#Disability&theChurch2025, podcast
Elaina Marchenko
Reasons to Celebrate! Podcast EP 130

Elaina sits down and shares a few of the many reasons we have to celebrate here at Key Ministry this year. We are so grateful for all that the Lord has done in and through our ministry in 2024, and we can’t wait to see what he does in 2025!

Reasons to Celebrate! Podcast EP 130
Care and Support, Hidden Disabilities, Autism, Spiritual Development
Key Ministry
Why I’m Glad to be A Sensitive Person

I wonder when did being sensitive get a bad reputation and why does being sensitive tend to make others uncomfortable? After all, Jesus showed us how to use gifts like sensitivity, empathy and compassion for the Kingdom of God.

Why I’m Glad to be A Sensitive Person
Disability Ministry, Key Ministry, Training Events
Stephen Grcevich MD
Key Ministry in 2024 - A year of unprecedented ...

As 2024 comes to a close, we look back at some of the most impactful events and relationships we were part of this past year, highlight new resources we helped create over the past twelve months and look ahead to opportunities for advancing the Gospel in 2025 through supporting local churches in their ministry with the disability and mental health communities.

Key Ministry in 2024 - A year of unprecedented impact
Care and Support, Church Support, Disability Ministry, Families, Hope, podcast, Sandra Peoples
Sandra Peoples
Including Special-Needs Families in Your ...

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!

Including Special-Needs Families in Your Church's Christmas Activities: EP 129
Autism, Care and Support, Disability Theology, Parents, Resources, Special Needs Parenting
Sunita Theiss
Biblical Truths for Neurodivergent Kids: ...

Every child is wonderfully unique, created by God with love and intention. For kids who experience and process the world differently, hearing affirmations rooted in God’s truth can be a powerful reminder of their worth and purpose.

Biblical Truths for Neurodivergent Kids: Affirmations for Every Journey

Hidden Disabilities

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Is past experience of church a barrier for persons with mental illness and their families?

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Is past experience of church a barrier for persons with mental illness and their families?

I suspect that past experiences of church may be a major barrier to current church involvement for many adults with a history of mental illness or parents of children or teens with significant mental health conditions.

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We're starting a new group for leaders in mental health inclusion ministry

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We're starting a new group for leaders in mental health inclusion ministry

Our crew at Key Ministry is starting a Facebook group for leaders interested in advancing the cause of mental health inclusion ministry.

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A different way of looking at mental health ministry

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A different way of looking at mental health ministry

I left feeling very encouraged that the Lord is raising up like-minded people in many different places to champion the development of mental health inclusion ministry as he is doing for special needs ministry.

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When Kids Become Aggressive at Church

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When Kids Become Aggressive at Church

Let’s get to work in exploring how we can do a better job of including kids vulnerable to aggression into our ministry environments while maintaining the safety of those environments for all kids, staff, and volunteers.

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ADHD, Suicide, African-American Boys…and How Churches Might Help

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ADHD, Suicide, African-American Boys…and How Churches Might Help

Is the stigma against treatment of mental illness generally, and treatment of ADHD specifically a contributing factor to the difference in rates of completed suicide among African-American children and other ethnic groups? 

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Five reasons limiting electronics is harder for kids with mental health conditions

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Five reasons limiting electronics is harder for kids with mental health conditions

I am suggesting that parents consider why their child's reactions to being parented in their use of technology are so extreme and to consider how they might address the "why" that fuels their child's apparent addiction to their electronic toys. 

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Helping kids with "hidden disabilities" at the start of a new program year

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Helping kids with "hidden disabilities" at the start of a new program year

Transitions from one ministry environment to another all too often result in kids and families falling away from church programming. With a little understanding of how transitions may impact kids with specific disabilities and some advance planning, church staff, volunteers and parents can help most to have positive experiences as they progress into their age-appropriate ministry environments at the start of the new program year.