Special Friends Ministry at South Barrington

Special Friends at Willow Creek

Moving from Presence to Belonging

In recent years, the world has made significant strides in accepting people with intellectual disabilities. We see this in schools with inclusion strategies, in buildings with equal-access accommodations, and in churches with an increase in disability ministries.

But at Willow South Barrington, we hope to go one step further. We seek to step beyond merely accepting that our friends with intellectual disabilities are present. We want each one to belong. And to fully belong at Willow means you’re connected with a Christ-centered community; you’re learning and growing spiritually; and you’re using your gifts to serve others.

As you browse this website and engage with our ministry, we pray you’ll feel a connection with one or more of our ministries—and join us in helping our Special Friends move from merely being present to fully belonging. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Watch our Special Friends share about the best and hardest things about being them:

Our Special Friends Space

In Special Friends, we have created an intentional environment for our friends with intellectual disabilities—a welcoming space in our church designed specifically for their unique needs, making it more conducive to learning about God and making friends. We even have therapy dogs in our space to provide a loving comfort for our friends during each of our services!

Watch a video about our Special Friends Space:

Kids (Ages 4–12)

Weekend Church Services

5:30 p.m., Saturdays • 9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays
In Special Friends, we have created an intentional environment for our young friends with intellectual disabilities—a welcoming space in our church designed specifically for their unique needs, making it more conducive to learning about God and making friends. Among other things, this space includes calming sensory nooks, an equal-access treehouse, and trampolines to help children regulate their bodies. Our uniquely designed environment provides the opportunity for every child to experience belonging as they learn through interactive, repetitive, and experiential teaching.

This group is designed for a 1:2 ratio of volunteer to participant. Support persons are welcome to come with those who do well with a higher ratio.

Teens/Young Adults (Ages 13–21) & Adults (Ages 23+)

Sunday Church Services

9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays

On any given weekend, you can find a group of Special Friends teens and adults of all abilities worshipping together, learning about Jesus through experiential teaching, and deepening their friendships with each other and with God.

This group is designed for a 1:2 ratio of volunteers to participants. Support persons are welcome to come with those who do well with a higher ratio.

Saturday Church Service

5:30 p.m., Saturdays

On Saturday nights, the Special Friends teens and adults join the main service for worship followed by a guided discussion of the previous week's sermon in the Special Friends space.

This group is designed for a 1:5 ratio of volunteer to participant. Support persons are welcome to come with those who do well with a higher ratio.

Midweek Teens/Young Adults (Ages 13–21) Group

6–9 p.m., Wednesdays, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays | September 19–December 5

Our teens and young adults long for meaningful relationships with other and with God, and they are able to find these kinds of connections through a variety of opportunities available on Wednesday nights—including worship, social nights, service projects, and small group Bible study.

This group is geared towards those who do well with 1:5 volunteer to participant ratio. Support persons are welcome to come with those who do well with a higher ratio.

Midweek Adults (Ages 22+) Group

6–9 p.m., Wednesdays | September 5–December 12

Adults with intellectual disabilities take their faith one step further on Wednesday nights, where they build community, worship together and learn how to use their God-given abilities to serve in our church. Small group Bible study, socials and choir are just a few of the opportunities offered for our teens and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This group is geared towards those who do well with 1:5 volunteer to participant ratio. Support persons are welcome to come with those who do well with a higher ratio.

Special Friends Productions (Ages 10–18)

Each year, our Special Friends perform a music theatre production as part of Willow Creek’s weekend services. In partnership with the Penguin Project, more than 50 actors with special needs display their remarkable gifts on stage for all to see. Each artist is paired with a mentor, who spends months practicing lines, songs, and dances with them. Rehearsals begin in January 2019.

Register with Special Friends

FriendsPlease register your child(ren) to participate in Special Friends. We require this so that our staff and ministry workers are equipped to provide a safe environment for your child. We look forward to serving you and your loved one soon!

Questions? Please contact Special Friends Director Jenni Von Tobel or call her at (224) 512-1340.

Volunteer with Special Friends

The volunteers in Special Friends are the heart of the entire ministry! You bring a willing heart, we provide the training and together, we can serve all the kids, teens, and adults with special needs in our church as well as their families.

Interested in volunteering with Special Friends? Please complete our Special Friends Volunteer Form below.

Questions? Please contact Special Friends Director Jenni Von Tobel or call her at (224) 512-1340.

Upcoming Events

Special Needs Parent/Caregiver Group

7:30 p.m., 1st and 3rd Wednesdays | September 19-December 12
Be encouraged, equipped and supported as you share life's journey with others. Through large-group teaching, a prayer and connection time, and small-group discussion, participants can experience joy, hope, and healing in this caring, Christ-centered community.

Watch the Brock’s share their story of finding support through Special Friends ministry:

Section 106B: South Barrington weekend service for families

9 & 11:15 a.m., Sundays | Main Auditorium
Section 106B is a diverse community with a heart for individuals with special needs and the family, friends, and fans who support them.

Questions?Contact Sunday Section 106B Leader Michele Pilafas or call her at (847) 404-7452.