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

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Wrap-Around Mental Health Support: 4 Steps Any Church Can Take: Podcast EP 122

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Wrap-Around Mental Health Support: 4 Steps Any Church Can Take: Podcast EP 122

In this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Catherine Boyle shares 4 steps any church can take when an individual or family has a significant mental health need that may require ongoing church support.

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One Body, One Spirit with Jason Epps and Paul Pettit: Podcast Episode 116

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One Body, One Spirit with Jason Epps and Paul Pettit: Podcast Episode 116

Sandra Peoples interviews Jason Epps and Paul Pettit about their book, One Body, One Spirit: Disability & Community in the Church. Hear about their friendship and how Jason's challenges with church accessibility led to them writing this book together. 

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New Operations Director! An Interview with Larah Roberts: Podcast Episode 115

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New Operations Director! An Interview with Larah Roberts: Podcast Episode 115

Elaina Marchenko sits down to interview Larah Roberts, the new Operations Director here at Key Ministry. Larah shares her heart for disability ministry, and her experience as a Special Needs mom.

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5 Phases of Disability Parenting & How Churches Can Support Families in Each Phase: Podcast EP 114

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5 Phases of Disability Parenting & How Churches Can Support Families in Each Phase: Podcast EP 114

Parents go through five phases as they raise their children with disabilities. It’s helpful for ministry leaders to understand these phases so we know better how to support families in these different seasons. In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares characteristics of the phases, the needs parents have in each one, and how the church can support them along the way. 

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Summer Disability Ministry Recap: Podcast EP 111

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Summer Disability Ministry Recap: Podcast EP 111

Sandra Peoples talks with Julie Hernandez, the Disability Ministry Director at her. They discuss the good and the challenging parts of their summer activities in Disability Ministry.

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The Kairos Time for Your Mental Health Ministry: Podcast Episode 109

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The Kairos Time for Your Mental Health Ministry: Podcast Episode 109

Do you struggle with God’s timing? Do you have a ministry dream that you don’t know how to get started? The Mental Health and the Church conference may be just the place and time where God will bring your dreams into focus.

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Summer Schedule, Summer Vibe: Podcast Ep. 108

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Summer Schedule, Summer Vibe: Podcast Ep. 108

In less than 8 minutes, Beth shares her summer vibe, suggests three events your church could try this summer, tells you about her summer serving gig, and issues four invitations from Key Ministry.

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Accessible Bible Story Instruction with Cortney Jenkins and Laura Deeken: Podcast EP 107

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Accessible Bible Story Instruction with Cortney Jenkins and Laura Deeken: Podcast EP 107

One of the biggest challenges in inclusive ministry is meeting the needs of diverse learners. Today on the podcast, Sandra interviews Cortney Jenkins from Awe & Wonder and Laura Deeken from The Adapted Word about easy ways to make our lessons more accessible and about the resources they provide to help support every student in your ministry.