Richard O. Stimson
American activist
Richard O. Stimson (born May 15, 1957) is an American pastor who is the founder executive director of The Special Gathering, a Christian ministry within the mentally challenged community. The mission of Special Gathering is to "evangelize and disciple" this subculture made up of people who are developmentally delayed.
An ordained Assemblies of God minister, "Stimson conceived the idea for the ministry when he was in college and teaching a Sunday school class of mentally handicapped students in Lakeland, Florida." In 1982 after his graduation from Southeastern University, The Special Gathering of Cocoa, Florida was formed. The ministry has grown to eight programs in two states. The Special Gathering, Inc., is the umbrella organization. Coming under this ministry are The Special Gathering of Brevard, The Special Gathering of Indian River, The Special Gathering of South Carolina, The Special Gathering of Volusia, and The Special Gathering of Jacksonville.
Community-based model of ministry
A proponent of the specialized model of ministry for individuals who are intellectually disabled, Stimson teaches that "community-based ministry is the most effective vehicle to use in spreading" the good news of Christianity to this sub-culture. Doing classic ministry, the heart of each Special Gathering is the chapel services which are conducted on a regular basis. Stimson writes, "God has ordained the local church to spread the good news of Christianity." Therefore, The Special Gathering in each geographic area remains subordinate to the local congregations. Daniel W. Burgess reported in Pentecostal Evangel, March 1987 issue, "The Special Gathering's intent is to lovingly nurture the spiritual life of each person."
Advocacy
An avid advocate (Proverbs 31:8-9) for the rights of the people who are intellectually disabled, Stimson understands that the State and Federal governments are actively involved in the lives of his members.
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