December 3, 2020 Blogpost: A Personal Look at the Mental Health Impacts of Quarantine

Recently, Joanna French and her family were quarantined after their children were exposed to COVID-19. Here’s an honest look at how quarantine impacted her mental health.

November 24, 2020 News Story: Churches and Faith-Based Groups Offer Sustenance and Support Amid Pandemic

A COVID-19 comeback is already putting a damper on family and church gatherings. But that doesn't mean churches and ministries need to be on the sidelines during these unprecedented times. Experience in helping people deal with tragedy and disaster allows the faith community to gain trust, reduce fear, and spread hope where it's needed most.

November 22, 2020 Blogpost: Twenty Ways Our Key Ministry Team Made a Difference in 2020

Our ministry plans for 2020 went out the window when church doors closed across the country as we learned the meaning of social distancing. But in reviewing the accomplishments of the team in 2020, it’s hard not to argue that Beth, Catherine, and the rest of the team had their most impactful year of ministry ever.

November 18, 2020 Blogpost: Welcoming Siblings Home for the COVID Holidays

As I sat down to share life with fellow special needs parents in this blog, it occurred to me that the best I might offer was a shared prayer for the upcoming holiday season. Perhaps you, too, are thinking out of the box about how to make the most of new and unexpected holiday dynamics. Together let’s pray, Lord, make our homes an instrument of Your peace.

November 15, 2020 Blogpost: A Plan to Help Hurting Churches Help Hurting Families

These are some of our guiding principles for growing disability ministry in a shrinking church in the years ahead.

November 2, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders from across the country discuss plans for reentry (as churches begin to reopen) and brainstorm creative ways to serve and reach families for Christ when our folks aren't able to gather together in person.

October 15, 2020 Blogpost: The Ultimate Church Comeback Plan

Many of the concepts that the general population have experienced for the first time in 2020 are all too familiar to some in the disability community. The new reality that many of us are experiencing for the first time is all too familiar for many families living with disabilities who face manifold barriers to leave their home on a typical day. So what if we took this opportunity to re-imagine a church that was accessible to 100% of people—rather than just the 85% who don’t live with disabilities?

October 5, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders from across the country discuss plans for reentry (as churches begin to reopen) and brainstorm creative ways to serve and reach families for Christ when our folks aren't able to gather together in person.

September 28, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders from across the country discuss plans for reentry (as churches begin to reopen) and brainstorm creative ways to serve and reach families for Christ when our folks aren't able to gather together in person.

September 15, 2020 Blogpost: Trusting the Lord in the Struggle

I’m willing to guess that everyone on the planet has experienced life off kilter in some way this year. Wow! 2020! A year we won’t easily forget. Life right now is hard for so many, feeling messy and downright immobilizing. There’s much confusion and unrest in the world today. What do we do? What do we believe?

September 14, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

As churches start to reopen, disability ministry leaders from around the country discuss their ministry plans: how to safely bring people back together inside the church building, how to bring back volunteers, ideas for outdoor activities, and creative ways to foster community when in-person is not an option.

September 4, 2020 Blogpost: Quarantined Life or Contained Life? A Choice in Difficult Times

I have been numb with depression lately. Except on those days when I am energized by anger. Some of it has to do with the pandemic and continued quarantine; some of it has to do with family relationships and health challenges. And then a daily meditation popped up, challenging me to choose a contained life.

August 31, 2020 Blogpost: What Do You Expect?

We’ve had to adjust a lot of expectations around here this year—and that’s an understatement. I’ve become aware that the COVID-19 adjustments we’ve made these few months have diminished my expectations in a great many areas of my life. But then I got a reminder about praying with expectancy, urgency and boldness.

August 31, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

As churches start to reopen, disability ministry leaders from around the country discuss their ministry plans: how to safely bring people back together inside the church building, how to bring back volunteers, ideas for outdoor activities, and creative ways to foster community when in-person is not an option. Resources mentioned include: upcoming Events from Key Ministry, clear mask, Ability Ministry curriculum, outdoor Sunday School at Bay Presbyterian Church

August 24, 2020 Blogpost: When Life is Not as It Should Be

When life is not as it should be, whether the cause is a global pandemic or a child's diagnosis, we have a choice to make. As our hearts break and our faith is tested, we have to decide to respond from either a short term or long term perspective.

August 23, 2020 Blogpost: The Five Kids I’m Most Concerned About this Fall

Based upon my observations from thirty years as a child psychiatrist, here are five groups of kids I’m most concerned about this school year.

August 19, 2020 Blogpost: A 2020 Prayer of a Special Needs Parent

Lisa Jamieson shares a prayer that will resonate with many families. We encourage you to pray this prayer for your family and loved ones.

August 17, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19 and determining best practices for reentry as churches open.

August 10, 2020 Blogpost: An Encouraging Verse for Special Needs Parents During Times of Uncertainty

Special needs parents already live with a lot of stress and anxiety. But when you add in the extra uncertainty that comes with COVID-19 and what’s going on with back-to-school come the fall, well, it’s possible as parents to go into anxiety overload. But there’s a verse in Isaiah that is very encouraging for all parents during this time of uncertainty regarding your child(ren) and our future.

August 3, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry.

July 27, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry.

July 20, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry.

July 19, 2020 Blogpost: Ministry in a Post-Coronavirus World

Change that would have occurred gradually over the next ten years will take place in the next 12-24 months thanks to the disruption from COVID.

July 13, 2020 Blogpost: A Prayer for Minimized Losses and Multiplied Gains During COVID-19

Until God releases us from threats like COVID-19, my family is leaning hard into prayer. In many ways, we’re paraphrasing a very helpful prayer prayed over our daughter from so many years ago. I hope extended families, friends and churches will join us in praying this prayer, too.

July 12, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry.

July 9, 2020 Blogpost: The Church Must Choose to Change

One of the challenges I constantly face is change. Change means that the old way is no longer working. Change means that a new way is begging for opportunity. I can’t but help to think that with all the changes we are being forced into making in our churches, the way that we worship God must be at the very top of the list of changes that we are seeking to make.

July 8, 2020 WEbinar: Dementia and COVID-19 Challenges: Tips for Supporting Caregivers and Families

COVID-19 restrictions and worries have been particularly challenging for elderly family members and their caregivers. Individuals living with dementia may be particularly struggling to grasp the changes, which also complicates support provided by family caregivers.

In this webinar, Tory White from All Belong Center for Inclusive Education shared information about dementia. Tory also talked about practical ideas for emotional and spiritual support for individuals with dementia, as well as tips for socially-distanced or virtual communication and family/caregiver support.

July 7, 2020 Blogpost: Ministry Leader Insights from 2020 - So Far

Just a handful of weeks into the pandemic quarantine, I was already starting to take stock of lessons God was teaching me. In the course of time and in the newly emerging chaos of rushing back to “normal” life, I’m already struggling to remember, let alone walk out, the lessons I was so certain would not leave me! How about you? During meetings with disability leaders and a recent check-in call with a group of pastors who are navigating ministry in these times, I have heard valuable insights from varied fronts.

July 1, 2020 Blogpost: The Mask I Need to Stop Wearing

The cloth masks we wear to protect against COVID-19 obscure our faces. If people are smiling around me, I cannot tell. As soon as it is safe outside, I rip the facial mask off. I take a deep breath and feel instant relief. My state requires facial coverings while out in public, and I am not sure that I will ever get accustomed to them. But there are some invisible masks I am more than comfortable wearing.

June 29 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry. This is PART ONE of our conversation. We had technology issues during this discussion, so the video is in 2 parts. Here's the link to view PART 2: vimeo.com/433711021

June 25, 2020 Blogpost: Moving from Darkness to Light with God’s Help and a Crisis Helpline

Isolation has affected all of us. Racial tensions, struggles, and division in our country has affected everyone in America. We are all a little broken right now. As a pastor, it is hard to build up people when you cannot function. Recently, the amount of mental strain it costs me to function “normally” and put on a brave face is extreme. But I have returned to the point that I can rely on what I know instead of what I feel. Here’s how you can, too.

June 22, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols and preparing for reentry.

June 15, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols.

June 14, 2020 Blogpost: Why Families Think Online Church is Indispensable for Disability Ministry

If your church is has an online presence and an interest in disability ministry, your online presence needs to be a critical component of your disability ministry strategy.

June 9, 2020 Blogpost: The New Normal

What will life be like after COVID-19? Should we go back to the old normal, how things were before lockdown? What should change? What might change? Do we want change? Can we go back to how things were before?

June 8, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols.

June 5, 2020 Blogpost: The Nature Cure

For the past three months, stress levels around the world skyrocketed as quarantined families hunkered down at home. How do we cope with the added stress? Over the past few months, I’ve been noticing many more families enjoying the forest. Turns out, a walk in the woods might be the best thing to do to beat back stress.

June 4, 2020 Blogpost: Leveraging What We’ve Learned from COVID-19 to Serve the Disability Community

Since March churches and church leaders have had to find ways to creatively navigate the storm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. All across the globe, churches have been using ingenuity to engage their congregants that are unable to attend worship gatherings in a centralized physical location. This pandemic is the perfect opportunity for the Church to take inventory of its efforts to include a population of people who have been missing from our weekly gatherings: the disability community.

June 3, 2020 Webinar: Safe Summer Travel

Vacation plans may look very different for many families this summer, as a result of COVID19 precautions. We talked with Melanie and John with tips and ideas for your virtual vacation, stay-cation or safety-first summer trip. 

June 3, 2020 Blogpost: Do Not Forget About At-Risk Families

Online church has been wonderful, but there is nothing like being in a church service. Though I cannot wait to go back to church, it will not be anytime soon. As you gather together in church to sing and pray, please remember that not everyone is there with you.

June 2, 2020 Blogpost: Please Ask Us! A Transition Season Plea from Special Needs Families

Churches are wrestling with how they will return to their traditions with special care for the families in their midst who are impacted by disability. There is a powerful, effective way to answer the question, “How should we handle this?” And the answer is this: just ask us.

June 1, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols.

June 1, 2020 Blogpost: Tips to Help You Recover After Your Child Has a Meltdown

When our children have meltdowns that include aggression or self-injurious behavior, the stress our bodies experience is real. We need to recognize that and have a plan to help ourselves to recover.

May 29, 2020 Blogpost: Compassion in the Days of COVID19

Last month I published a blog regarding strategies for dealing with the COVID-19 quarantine, specifically as a single special needs parent. This month, I would like to focus on one of these strategies in particular, and this is the last of the “Three C’s,” Compassion.

May 28, 2020 Article: 4 Suggestions for Shepherding Pastors During the Coronavirus

As the nation’s mental health has suffered under the weight of COVID-19, it’s important to remember that pastors and ministry leaders are human. The personal emotional and mental health of ministry leaders is regularly and severely stretched, even when times are good.

May 27, 2020 Blogpost: Coronavirus Grief in Kids: 6 Ways to Help Them Mourn Losses Well

Coronavirus grief in kids is real. While we may wish this wasn’t the case, we can do much better than merely wishing away our kids' coronavirus grief. We can come alongside our children, and help them process the grief and mourn their losses in these six simple and profound ways.

May 27 Webinar: Grieving and Celebrating Amidst COVID-19

Young adults have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 changes, and many are experiencing grief and loss in a time that should be about celebration. Skip McDonald, author, speaker, nurse and Regional Resource Specialist, SE for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, shared how students can grieve their losses and manage COVID-19 related stresses well, and also share creative ideas for celebrations.

May 26, 2020 Blogpost: Ten Ways to Prioritize Mental Health While Quarantined with Special Needs and 8 Kids

The time quarantined with 8 children, including five teenagers and one child with profound special needs, has been intense. Prior to the worldwide pandemic, my husband Ryan and I successfully prioritized self-care. We understand how fragile our mental health can become in stressful circumstances, having each experienced bouts of overwhelm, PTSD, and anxiety. May is Mental Health Awareness month. Here are ten routines we have incorporated to preserve the integrity of our well-being that may be helpful to others as well.

May 21 Blogpost: Jesus Loves Me, This I Know?

Jesus loves me, this I know? Do I know? Do I feel His love in the midst of a pandemic?! All lives across the globe have been affected. Probably the strongest saint has been tested in some way. If you are struggling to know and feel God’s love today, consider these five things. 

May 20, 2020 Roundtable: Virtual Respite: Family Fun Nights & Outreach Activities to Minister to Families During COVID-19

Many of us are now into our second month of #StayAtHome which means Respite Events and other in-person outreach activities are not happening. How can churches provide virtual respite for special needs families when our traditional models are not an option? Ministry leaders from across the country discuss best practices for blessing families in a new way. Click here for summary of chat transcript. Click here for one church’s example of a Zoom “Respite” Night.

May 20, 2020 Blogpost: The Two Phases of Lockdown for Special Needs Families

As I see it, there are two distinct phases of coronavirus lockdown: the phase where you are waiting for things to get back to normal, and the phase where you let go of all previous “normal,” and begin to build what will be next. Here are some specific new things that have become helpful and strange provisions in this place.

May 18, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols.

Resources mentioned include: http://keyministry.org/events https://player.vimeo.com/video/413846286 https://child.tcu.edu/tbri http://abilityministry.com/product/behealthy/ www.21stcenturydads.org

May 18, 2020 Blogpost: The Most Important Quarantine Question

Many of us are being asked, “How has social distancing and the quarantine impacted you?” Special needs or not, we all are affected and impacted by this time of quarantine. With that thought, here are a few things to realize together as we all readjust to a new normal of quarantine.

May 17, 2020 Blogpost: The Pandemic as an Unexpected Blessing to the Disability Community

It's very possible that the COVID-19 pandemic will have provided the impetus for introducing many local churches to people in their communities with conditions that would otherwise make in-person attendance either highly unlikely or impossible. 

May 15, 2020 Blogpost: Creating Precious Memories During Difficult Times

Parenting a child with additional needs or disabilities can be hectic, a bit overwhelming too, with so much to juggle, so much unpredictability and so many battles to fight, especially in these difficult times. So when precious moments come along, it is important to cherish them, enjoy them, to squeeze every single drop of joy out of them, a bit like we did with a very special moment a while ago.

May 14, 2020 Blogpost: What Helped My Despair

“How are you?” It’s so hard to answer! “Yes, we’re fine. We are well, we don’t have the virus, we have food, and we have medication.” BUT, and a BIG BUT—sometimes I feel like screaming! I am despairing. This morning I read Psalm 77. The first few verses were how I felt in the middle of last night. This Psalm, and remembering God’s faithfulness showed me several things that helped my despair, and may help you, too.

May 13, 2020 Webinar: The In-Home Lockdown Therapist: Equipping Parents to Meet Their Kids’ Emotional Needs

Stay at home orders are being eased, but increased freedoms may bring new fears and stress. Dr. Natalie Ford, licensed professional counselor and professor at Truett McConnell University, joined Catherine Boyle from Key Ministry to discuss strategies and tools for parents helping their kids cope with a season of rapid change, while also taking care of personal emotional health.

May 13, 2020 Blogpost: Five Things to Help Heal from Grief

You used to have motivation to do all the things, to tackle the challenges, to meet the needs, to love others well in a peaceful way. Now you feel sad, angry, grumpy, tense, or unmotivated. So, what is going on? What has changed? Why are you struggling? I’m seeing it strongly right now in the general population with the Coronavirus stay-at-home orders. Why?

May 12, 2020 Blogpost: How Disruption Can Teach Us to Include People with Disabilities

By now, disruption has become a familiar friend to each of us. But though coronavirus may be new, the concept of disruption—whether from a global pandemic, broken washing machines, or relational strife—is not. In much of scripture, it seems that God uses precisely the disruption that we hate to jolt his people out of negative patterns—whether it be their blatant worship of idols or their comfortable but self-serving career paths. God does not waste these disruptions.

May 11, 2020 Blogpost: Ten Scriptural Weapons to Defeat the Anxiety from COVID-19

We are living in an unprecedented time of history. COVID-19 is a silent, insidious enemy that lurks around every corner. How do we, as parents of children with disabilities, not only face but confront the fear all around us? Here are ten scriptural weapons we can use to defeat the enemy. We can, and must, teach at least some of them to our children, who are dealing with their own heightened anxiety.

May 11, 2020 Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

May 10, 2020 Blogpost: Coronavirus, Church and the “Least Restrictive Environment”

"Inclusion" during this time may mean doing what we need to do to ensure that our friends with disabilities are safe while demonstrating to them that they're loved.

May 8, 2020 Blogpost: 3 Tips to Keep Social Skills Strong During Quarantine

For many special needs kids, they are more comfortable not socializing. I am concerned, as our social distancing and quarantine goes on for months, it will be difficult for many kids to transition back to socializing with more people, besides in the comfort of our own homes. Here are three things you can start now, to help your child not be too anxious or nervous to leave home, once we start getting back to ‘normal.’

May 7, 2020 Blogpost: Three Simple Steps for Spiritual Self-Care During Quarantine

What has the potential to crush you? In what area of life do you need “space” for spiritual health in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis? Here are three simple steps from Jesus’ life to protect your spiritual, mental and emotional health.

May 6, 2020 Webinar: Why It’s Important to Connect “In-Person”…Even When We Can’t

Becky Davidson, special needs mom, Co-Founder and President of Rising Above Ministries talks with Beth Golik and Catherine Boyle about the importance of continued connection between special needs parents, even when we can’t gather in person. Becky shares her experience with virtual coffee talks, online retreats and other unique ideas to provide the community of support that special needs moms (and dads) need during COVID-19.

May 6, 2020 Blogpost: Camp Corona Burnout?

It is week number whatever since COVID-19 began. The cutesy Facebook posts highlighting everyone’s Pinterest projects are starting to fade. The smiles are starting to looking more strained as parents are wondering how much longer they will have to be the counselors/craft room directors at “Camp Corona.” Are parents at risk of “burn out?”

May 5, 2020 Blogpost: Seven Prayers to Transform the Church’s Relationship with the Disability Community

Every year on the first Thursday in May, our nation celebrates the National Day of Prayer. Would you and your congregations join me in a week of prayer, asking God to unite us and transform the way we live among people who have disabilities?

May 4, 2020 Blogpost: A Mother’s Day Like No Other

Coronavirus? Quarantine? No handmade gifts from school or church? No cute pictures at church of everyone dressed up? This is going to be a Mother’s Day like no other. But this year let’s make it our mission to find joy in the midst of it all!

May 4, 2020 Video Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

May 3, 2020 Blogpost: How Pastors Can Support Mental Health in the Age of COVID-19

A Barna study reported only 30 percent of pastors feel well-equipped to help their people deal with matters of mental or emotional health.

May 1, 2020 Blogpost: Tales from a Stress Eater Stuck at Home

The quarantine events in the past few weeks have presented new challenges. My daughter's health, which is usually the major trigger for me, was no longer the cause of my stress. Instead, life's drastic changes overwhelmed me. The sudden changes to my familiar routine put me in old battles with stress and eating.

April 30, 2020 Blogpost: How Special-Needs Ministries Should Plan for Reentry

As our churches make plans for reopening following the guidelines suggested, the plans we make for the families we serve may be different. Our families may be the last ones to come back. And when they are ready, we need to have a plan in place to answer their first question: will my child be safe?

April 29, 2020 Webinar: Grief Support: Equipping Ministry Leaders to Support Others with COVID-19 Grief

New York City metro area churches are on the front-line of providing care and support to families and communities reeling from all the COVID-19-related challenges. Karen Shannon, Discipleship Pastor and Interim Campus Pastor of Liquid Church in Parsippany, NJ, joins Catherine Boyle from Key Ministry team to talk about the work that Liquid Church is doing to meet local practical, but also how they are providing much-needed grief support for so many people, and how they have equipped their pastors and ministry leaders.

April 28, 2020 Webinar: Mental Health in a Time of COVID-19: Preparing Leaders to Address the Challenge

Key Ministry’s President & Founder, Dr. Steve Grcevich, co-presented along with Kay Warren for this webinar from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help churches and religious leaders of all faiths respond to #mentalhealth support needs arising from #COVID19.

April 27, 2020 Blogpost: Six Ways Caregiving Prepares You to Spread Good, Not Germs, During COVID-19

You may be wondering what good you have to offer when your days have been devoted to caring for your child with special needs and disabilities for a long time. As it turns out, your role as a caregiver has prepared you for the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are six ways you are already prepared to spread good, not germs.

April 27, 2020 Video Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation. Resources mentioned include: kahoot.com https://www.ucov.com/sunday keyministry.org/coronavirus https://mediation-omc.org/ jacobsladderfitness.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/snadleaders https://www.breakpoint.org/the-parents-of-special-needs-children-have-needs-too/

April 20, 2020 Webinar: The Impacts of Trauma During Stay-at-Home Orders

Catherine Boyle from Key Ministry interviewed Janyne McConnaughey, PhD. Janyne is an expert in trauma, both as an educator and as a childhood abuse survivor. Janyne discussed the impacts of trauma during #StayAtHome orders, as well as ways church and ministry leaders can support adults and kids who have trauma-related needs, even as much of the US shelters in place.

janyne.org

Janyne's recommended trauma resources: https://bit.ly/2VSfhpo

April 20, 2020 Blogpost: Six Ideas for Building Relationships During Quarantine

We are all basically under quarantine until further notice. Life as we’ve known it has come to a screeching halt, and not just for some, but for everyone! You may be used to spinning a lot of plates all at once, and might even have a little anxiety wondering “what to do” with some of this free time. Here are six ideas that will create closer relationships in your family, whether or not you’re in the special needs community.

April 20, 2020 Video Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

April 16, 2020: Six Scriptures to Help Choose Faith Over Fear

I am scared of all the ‘what-if’s’ of coronavirus. Being a pastor doesn’t somehow mystically make me immune to that. You are probably scared, too. This is where knowing The Word becomes imperative.

April 15, 2020 Webinar: Using Scripture to Support Emotional Health During COVID-19

The Key Ministry team was joined by Jonathan Holmes, biblical/pastoral counselor at Fieldstone Counseling and board member of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF.org) to talk about using Scripture to help manage and support emotional health during the time of COVID-19.

See more from Jonathan Holmes at FieldstoneCounseling.org. 

Scripture referenced in this discussion include Psalm 131:1-3, Proverbs 1:1-7, Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:5-7, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 11:28, 1 Peter 1:13, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 1:3-9.

April 14, 2020 Blogpost: Important Changes Prompted by the Coronavirus Pandemic

In the UK, where I live, there are stories of people being kind and helpful to the old, lonely and vulnerable. Those in distress from the coronavirus are being supported. For a long time, many in the Church have been crying out to God for justice for the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized and those who are often discriminated against, such as those with disabilities. It has taken a pandemic for us to realize that we all need to change.

April 13, 2020 Video Roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

April 13, 2020: Promises of Restoration for Coronavirus Losses

There are a lot of logistical challenges to be found within this “shelter in place” world. But special needs kids who are home from school and out of their regular routine face more than challenges; they face real, significant loss in skills and abilities. As I contemplated how we would ever be able to make up for the lost time, I remembered a similar story in the Bible, and an amazing promise from God.

April 12, 2020 Video: Key Ministry’s Not Alone Easter Service

Welcome to the Key Ministry Easter Service! The Key Ministry team, along with many other friends in the disability community, bring a hope-filled worship service to you and your family in celebration of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.

April 12, 2020: Why Does God Allow Coronavirus and Other Types of Suffering?

So if God is great, all knowing, all powerful…how do these things occur?

April 10, 2020 Blogpost: Three C’s for Surviving COVID-19 as a Single Special Needs Parent

I had just dropped off my son after having him for the weekend, as it was my time with him, according to the parenting agreement with my ex-wife. I no sooner put the car in reverse than I heard the declaration on the radio during a COVID-19 briefing that all restaurants, cafes and bars were to be closed indefinitely. Children like mine don’t just “do better” with routines and structure, they require it. I want to share some ideas and perspective on this time as a new single parent of an autistic child and how I, and more importantly, we as a family still, are coping.

April 8, 2020 Blogpost: An Easter Service for the Disability Community

We're hosting a very special worship service for families impacted by disability who don't have a church this Easter morning

April 8, 2020 Blogpost: Come to Me — During Quarantine, and Every Day

When you are sheltering in place, come to ME. When you are out serving in an essential job, come to ME. This came to me in the shower. Yes, I’m still showering now and then. The ME in this writing is Jesus. Except last line is all Deb!

April 8, 2020 Roundtable: Rolling with the Punches: A Conversation about Challenging Behaviors During #StayAtHome

The #StayAtHome mandate can be especially challenging for families whose kids are used to routines and to certain activities that are no longer an option. Tiffany Crow, a behavior analyst specializing in children with disabilities, helps us brainstorm strategies to try during this challenging time.

Resources mentioned include:

Autism Helper

Autism Speaks’ Challenging Behaviors Toolkit PDF

April 6, 2020 Article: How Churches Can Promote Mental Health Through the Coronavirus Pandemic

As Americans respond to admonitions from public health officials and politicians by practicing social distancing, quarantining, and closing schools, businesses, and churches in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), an important consideration receiving little attention is the impact of these dramatic actions on the short and long-term mental health of our people.

April 6, 2020 video roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

Resources mentioned include:
keyministry.org/church4everychild/2020/4/5/caring-for-our-neighbors-in-a-covid-19-mental-health-crisis
coursera.org/learn/psychological-first-aid

April 6, 2020 Blogpost: Why Self Care Is Even More Important for Caregivers During the Coronavirus Age

As caregivers, self care isn’t optional. We have to take care of ourselves so we can care for those who depend on us! Especially during the COVID 19 pandemic.

April 5, 2020 Podcast: Ministry to Special Needs During COVID-19

Join host Tom Bump and his guests from Key Ministry, Beth Golik and Catherine Boyle as they help us understand how to minister to families with children who have special needs and other hidden challenges.  Anxiety is so high already for these families the Church can step up and help.  This is such a great conversation and I highly recommend you check them out on Facebook or online. 

They have a bunch of fantastic resources. 

April 5, 2020 Blogpost: Caring for Our Neighbors in a COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis

Here's why I'd recommend Psychological First Aid to any pastor or church leader interested in quickly building capacity to care for large numbers of hurting people during the pandemic.

April 3, 2020 Blogpost: When You’re Suddenly the Sunday School Teacher

Leaders in the church who educate children about God are vital to families. For many of us, these church leaders are presently not in our children’s lives, due to crowd restrictions with COVID-19. But faith and understanding about God can occur naturally, if a parent takes a few small steps. Here are three suggestions.

April 2, 2020 Facebook Live: HOW SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES CAN STAY RESILIENT DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Special needs parents are already resilient and know what it’s like to live with ambiguity. Sandra Peoples will share how families can use this time to create habits and rhythms that will work for special needs families now and in the future. 

April 2, 2020 Blogpost: What Happens When We Can’t?

With the spread of COVID-19, we have all found ourselves in the position of not being able to gather together for corporate worship. Christians all over the world have found themselves facing very serious “can’t.” So, what happens when there is a collision between practicing my faith and the reality of life with a disability? What do I do when I can’t?

April 1, 2020 Video Roundtable: Equipping Pastors for the Coming Mental Health Crisis

Pastor Brad Hoefs, founder of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, shares what pastors and ministry leaders should be doing to support the increased depression, anxiety, OCD and other mental health needs of their church and local communities, due to the impacts of Coronavirus.

Resources mentioned include:

Text the word interview to 415-528-7403 https://freshhope.us/

APRIL 1, 2020 Blogpost: An Antidote to Panic

I’ve found myself feeling unmoored and disoriented the past few weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. All of us have been living on shifting sands, our normal routines disrupted; those things we take for granted, all swept out from under us. We need an antidote to panic!

March 31, 2020 Blogpost: Four Areas Where Churches Can Sharpen Their Focus

We are making a deliberate shift this week in some of the resources we’re offering to help families and churches get through the ripple effects of Coronavirus. We’re emphasizing mental health, in part because of what we have learned from other countries and church leaders who are farther down the pandemic path. Here are four areas where churches can sharpen their focus ahead of the increase in mental health needs.

March 30, 2020 video roundtable: Idea Share

Disability ministry leaders around the country brainstorming ideas for serving kids and families during #COVID19. We'll be meeting like this each week during this unprecedented time of social distancing and other pandemic-related protocols. Visit keyministry.org/events to register to join in the conversation.

Resources mentioned include:

• https://www.barbarabjelland.com/

• http://www.abilityministry.com/ (including At Home Activity & Learning MEGA Link List, Top 10 Binge Worthy Disability Themed Lists, Customizable Daily Schedule for families, #BeTheChurch Self-Isolation Neighbor Check, How to Be a Good Neighbor)

• Wordless Gospel

• COVID-19: Protecting Your Family video

• https://vomo.org/

• Johns Hopkins Psychological First Aid Course

March 29, 2020 Blogpost: Are Some Lives More Valuable Than Others? Seniors, The Disabled and the Terminally Ill

Are all lives equally valuable?

March 26, 2020: In Lockdown: Learning from the European Church’s Missional Response

During the second week of March 2020, Italy and Spain became the epicenter of the coronavirus crisis.

In this webinar, church planting leaders from Europe share how churches from some of the hardest-hit areas of Europe responded in the midst of this crisis.

March 26, 2020 Blogpost: 5 Ways Pastors Can Support Counselors

Why is it important for pastors to support counselors? Because 25 percent of people go first to a member of the clergy for a mental health need. Pastors need support from professional counselors. If this relationship is strengthened, you will better support your community in the long run.

March 25, 2020 Blogpost: When YOu WAnt to Quit

Maybe the coronavirus confinement already has you exhausted and looking for help. Sarah from Hope Anew offers three tips to help you persevere when challenges are overwhelming.

March 24, 2020 Blogpost: Safety in God in the time of coronavirus

Witnessing and hearing of suffering can create a kind of paranoia for us. The unexpected can wreak fear, bitterness, and resentment. But we are kept and protected by the truth. In a world which seems to be spinning out of control, what does safety in God look like?

March 23, 2020 Blogpost: Love language hacks for the coronavirus shut down

Love language hacks for the coronavirus shut down, at least from my vantage point, are an easy stretch. I know this because the hacks have already been created by parents of kids with special needs and disabilities. This post offers a few examples how to create love language hacks for your family, whether or not you are directly involved in caregiving.

March 22, 2020 Blogpost: Flattening the Curve of the COVID-19 Mental Health Epidemic to Come

What can we do now to mitigate the mental health impact of steps being taken to control spread of the virus?

March 19, 2020 blogpost: gathering together in the time of social distancing

The world is becoming a whole lot smaller for all of us amid social distancing. If you are a social butterfly like I am, this has already been hard, and it’s not even been a week. So how can we beat the blues? Here are a few suggestions.

march 16, 2020 video: coronavirus: how to prepare your special needs child

Dr. Bergina of the Autism Alignment Movement joines Darria Boyd and Dawn Allen, co-founders of The Autism Grind on how to help prepare your special needs child for concerns of coronavirus.

March 16, 2020: How Caregiving Families Can Prepare for Emergencies and Epidemics

Sandra Peoples shares how caregiving families can prepare for emergencies and epidemics. She draws on her experience with Hurricane Harvey a couple years ago and the lessons she learned then that she still apply today. And like in the aftermath of Harvey, she is praying this worldwide epidemic is an opportunity to protect our families, love our neighbors, and to remember our trust in God’s plan.

March 1, 2020 blogpost: church, the disability community and the coronavirus

We might look at this crisis as presenting a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with the disability community during a time of need while showing families who are already part of the church the extent to which they are cared for and valued.