October 1, 2026
CLINTON, Tenn. (BP) – Benjamin Cantrell sees the world from a perspective most people can’t appreciate. Others have made their best effort, but it’s impossible to really get an idea of what it’s like to be him … unless you’re someone like him.
Benjamin graduated from high school and completed community college. Afterward, though, the family noticed he was lacking in normal social engagement opportunities for those like him who live with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Benjamin’s wish for something like that became known at dinner one night. Earlier, his sister and her boyfriend had attended a Young Adult Ministries (YAM) meeting at the church, where they had originally met. Benjamin wondered why something like that couldn’t be available for people like him.
The program began in August 2024 with 10 members. It now has more than 60. Ten families have joined the church.
Meetings take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at Second Baptist, but they have not stayed there. They’ve played board games at the church, but participants have also elected to go bowling and dress up for dinner at a restaurant. They’ve gone to a water park, climbed a rock wall in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and cheered on the minor league Knoxville Smokies. Last spring, a CrossFit gym volunteered its facility to lead an adaptive class, with all participants receiving a T-shirt.
The idea took shape when Cantrell took it to church leaders and others with a background in special education and the local school system. A strength of the ministry is that it isn’t another “buddy” system, said Cantrell, but relies on the participants interacting with each other.
“Everyone who has worked with it talks about how it has changed their life,” he said. “Members’ ages range from 18 to 35. Throughout the year, they celebrate different occasions like birthdays and holidays. They do a gift exchange at Christmas and have a special meal on Valentine’s Day, which is usually fondue.”
Southern Baptists approved a resolution at the June annual meeting encouraging churches to seek opportunities for evangelism, discipleship and care for persons with disabilities and their families.
“The ministry is being talked about a lot in our little community,” said Keith Pierce, director of missions for Clinton Baptist Association and a member of Second Baptist. “They’re experiencing fellowship and discipling each other.
“This is a huge unreached area, and this ministry helps reach people and give them purpose. It can be replicated across the U.S., and even in other countries.”
The ministry operates by the motto “Anything is possible” and receives no government funding, thriving instead through private donations. Second Baptist donates space and buses.
“This group is so important because they are learning to build relationships,” said Cantrell. “They group text and communicate daily. That, alone, has given hope to these families. We help them prepare for job interviews, and this fall we’re getting them driving lessons.
“Genuine friendships have formed, and we continue to grow. We anticipate serving over 100 families by the first of the year as word continues to spread. This is a group of young adults who decide where and what to eat. They are amazing and have touched more lives than I ever will.”
___
This article appeared in Baptist Press.
Share with others
