Key Ministry: the Podcast

Amy Kendall steps into the podcast with warmth, humor, and decades of lived experience in disability and mental health ministry. In this episode, she introduces herself, shares her journey through vocational ministry, and offers heartfelt wisdom for leaders and families in the disability community.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

What does a theology of disability look like in a broken but beautiful world? Dr. Chris Hulshof invites us into a deep, honest, and hopeful conversation about where we are in God's story — a place he calls "life between the trees."Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich speaks with Kim Botto about her book Boundless Hope, which equips churches to better welcome and support children with hidden disabilities, trauma histories, and big emotions. Kim shares personal stories, practical strategies, and a powerful vision for inclusive ministry that starts with relationship and empathy.Find the full show-notes here: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

Sandra Peoples shares a clip from an interview with Anthony Emerson, Spiritual Life Director at The Brookwood Community—a nonprofit residential and vocational community for adults with disabilities in the Houston area. Although Brookwood is not a church, Sandra highlights the value of Anthony's insights for church leaders seeking to better serve adults with disabilities. The clip is part of a video series that accompanies Sandra's book, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families. Specifically, Anthony contributes to the video for Chapter 7, "Beyond Children's Ministry: Inclusion for Every Age and Life Stage." The full video and the rest of the series are available at accessible-church.com.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

At the heart of Dr. Erik Carter's Main Stage talk at Disability and the Church Conference 2025, lies a compelling vision: a church where everyone — no asterisks, no exceptions — is welcomed, valued, and needed. His message to ministry leaders and congregations is both a challenge and an encouragement: shift from passive welcome to active inclusion, especially for families impacted by disability.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

At just 17, Ivy is proving that age is no barrier to purpose. What began as an idea sparked during a cooking summit has transformed into a thriving ministry—Cooking Capable—a hands-on, family-centered workshop series that teaches people of all abilities how to cook healthy, affordable, and delicious meals. But Ivy's journey is more than just about food; it's a testament to faith, courage, and the power of inclusion.Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

At a recent Key Ministry conference, Disability and the Church 2025, Dr. Lamar Hardwick delivered a moving and powerful message about what it truly means to serve the disability community in the church. Drawing from personal experience and deep reflection, his words challenged attendees to go beyond preparation—and embrace pursuit.Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Each year, Disability and the Church serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—building inclusive, Gospel-centered communities where individuals with disabilities and their families are not just welcomed but truly belong. In episode 145 of the Key Ministry podcast, Sandra Peoples was joined by Kathy Kovalchuk, a first-time attendee and breakout speaker, to reflect on our experience at this year's conference in Washington, D.C.Listen to the full Show-Notes here: https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Enjoy this talk pulled from the archives of last year's Disability and the Church Conference by Kim Botto. Kim discusses ways to better include all kids in the Kingdom of God.Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Elaina chats with Dr. Terisha Lee about her professional experience cultivating a relationship between social services & practical theology. They also discuss the upcoming Disability and the Church Conference, and Dr. Lee's podcast with Dr. Lamar Hardwick.Find the full Show-Notes here; https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Melissa Ortiz to discuss her history with disability & advocacy, physician assisted suicide, along with what she will be sharing at Disability and the Church Conference. Find the full Show-Notes here.

Sandra Peoples shares how ministry leaders can use ChatGPT to know how to welcome kids with disabilities, train volunteers, make modifications, and support behavior challenges. Could it be your ministry accessibility advisor? Sandra says yes and teaches you how to get the most out of it.  Find the full Show-Notes at:

In this episode, Larah has a conversation with Dr. Chris Hulshof to discuss what it means to cultivate a truly inclusive church culture—one that moves beyond passive acceptance to active participation for people with disabilities. They explore the foundations of disability-inclusive leadership and how pastors and church leaders can take practical steps toward shifting their congregations in this direction.Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/28/jesus-disability-theology-with-chris-hulshof-ep-140/

In this episode, Larah Roberts sits down with Sara Dalgliesh to talk all things summer camp! Sara shares how her church's disability ministry team plans, prepares, and runs an inclusive and gospel-centered summer camp for kids of all abilities. From organizing volunteers to adapting activities and creating a welcoming environment, she gives practical insights and encouragement for churches looking to do the same. If you're thinking about launching or improving your disability ministry's summer camp, you won't want to miss this conversation!To find the full Show-Notes go to : www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples interviews Pastor Jim Roden, and they talk about the characteristics of accessible churches that help make them healthy churches. You'll be surprised by the last three!Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/06/an-accessible-church-is-a-healthy-church-ep-138/

Elaina chats with Dawn Allen, the director of Bethel University's BUILD program, a special program equipping and encouraging students with intellectual disabilities to attend college!Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/02/20/living-out-the-great-commission-within-the-walls-of-the-university-dawn-allen-from-build-at-bethel-university-ep-137/

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. Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

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. Download your calendar & find the full Show-Notes at: keyministry.org/podcast 

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.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Larah Roberts sits down with Beth Golik and talks about the annual Night to Shine Event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Beth gives a peek into what the event looks like and also shares how your church can prepare and host one of these events in your city!Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Andrea Roseman from Access Ministry to discuss the wins of 2024, the changes she wants to make in 2025, and the way the Lord is working in and through Access Ministry.Find the full Show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples shares praise reports from churches across the country as we celebrate what God is doing through accessible churches. She also shares the biggest challenges churches say they are facing in the new year and lists resources to help with each challenge.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

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!Find the full shownotes at: www.keyministry.org/church4everychild

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!Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples interviews Lexi Melia on her experiences as a disability ministry intern, and they share advice for ministry leaders who are looking for an intern for next summer!Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Pastor Sergei Marchenko to discuss his experience with mental illness both in his home and church. Pastor Sergei shares hope for the hurting and discussed the importance of mental health awareness in the church, and from the pulpit.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down and talks with Lisa Jamieson from Walk Right In Ministries about family caregivers, the holidays, and ways the church can better support them. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode, Lauren Hickman shares her personal journey and calling to disability ministry, describing how God has guided her every step of the way to serve families impacted by disability.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In today's episode, Sandra talks about the challenges small to normative-sized churches face in disability ministry and shares how the churches she's been a part of have overcome these challenges.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

This week Elaina, from Key Ministry, sits down with Sergei Marchenko, Lead Pastor of Chatham Bible Church, and Special Needs Parent. They discuss preparing for the holiday season, church inclusion, special needs parenting and more!Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

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.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

At Mental Health & the Church Conference 2024, Dr. Steve Grcevich interviewed Kelly & her son Daniel Rosati on their experience with Schizophrenia, their powerful testimony of Jesus' grace, and how the church can support families like theirs.Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

 Ministry Callings & Qualifications: Sandra Peoples was recently asked what qualifications she has to fulfill her ministry role. Maybe it's a question you've asked yourself! What qualifications and characteristics do you need to advocate for families and help your church be more accessible? If you're called to do disability ministry but don't always feel qualified, this episode is for youFind the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Larah Roberts goes back to the archives of Disability & the Church, and shares many compelling reasons for why you should plan to attend Disability & the Church 2025. We will be announcing the dates and location soon!

In today's podcast, Dr. Adam Wilson from Denver Seminary joins Catherine Boyle to share about the work he and others within the seminary have done around mental health support within Christian schools. Dr. Wilson believes that mental health is everybody's job, whether you are a parent, teacher, ministry leader, or friend. Take a listen and read the transcript of this insightful conversation.Find the Full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Beth Golik interviews Mike & Michelle Beard from Imago Work, in Vietnam.Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

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. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

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.Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

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. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Catherine Boyle is joined by Dr. Chris Hulshof from Liberty University. We'll be talking about a topic you may not be familiar with - but if you've been in ministry world for very long, you have probably seen, and that's Religious Scrupulosity. Dr. Hulshof provides valuable insights for supporting individuals with this mental health challenge.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full Show-Notes.

Beth gives 3 must-have items for your sensory room.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full show-notes.

Sandra Peoples talks with Julie Hernandez, the Disability Ministry Director at her church Heights Baptist. They discuss the good and challenging parts of their summer activities in Disability Ministry.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full Show-Notes.

Elaina Marchenko gives a peek into the life as a special needs sibling. She discusses the different phases of her identity as it grew and changed during her life as a special needs sibling.To find the full show-notes, go to www.keyministry.org/podcast

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.Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

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.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes.

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. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Dr. Steve Grcevich interviews Dr. Lamar Hardwick one last time on his new book, How Ableism Fuels Racism. Buy this book at bakerbookhouse.com or amazon.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full show-notes for EP 106.

One of Key MInistry's core values is collaboration. The momentum in disability ministry has come about in large part because of the collaboration across traditional lines of ministry. To help accelerate momentum in mental health ministry, we're seeking collaborators for Mental Health and the Church 2024, as conference sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

As a disability ministry leader, do you ever feel alone? Beth Golik shares about Online Connection for Disability Ministry Leaders in Episode 104 of Key Ministry the Podcast.Find the full Show Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Will all aspects of disability be erased in heaven? Sandra Peoples looks at applicable biblical passages and shares her thoughts in this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast.Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down and interviews Dr. Lamar Hardwick on his new book How Ableism Fuels Racism. This is Part 2 of a 3-part series!Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full show-notes.