An Exceptional Story of God's miraculous love and ministry... When the Church of the Exceptional held its first service for 3 people with disabilities in an unused portion of a fellowship building of the Cliffside United Methodist Church in rural Rutherford County, NC in May,1974 no one had any idea of what the little meeting would lead to. It started as an idea in the mind of Church Founder Matti
e Lackey as she worked on her job in a local cotton mill and she thought of a boy who because of his disability was being made fun of at school. Suddenly she realized he was probably being made fun of at church as well... he needed a church where he would be accepted just as he was and could be comfortable in participating in activities and in learning about God. Today, many miracles later, the church is still in operation, and Mattie (who is well into her nineties) has been the Director of the ministry for over 40 years. According to information from the Joni and Friends organization a few years ago, The Church of the Exceptional is the only church of its kind in the United States. The church operates debt-free and owns its sanctuary and surrounding property and vans to transport its members to and from services. It is supported by a number of churches from a variety of denominations, as well as individuals and organizations. Volunteers drive the vans, serve as staff members, sunday school teachers, and speakers in the Sunday morning worship service. The Church is the recipient of several local, state and national awards and recognition for its service to the community and for its work in ministering to those with disabilities. In 2022, as the need for a lift-equipped van became known to replace older vans without lifts that had become unreliable, supporters and the community responded quickly. One van was purchased through numerous contributions, and another van was purchased by an anonymous donor. In addition, several other significant contributions from individuals and businesses were received to assist with other needs of the church. Forty-nine years after Mattie's realization that a young boy needed a place to be able to be accepted and to be able to worship and to learn about God in a meaningful way in spite of his infirmities The Church of the Exceptional continues to strive to fill that need. Thank you for taking the time to hear a portion of our story!
