Church Support, Disability Ministry, Families, Parents
Key Ministry
Creating a Church Where Everyone Belongs

It’s no surprise that I eventually became a teacher, working in inclusive classrooms where children with diverse abilities learned side by side. Later, I became a mom, got deeply connected to my church, and—as often happens when you volunteer a lot—joined the staff. I served as a preschool leader, children’s pastor, and multi-campus ministry leader. I’ve had so many wonderful days leading kids, parents, and volunteers. But one of the hardest days came not as a leader but as a church attendee.

Creating a Church Where Everyone Belongs
ADHD, Autism, Book Reviews, Care and Support, Caregiving, Hidden Disabilities, Parents, podcast
Elaina Marchenko
Finding KiND with Kari Baker: Podcast EP 136

Elaina sits down with Kari Baker, author of Finding KiND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, and talks about special needs parenting, autism spectrum, and supporting other families on the same journey.

Finding KiND with Kari Baker: Podcast EP 136
Care and Support, Stories, Special Needs Parenting, Parents
Stephanie McKeever
What Pediatric Cancer Taught Me

Our first day on the ninth floor, the doctors never said, "Your child has cancer." You know those childhood cancer commercials that tug at your heart? Never happened. My husband received a phone call that confirmed a biopsy, but once we were on the oncology floor, the word cancer was never uttered. Medical textbook words were used, and the rush was definitely on. We knew exactly what was happening without ever being explicitly told in those basic words. 

What Pediatric Cancer Taught Me
#Disability&theChurch2025, Care and Support, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Families, Event, podcast, Sandra Peoples
Sandra Peoples
Help for Planning 2025: Podcast EP 135

It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we’ve created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025.

Help for Planning 2025: Podcast EP 135
#Disability&theChurch2025, Advocacy, Autism, Care and Support, Caregiving, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Down syndrome, Hope, podcast
Elaina Marchenko
Supporting Families Affected by Disability with ...

Elaina Marchenko sits down with Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love Ministries to talk about the reality for families affected by special needs, the need for disability support in Colorado, and what Rachael will be sharing at Disability & the Church Conference.

Supporting Families Affected by Disability with Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love: Podcast EP 134

Church Support

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The Sin of Partiality and Disability Ministry

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The Sin of Partiality and Disability Ministry

Right now, so many churches are seeking a few, permitting some, but not unabashedly speaking and sharing the gospel, ensuring its access to everyone. Is your church committing the sin of partiality?

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Including Special-Needs Families in Your Church's Christmas Activities: Podcast Episode 029

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Including Special-Needs Families in Your Church's Christmas Activities: Podcast Episode 029

Podcast co-host Sandra Peoples grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and now has a teenager with level 3 autism, so she knows how different the holidays can feel for a family like hers. But they don't have to feel different at church! With a few steps of consideration, she shares how families can feel included and valued. Let's make sure special-needs families can hear the message of hope this Christmas!

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Preventing Parentification: Protecting Typical Children in Families with Disabilities: Podcast Episode 028

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Preventing Parentification: Protecting Typical Children in Families with Disabilities: Podcast Episode 028

In this episode, Catherine talks about a little-known issue called “parentification” and how we can protect typical children in families with disabilities from experiencing its effects.

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Supporting Grieving Families through the Holidays: Podcast Ep 026

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Supporting Grieving Families through the Holidays: Podcast Ep 026

Many families are grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season. Our co-host Sandra is facing that in her own family after the loss of her sister this year. So she offers six ways churches can come alongside these grieving families to offer love and support.

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The Spiritual Role of a Buddy

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The Spiritual Role of a Buddy

To be an effective buddy, we must do both the practical and the spiritual work.

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False Accusations of Abuse: How Churches Can Support Families with Disabilities: Podcast Ep 025

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False Accusations of Abuse: How Churches Can Support Families with Disabilities: Podcast Ep 025

In today’s episode, Catherine Boyle discusses how churches can use wisdom to detect or rule out abuse and how to support families with disabilities through abuse allegations and investigations.

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Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

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Should We Use the Term “Special Needs” in Our Churches?: Podcast Episode 024

In this week's episode, Beth Golik addresses a question that many ministry leaders are struggling with: should we use the term "special needs" in our churches?

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How Small Victories Lead to Full Inclusion in the Church

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How Small Victories Lead to Full Inclusion in the Church

We desire the church to accommodate the needs of an individual and make room for them and their families in our connections. This is a God-breathed and God-centered vision of inclusion. So, what happens when it does not happen overnight?

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Ten thoughts about the new LifeWay study on pastors, mental health and the church

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Ten thoughts about the new LifeWay study on pastors, mental health and the church

LifeWay Research released the results of an updated study exploring U.S. Protestant pastors’ experiences with mental illness and the support their churches offer to affected individuals and families.

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Cheerleaders versus Dinner Guests: Why Belonging Should Be Your Disability Ministry Goal: Podcast Ep 016

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Cheerleaders versus Dinner Guests: Why Belonging Should Be Your Disability Ministry Goal: Podcast Ep 016

In today’s episode, Catherine Boyle lets you in on some of her middle school angst and shares a principle to help your disability ministry focus on belonging.