8 Ways to Increase Deaf Attendance in Hearing Churches

  • Encourage members of the clergy to learn ASL.

  • Provide opportunities for the deaf to worship and learn in an atmosphere in which ASL is the primary language.

  • Advance the awareness and respect for deaf culture and people.

  • Provide leadership opportunities for the deaf to participate and or lead in the areas of pastoral care, worship and education.

  • Work to increase awareness among all ministers in pastoral care such as chaplains, hospice workers, parish and hospital staff, and funeral directors about the needs of people who are deaf.

  • Provide the deaf access to retreats and spiritual enrichment sessions facilitated by ASL.

  • Educate deaf people about the services and opportunities they offer.

  • Work together for stewardship to raise money for deaf ministries, while recognizing the broader definition of stewardship, such as volunteer service of time.