Special needs ministry has blessed thousands

For 45 years, Pastor Don Anderson’s Christ for People with Developmental Disabilities ministry has brought spiritual nourishment to people in a way that is specially designed for them. It has allowed them to fully participate and express themselves in the way that they like, without being judged, while being in community with others and feeling connected to something larger than themselves.

Pastor Don (pictured above with his wife, Mary) began the Christ for People ministry in 1979 to share the love of God with people with disabilities across the Twin Cities. At the time, it was known as the Association for the Ministry for the Retarded (AMR). Some still refer to it as AMR. Thousands of people from Hammer Residences and other group home providers across the Twin Cities have been ministered to over the years by Pastor Don and Christ for People. “Before the pandemic, the ministry reached more than 750 individuals including their family members, caregivers, and volunteers,” says Pastor Don. Services are held at Westgate Church in Plymouth (formerly Wayzata Evangelical Free Church, for many years) on Tuesday evenings and Anoka Covenant Church in Anoka on Thursdays. “Today, about 300 people attend weekly services,” says Pastor Don.

Anne is a long-time participant in the Christ for People ministry

Anne Bailey, supported by Hammer & NER, has known Pastor Don for decades. “He was working on the boys’ and girls’ floors at the Hammer dormitory when I first moved there 52 years ago,” she says. “He would take me to church and to the Edina Country Club where I worked. I have been singing in the Christ for People choir for many years. Pastor Don plays guitar and teaches us new songs. He tells us about the Bible and says prayers with us. We do a Christmas concert every year and he has asked me to be the head angel several times. I love doing that. I get to read part of the story from the Bible. I will miss Pastor Don a lot.”

Mark, supported by Hammer & NER enjoyed his role in the Christmas pageant

The annual Christmas Nativity pageant, held at both churches, has long been a favorite for the Christ for People family. Participants eagerly await an opportunity to be a part of the pageant (names are drawn from a hat for the roles), donning costumes, and going on stage to be a part of the performance. “The opportunity to give people the chance to shine is incredible,” says Pastor Don. “Families are amazed by what their loved ones can do.”

Before going into the ministry, Pastor Don volunteered at Hammer Residences in the 1970s during college. He was later hired as a residential counselor on the boys’ floor of the dorm and did weekend shifts at our old Carlson home in Wayzata. He later became a direct support professional (DSP). He left to become a program coordinator at another agency. During this time, his interest in ministry was also taking shape. “I thought I would do both,” Pastor Don says, “but I realized God was leading me to do the ministry. I wanted to focus on serving those with developmental disabilities, many of whom remained isolated from the church community.” He began visiting group homes and offering pastoral care. A Tuesday night worship service began in 1979 at the Wayzata Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Don was ordained by the Evangelical Church Alliance in 1995, which provided him with credentials for independent ministry.

Dozens of people from more than 15 of our homes are connected to the Christ for People ministry along with individuals served by other agencies. “It is an open, safe space for people to express their spirituality in a way that expresses their needs,” says Sue Walker, Hammer & NER’s Chief Program Officer. “They can be involved in all parts of the weekly church service, helping take the offering, singing up front, or sharing their gifts and talents. It’s a touching service. People pray for one another and share what’s on their hearts.” The ministry extends beyond the walls of the churches where services are held. Over the years, Pastor Don has done Bible studies in our homes and offered pastoral care to individuals. “Pastor Don will also come to the home as someone is passing away. He has been very supportive of staff during times of grieving,” says Sue.

Pastor Don with Barb, who is supported at Hammer & NER

When asked about the importance of spiritual care for people living with intellectual and other disabilities, Pastor Don talks about inclusion and segregated programs. “I think inclusion is great and it works for some churches, but there are hundreds of people who are not being served. Some (people) think segregated programs are not good. The Word of God calls us to be ambassadors and bring His Word to everyone. We are called to those who are left out. When I look at people, I try to look at their heart. I believe we have an inner person who longs to know God. The Lord reveals Himself to people regardless of their ability levels.”

Hammer & NER CEO John Estrem shares these thoughts about Pastor Don and his ministry. “Pastor Don has been a real gift to the people we support. His deep faith and zeal for leading people on their faith journey has made a huge difference. He is the first Pastor I have ever met to really understand people living with a disability and how to guide them in faith.”

Christ for People will continue its ministry. The Plymouth group will be led by a devoted team, including Emily Robillard. Emily is the Lead DSP of Hammer & NER’s Gardner home and has been attending Christ for People’s services with the ladies of Gardner for many years. Her home church, Woodridge Church, is supporting her in this effort. The Anoka ministry will be coordinated by another Hammer & NER veteran, Maggie Knox, who began working at Hammer Residences in the 1970s. She and her husband are long-time volunteers.

Pastor Don says he will continue to visit group homes twice a week and help officiate a Sunday morning church service at Mt. Olivet Rolling Acres—something he’s been doing for 40 years. His sister, Dr. Jann Walker, is also a pastor and they are helping to plant a church in Nairobi, Kenya. “There’s a young pastor there,” Pastor Don says, “and we’re helping him with the growth of a new ministry reaching nearly 400 individuals so far, in many villages.”

Thank you, Pastor Don, for the lifetime of caring ministry you have provided. You have touched countless lives and spirits, and your legacy will live on in our hearts.

Weekly services are paused for the summer and will resume in September. For more information, please contact Emily at Emily.Robillard@woodridgechurch.com