Welcoming Families With Deaf and HOH Kids To Your Church

Lunch and Learn Webinar

Sonshine hosts Lunch & Learn webinars each quarter for hearing Christians to listen to a Deaf individual share their experiences in the Christian setting. Each webinar is virtual and free. Our prayer is to help make the Christian community known for welcoming and honoring Deaf people well. Open to anyone who serves in Christian spaces and wants to include Deaf people with excellence and accessibility.

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At this Lunch and Learn, Sonshine brought together a heartfelt and practical conversation with three incredible women—Brittany and Amy, two moms raising Deaf children, and Tanya Polstra, CEO of Deaf Kids Connect. Their stories and insights offered a glimpse into what true inclusion looks like within the body of Christ. As each guest shared, a common theme emerged: belonging begins with understanding. For many hearing church leaders, questions around Deaf ministry can feel uncertain—where to start, what’s helpful, or how to bridge the communication gap. Brittany and Amy spoke candidly about their journeys navigating church life with their children, from finding interpreters to helping ministries understand that accessibility goes far beyond just “having someone sign.”

Tanya added a wider perspective, reminding leaders that inclusion starts with listening. “It’s not about fixing,” she said, “it’s about creating space where Deaf people are seen, valued, and invited to lead.” Her challenge was simple yet powerful—approach the Deaf community as partners, not projects. Throughout the discussion, faith stayed at the center. Each story pointed back to the beauty of a church that reflects God’s design for diversity within His family. It was both encouraging and grounding—a reminder that the work of inclusion is not complicated, it just takes humility, curiosity, and understanding.

We’re grateful to our guests for sharing their experiences and practical ideas. For any hearing leader, pastor, or volunteerwho wants to learn how to better come alongside the Deaf community, these free Lunch & Learns are a welcoming place to start. At Sonshine Interpreting, we believe connection happens when conversation begins. Let’s keep the table open.

Blessings,

Sonshine Team

Lunch & Learn Webinars are for hearing Christians to listen to a Deaf individual share their experiences in the Christian setting. Each webinar is virtual and free. Our prayer is to help make the Christian community known for welcoming and honoring Deaf people well. Open to anyone who serves in Christian spaces and wants to include Deaf people with excellence and accessibility.