Welcome to Uniquely Growing in Christ
Uniquely Growing in Christ (UCG) is a ministry for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families/caregivers. Our mission is to share the love of Jesus, nurture spiritual growth, and create a welcoming community where every individual belongs, is valued, and can grow uniquely in their faith.
Whether you are a family seeking support, a friend looking for connection, or someone wanting to serve,
you are welcome here!
Our Purpose
Share the gospel of Jesus Christ with adults with special needs and abilities and their families.
Disciple individuals as they grow in the knowledge of God’s love and grace.
Serve Jesus Christ together in our church and community.
Sunday Bible Class
We gather Sundays from 9:00–10:15 a.m. in Room 218 for interactive, hand-on lessons that explore Scripture, encourage living out our faith, and help participants grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Lessons are adapted for different learning styles so everyone can participate fully.
Community, Participation & Friendship:
We are a Christ-Centered community where relationships matter. Our friends are not just learners – they are contributors. Participants build friendships, worship together, serve in a variety of roles, connect with other church groups, and take part in social and life-enrichment activities and community outings that foster confidence, purpose, and belonging.
Family Support & Respite Nights
We partner with families and caregivers through encouragement, prayer, and respite night opportunities, helping everyone feel supported, known, and included.
BLOOM Center Adult Program
BLOOM (Building Lives through Occupational and Outreach Ministry) Center is a fully functional, 9,000 square feet greenhouse owned by Central Baptist Church of Bearden. Our UGC adults participate with a parent or support provider engage in needed activities to grow plants. They wash and sanitize pots, fill pots with soil, sow seeds and water them, and up pot small plants that will be sold each Spring to fund the greenhouse programs. Our adult friends are taught what needs to be done, given opportunities to complete tasks with or without support, share their successes with their friends, build additional friendships and confidence in themselves, and have fun as they work. Participants are limited in order to ensure that individualized support is provided either by parents, DSP providers, and/or trained volunteers. The adult group meets at the greenhouse on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30-1:00.
Get Connected and Belong
All adults with special needs are invited, whether or not they are members of Central Bearden Church. You are welcome to attend our class while remaining part of your own home church.
We invite you to come meet our team, experience our class, and see what life together in UCG looks like.
Contact Information
Nancy Reeves
Uniquely Growing in Christ Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (865) 705‑2218
Staff Liason: Tim Earl
Minister of Missions and Engagement
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (865) 450-1000 ext. 107
We look forward to welcoming you and your family into our community
—come as you are and grow with us in faith, friendship, and service!