “The Church Must Have a Discipleship Vision.” He contrasts John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16, highlighting the call to not just love in words, but in action.
17:09 – Fear, Comfort, and Missed Opportunities
Many churches stay stagnant out of fear or lack of exposure. Tab shares a story about a pastor friend who’s willing to serve families “if they come,” and how that mindset limits outreach.
19:16 – The Challenge of Growing Ministries
Tab and Blake explore why it’s easy to serve when kids are young and “cute,” but harder when they grow into adulthood — emphasizing the ongoing need for support at every stage.
20:06 – The Consumer Church Culture
Blake compares “church shopping” to the legitimate search for belonging among families with disabilities — contrasting consumer preferences with real spiritual need.
21:23 – Encouragement for Families Searching for a Church
Tab encourages parents not to give up — reminding them that their families are worth fighting for, and their presence can bless the churches they join.
22:34 – God’s Plan for Every Family
He assures families that their hunger for community comes from God — and that their presence often becomes the catalyst for churches to grow in faith and obedience.
24:49 – How Noah’s Ministry Helps Churches Practically
The conversation shifts to the practical side: how Noah’s Ministry helps churches with accessibility, communication, and creating safe environments for all abilities.
25:15 – Making Churches Accessible for All
From ramps and accessible seating to sensory-friendly classrooms — Tab emphasizes that families aren’t asking for special treatment, just equal access.
26:20 – The Importance of Understanding Behaviors
Tab explains their intake questionnaire and training process for volunteers to learn how to read cues, triggers, and nonverbal communication from children and adults with disabilities.
28:57 – Volunteer Training in Action
Churches often contact Noah’s Ministry when challenges arise with specific families. Tab walks through how his team coaches volunteers using real-world examples and parent input.
29:38 – Common Challenges and Fears
Behavior issues, lack of experience, and volunteer fear are common — but all can be overcome with structure, patience, and faith.
30:22 – Creating a Full Safety Plan
Every ministry needs a “parking lot to parking lot” safety plan — from the moment a family arrives to the moment they leave.
32:10 – Breaking Down Fear and Misunderstanding
Blake points out that many volunteers just need to remember that people with disabilities are people first. Communication looks different, but the connection is the same.
33:06 – Stories of Transformation
Tab shares examples of volunteers from teenagers to 80-year-olds serving faithfully and joyfully in special needs classes — proof that anyone can make an impact.
35:13 – What Makes a Great Volunteer
Key traits include patience, calmness, problem-solving, and a genuine desire to connect heart-to-heart rather than through control.
37:35 – Message to Churches Without a Plan
Tab challenges the 84% of churches currently unprepared: acknowledge where you are, make a plan, and never give the same “we can’t” answer again.
39:53 – Faith in Action
He reminds listeners that the world is tired of “talking Christians.” What honors Jesus is when faith is proven through works — especially when it’s uncomfortable.
41:19 – Why Many Churches Don’t Grow
Blake and Tab discuss how comfort can stunt growth — both spiritually and numerically — and how reaching the special needs community can reignite a church’s purpose.
42:01 – Faith vs. Sight
Tab shares a quote from evangelist Manley Beasley: “Any walk that is not a walk of faith is a walk of sight.” He challenges churches to trust God beyond logic.
43:10 – Phase Two: Expanding the Mission
Noah’s Ministry is launching its second phase — building networks between churches, teachers, therapists, and unchurched special needs families in local communities.
44:42 – Becoming the Hands and Feet
Tab calls believers to move from awareness to action — letting God use their stories and experiences to draw families closer to Christ.
45:07 – When You See a Family in Public
Practical advice for interacting with special needs families in everyday places like grocery stores and restaurants — with empathy and discernment.
45:34 – Sin of Inaction
Blake and Tab discuss James 4:17 — “If you know the good you ought to do and don’t do it, it is sin.” Ignoring the needs of special needs families falls into this category.
46:00 – How to Connect with Noah’s Ministry
Tab shares ways to connect online at noahsministry.com or via Facebook, email, and phone. The ministry currently serves families and churches in seven states.
47:13 – Programs and Events
They host caregiver burnout events, IEP support, and resource sessions to help parents understand legal rights and school advocacy.
48:22 – Message to Special Needs Dads
A personal challenge for fathers: to lead with faith, honesty, and vulnerability — not just obligation. Tab talks about being tested in his own conviction and how John 3:16 re-centered his mission.
49:30 – Community for Dads
Noah’s Ministry hosts a monthly online Special Needs Dads Bible Study connecting fathers from across the country for support, prayer, and shared growth.
50:22 – Closing Thoughts
Blake thanks Tab for his time and work. Tab ends with gratitude and encouragement for all families, churches, and leaders striving to make the Church a place for everyone.
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