Podcasts about key ministry

CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent. Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytelling, and has found several ways to support and encourage families raising neurodivergent kids. Sunita is passionate about creating opportunities for culturally responsive support in a way that helps families honor both their values and their children's needs. She is a regular contributor to PDA North America's Insights and Key Ministry's blog, and her writing has been featured in many publications, including Business Insider and Christianity Today.  *PDA is most often defined as Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy. During this episode, you will hear Sunita talk about: Discovering her own neurodivergence after she had her children Her experience growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent kid in a South Asian family in the U.S. state of Georgia How raising her children has affected how she views her neurodivergence Growing up in the Hindu community and living as a Christian as an adult Writing about her experience in church as a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children How “low demand parenting” works for her and her family Join Sunita's writing workshop and/or coaching services: A Story Only You Can Tell: A Writing Gathering for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids – use the code CAROLYN for $10 off Sunita's writing workshop (scheduled for 6/26/2025) Low Demand Parenting Coaching - use the code SUNITA15 for $15 off Read Sunita's writing at sunitatheiss.com/writing, on Instagram @sunitatheiss and on Substack. The book that Sunita mentions in this episode is called “The Myth of Good Christian Parenting” by Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds! *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/orrelated services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public school students.Among students receiving special education and/or related services, the mostcommon category of disability was specific learning disabilities (32 percent).  John Fela (Felageller) is the MinistryRelations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equipand train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, hespent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants toMiddle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacherand School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith, andis the father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiplepodcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Familyblog, as well as other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com“I choose to do this work because I am profoundly aware of what it is like tobe a special needs parent with no support and no one to reach out to as alifeline when times get hard. I found this especially challenging as a man andfather, since there are not as many resources for dads as there are for moms,and men in these kinds of families bear an incredible burden with almost no onethey can seemingly trust or reach out to.”For more information: https://johnfela.com/Facebook: @John'sBlogforSpecialNeedsParents Instagram: @john_fela_1 LinkedIn: @John(Felageller)Fela

Carmen shares her Friday farm report and the need to be personal when it comes to another person's grief experience. Stephen Grcevich, founder and President of Key Ministry, talks about how to move from seeing a need another family has, to embracing an individual as a gift from God. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Join Dr. Stephanie as she discusses disability theology and disability ministry with Stephanie O. Hubach, author of Same Lake Different Boat.Questions Stephanie and Stephanie Discuss:What is Disability Ministry and Why Does it Matter?a. How would you define disability ministry?b. Why doesn't your definition of disability ministry even have the word disability in it?c. What is the role of disability ministry in the local church?d. If disability ministry is “central to the life of the church” what do you mean by that?e. How does the presence of people with disabilities in a church change the fabric of congregation life?f. What type of steps need to be taken to help a church that is not disability-friendly to move towards people with disabilities?g. You refer to the biblical concept of “equal concern” in your philosophy of disability ministry. What does that look like in practice?About our Guest:Stephanie Opdahl HubachBiographical InformationStephanie Hubach is a Research Fellow in Disability Ministries and a Visiting Instructor in Educational Ministries in affiliation with Covenant Theological Seminary. From 2007-2016 she served as Mission to North America's Special Needs Ministries Founding Director. Mission toNorth America (MNA) is associated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Steph currently serves on the Wheaton Center on Faith and Disability advisory board and the board of directors for Key Ministry.She formerly volunteered as a member of the board for The Arc of Lancaster County, chairperson of the Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Advisory Board, and president of the board of directors for the Infant Evaluation Program of State College, PA.Steph is the author of Parenting & Disabilities: Abiding in Gods' Presence (P&;R Publishing, 2021), Same Lake, Different Boat: Coming Alongside People Touched by Disability (P&;R Publishing, 2006; Revised and Expanded 2020), director of a Christian Education DVD seriesbased on Same Lake, Different Boat, and author of All Things Possible: Calling Your Church Leadership to Embrace Disability Ministry (Joni and Friends, August 2007).She has been published in ByFaith magazine, Covenant magazine, Focus on the Family magazine, and Breakpoint online magazine. Steph currently writes for Key Ministry's Special Needs Parenting blog, which is for parents of children with special needs, and for the Presbyterian Church in America's enCourage blog. She has been a guest blogger for The Gospel Coalition and the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and has been interviewed on a wide variety of podcasts.Steph also coordinated a writing team for Christianity Today to provide a Disability Ministry Track in The Ministry Essentials Bible, released in September 2014. Stephanie is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of McDaniel College (formerly Western Maryland College), has an MA in Economics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and an MATS from Covenant Theological Seminary.Steph and her husband, Fred, have been married for 41 years. They have two deeply loved sons, Fred and Tim, the younger of whom has Down syndrome. In 2013, the Hubachs were blessed with a wonderful daughter-in-law when Cecelia married Fred, and in 2019, they were thrilled to welcome their first grandchild, Caroline. In 2022, twin grandsons joined the family—Everett and Dietrich. The Hubach family resides in Lancaster County, PA.Stephanie's Book Same Lake Different Boat-Revised Ed. and other resources:https://www.stephaniehubach.com/Dr. Stephanie's Uniquely Us:https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/uniquelyus

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

One Leg Up on The Advent Season With Joni And Friends Ministry Relations Manager John Fela 12-5-24 Presented By PodmatchThanks to John for joining Alex Garrett's One Leg Up Network!Here is more on John Fela as written on Podmatch: John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. He is also seeking to trademark the title of the "Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy", meaning that he is involved with disability and special needs advocacy on a variety of levels. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com

One Leg Up on The Advent Season With Joni And Friends Ministry Relations Manager John Fela 12-5-24 Presented By PodmatchThanks to John for joining Alex Garrett's One Leg Up Network!Here is more on John Fela as written on Podmatch: John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. He is also seeking to trademark the title of the "Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy", meaning that he is involved with disability and special needs advocacy on a variety of levels. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com

One Leg Up on The Advent Season With Joni And Friends Ministry Relations Manager John Fela 12-5-24 Presented By PodmatchThanks to John for joining Alex Garrett's One Leg Up Network!Here is more on John Fela as written on Podmatch: John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. He is also seeking to trademark the title of the "Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy", meaning that he is involved with disability and special needs advocacy on a variety of levels. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfela.com

John Fela (Felageller) is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Lyons, IL, is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty

Today is a special edition of JTG. Our usual crew will be back!Today, Dan discusses marriage, divorce, and a new marriage with John Fela of Joni & Friends. While not officially diagnosed, John has realized later in life his neurodivergent identification.About John:John Fela is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago, working with churches to equip and train them to help the disabled in their communities. Prior to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles, including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and School Director.Zoom AI Summary of Conversation:John and his wife have a dedicated time or day to review and update their shared calendar to ensure they are both aware of each other's schedules and commitments.John and his wife consistently express gratitude and appreciation for each other's efforts and contributions, even for small tasks or gestures.John and his wife practice gentleness and empathy in their communication, especially when discussing sensitive or past-related topics.John and his wife continue engaging in regular devotional and check-in times to maintain a strong connection and support each other.John lives in Round Lake, IL, and is married to his wife Faith and father to his son Christopher (ASD.) He is a public speaker, podcast guest on multiple shows, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog and other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.

Series: Medical “Finding Hope in the Midst of Medical Complexity” with Andrea Bourne Foster Welcome to the podcast. This episode is full of heart and hope. Today we begin our Medical series with author, speaker, educator and advocate Andrea Bourne Foster. Andrea is the mom of 2 beautiful daughters diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy. She is no stranger to hospital stays and ongoing procedures and we are blessed to have this most amazing mom and advocate on with us today. Let's listen in as she shares her families story. Bio: Andrea Foster is a speaker, writer, disability advocate/educator, wife and mom. Andrea has been married to Kirk since 1998 and they are parents to four young adults. Their youngest, Audrey and Annie are identical twins who were diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at age five months. This resulted in further diagnoses of epilepsy, autism, intellectual disability and other medical complexities. Andrea and Kirk experienced grief at the loss of dreams and face daily challenges as they fulfill the role of parent-caregivers for their twin daughters. They live in Brampton, Ontario, Canada where Kirk is a professional Firefighter and have been part of Bramalea Alliance Church since 2001. Andrea holds a Master of Science in Education (Disability Studies), Bachelor of Theology and Early Childhood Education Diploma. She shares her experiences through speaking and writing. Her articles are published in Testimony Magazine (PAOC), Alliance.ca magazine, ChristianWeek online magazine and in Women Together online magazine. She has also been a guest writer for Key Ministry and guest blogger for the Huffington Post. She has been interviewed on 100 Huntley St., The Drew Marshall Show and by other podcast hosts. Andrea guest lectures at Bible Colleges and Seminaries, and is working to make Disability Studies part of all such curriculums. Andrea longs to help families not only cope, but also thrive and truly know the joy of the Lord, in spite of disability, disappointment and ongoing seasons of trial. She believes all people belong in the Church but understands that not all leaders are well prepared for ministry with people affected by disability. Her passion is to equip everyone for better interaction so the Body of Christ will become a place of belonging for everybody. One of her favourite things is encouraging other families affected by disability to press into Jesus through Bible study, Church connection and Corporate Worship. Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website.  Email us Website: Instagram Facebook: Facebook Group Free Youtube Resource Library 

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

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

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.

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 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

Show Notes for Podcast 68 – “Why You Should Come to DATC2025” On May 1st through 3rd, we had the wonderful privilege of attending, speaking at, and having an exhibitor table at the Disability and the Church 2024 (a/k/a DATC2024) Conference put on by Key Ministry and the Tim Tebow Foundation. The Disability and the Church conference was such an amazing time. Where else can you be with 500 other people with the same passion – supporting individuals living with disability and their families by working to ensure a place for them to integrate into church life. Join us as […] The post C4P 68 – “Why You Should Come to DATC2025” appeared first on Champions4parents.

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

In this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Catherine Boyle shares a peek into some of details of the upcoming Mental Health and the Church 2024 conference, September 26 - 27, 2024, in Cleveland, OH.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast to find the full Show-Notes.

Key Ministry was founded to help churches welcome families of children with hidden disabilities. This ministry offers conferences, webinars, and virtual roundtables on a variety of topics for parents of children with disabilities. Wednesday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, Steve Grcevich, President and Founder of Key Ministry joins us to talk about why pastors, ministry leaders, and families should be interested in Key Ministry's, "Disability & the Church Conference" scheduled for May 1-3 at Calvary Orlando in Winter Park, FL. Steve will also share some of the topics attendees will learn more about during the upcoming Disability & The Church Conference. Making 'M Smile in Orlando/Disability & The Church - May 1 - Orlando Disability & The Church Conference - May 1-3 - OrlandoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Key Ministry the Podcast Ep 095 with Sandra Peoples and Tracy McElhatten. Find full shownotes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this week's episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Catherine Boyle interviews Kimberly Britt from Anchor International. Kimberly will be presenting at Disability and the Church 2024. We hope you'll enjoy this preview of the conference and the great work of Anchor International.Find full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

In Episode 091 of Key Ministry the Podcast, Sandra shares an idea for organizing care for disability families in your church and how the parable of the Good Samaritan provides guiding principles for how and why we provide that care.Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full Show-Notes.

Garett Wall hosts his last episode, 090, of Key Ministry the Podcast. Find the full shownotes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Listen to the Fresh Hope podcast in collaboration with Catherine Boyle from Key Ministry. If you have a child with special needs or a mental health challenge, this podcast is for you. You're not alone. Learn more about the  new group to Support the Mental Health Needs of Families with Disabilities, starting on November 2nd. Register here: https://freshhope.us/groups-for-families-with-disabilities/contact/  

John Felageller has spent over 15 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles, including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and School Director. John lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (ASD), and is currently a Special Education teacher in Chicago, IL. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs, including Hope Anew and The Mighty.Connect with John on his website:www.johnfelageller.comJohn has contributed a blog to our site, https://www.christianneurodiversemarriage.com/post/challenges-grief-hope-marriage-special-needs-parenting

About Kim Kim and her husband Mike, of 34 years, have 3 boys. Trey, who has Down Syndrome, is the oldest and is 33 years old. Kim started a non-profit athletic program In Mooresville, NC in 1994 called Structured Athletics for Challenged Children as well as a special-needs choir in 2016 “God's Angel Choir." She was also very instrumental in helping start Hope Academy a small school for special-needs adults. Her main goal for Trey has always been for him to have the opportunity to be active in our community and to love God and Life!   Related Links SACCputnamco.org Find out more about one of our By the Brook 2023 sponsors, Key Ministry! Sign up to join us this weekend for By the Brook here!

Are you interested in being part of a new Key Ministry initiative? Learn how you can help us create and launch mental health small groups for families with disabilities, in collaboration with Fresh Hope for Mental Health.

Reflecting on his pastoral career and work as a mental health minister, Tony shares what it is like to be a wounded healer with a bipolar thorn in his flesh.

Reflecting on his pastoral career and work as a mental health minister, Tony shares what it is like to be a wounded healer with a bipolar thorn in his flesh.

Dad's Series: “The Additional Needs Blogfather Part 2” with Mark Arnold We continue our Dad series with author, speaker, advocate, ministry director and co founder Mark Arnold, also known as the Additional needs Blogfather.  Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with churches all over the UK.  He is also a dad of a son with Autism, so he understands the joys and challenges of a raising a child with special needs. Dads, after listening to this episode and Eric and Mark's conversation you will definitely walk away feeling seen and heard. Join in the conversation and connect with other Dads who get it at our upcoming Dad's Meet Up this Thursday and be watching for our annual Dad's Day Out event COMING in THIS SUMMER! Connect with Mark at: Episode Links and Resources: Mark Arnold is the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather blog.  You can follow his blog and reach out to him on his website at https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/ Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints' pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing: http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance', a learning and support community of almost three thousand organizations, children's & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond: http://www.additionalneedsalliance.org.uk Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle', a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other: http://www.thedadsfirecircle.com He is a ‘Churches for All' partner, a member of the ‘Council for Disabled Children' the ‘European Disability Network' and the ‘Living Fully Network', serves on the executive for ‘Children Matter!' and writes a monthly additional needs column for Premier Youth and Children's Work (YCW) magazine as well as being a writer/contributor for Firefly Community, Key Ministry, The Mighty, Different Dream, DAD.info, and BRF Parenting For Faith. Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church' creating a place of belonging and spiritual development for all: https://grovebooks.co.uk/products/y-65-how-to-include-autistic-children-and-young-people-in-church-creating-a-place-of-belonging-and-spiritual-development-for-all Mark is dad to James, a 19-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.   Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Website: hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Dr. Anshu Batra, M.D., F.A.A.P is a Board Certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She completed Medical School from the University of Michigan, and Pediatric specialty training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her specialty-residency training included rotations in Developmental Pediatrics within the UNC-TEACCH program. She has been in Pediatric practice since 1994. As a Developmental Pediatrician in private practice, Dr Batra specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental delays, autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders, ADHD and other behavioral problems. Dr Batra's approach to patient care begins with education to demystify diagnoses for the parents and caretakers. She then tailors a comprehensive individual therapeutic program based on the strengths and challenges identified in each child, with the goal of helping that child reach their utmost potential. Dr. Hardwick is a father, husband, pastor, and author. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He is a gradute of the Yale School of Divinity Clergy Scholar Program and a 2017 graduate of Georgia Forward's Young Gamechangers Program, which included 50 of the state of Georgia's top thinkers, innovators, and leaders under the age of 40. He is currently a PhD at Union Institute and University in Cincinatti, Ohio. Dr. Hardwick is a contributing writer to multiple blogs and magazines including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. He is the author of Epic Church (2017) as well as his best-selling book, I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor (2017). He is the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Atlanta, GA. Most Recent Book Project: Disability and The Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (InterVarsity Press 2021) Dr Lorraine Jones a licensed speech-language pathologist with a Ph.D. in Education anda Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral with extensive experience in the utilization ABA principles in the context of parent learning programs for rapid acquisition of speech, language, social, and cognitive skills in young children with autism and other developmental disabilities. With expertise in communication disorders, special education, and applied behavior analysis, Dr Jones is motivated to use her knowledge and skills from each of these disciplines to develop protocols to strategically identify abilities as well as challenges, develop programs that are guided by the individual's learning profile, and to implement those programs in ways that will support the development of relationships as well as the acquisition of skills that will instill confidence and a love of learning. Dr.Anshu Batra MD https://www.oprah.com/own-podcasts/faces-of-autismhttps://www.oprah.com/world/living-with-autism/all Dr. Lamar Hardwick - Autism Pastor https://autismpastor.com/?page_id=1808 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGc86DRETUs Interactive Metronome Inc. Dr. Lorraine Jones PhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainne-jones-phd-58858365/

Dr. Anshu Batra, M.D., F.A.A.P is a Board Certified Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She completed Medical School from the University of Michigan, and Pediatric specialty training from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her specialty-residency training included rotations in Developmental Pediatrics within the UNC-TEACCH program. She has been in Pediatric practice since 1994. As a Developmental Pediatrician in private practice, Dr Batra specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental delays, autism, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, Fragile X syndrome and other genetic disorders, ADHD and other behavioral problems. Dr Batra's approach to patient care begins with education to demystify diagnoses for the parents and caretakers. She then tailors a comprehensive individual therapeutic program based on the strengths and challenges identified in each child, with the goal of helping that child reach their utmost potential. Dr. Hardwick is a father, husband, pastor, and author. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. He is a gradute of the Yale School of Divinity Clergy Scholar Program and a 2017 graduate of Georgia Forward's Young Gamechangers Program, which included 50 of the state of Georgia's top thinkers, innovators, and leaders under the age of 40. He is currently a PhD at Union Institute and University in Cincinatti, Ohio. Dr. Hardwick is a contributing writer to multiple blogs and magazines including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. He is the author of Epic Church (2017) as well as his best-selling book, I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor (2017). He is the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church in Atlanta, GA. Most Recent Book Project: Disability and The Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion (InterVarsity Press 2021) Dr Lorraine Jones a licensed speech-language pathologist with a Ph.D. in Education anda Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral with extensive experience in the utilization ABA principles in the context of parent learning programs for rapid acquisition of speech, language, social, and cognitive skills in young children with autism and other developmental disabilities. With expertise in communication disorders, special education, and applied behavior analysis, Dr Jones is motivated to use her knowledge and skills from each of these disciplines to develop protocols to strategically identify abilities as well as challenges, develop programs that are guided by the individual's learning profile, and to implement those programs in ways that will support the development of relationships as well as the acquisition of skills that will instill confidence and a love of learning. Dr.Anshu Batra MD https://www.oprah.com/own-podcasts/faces-of-autismhttps://www.oprah.com/world/living-with-autism/all Dr. Lamar Hardwick - Autism Pastor https://autismpastor.com/?page_id=1808 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGc86DRETUs Interactive Metronome Inc. Dr. Lorraine Jones PhD https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrainne-jones-phd-58858365/

Dad's Series: “The Additional Needs Blogfather” with Mark Arnold We begin our Dad series with author, speaker, advocate, ministry director and co founder Mark Arnold, also known as the Additional needs Blogfather.  Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with churches all over the UK.  He is also a dad of a son with Autism, so he understands the joys and challenges of a raising a child with special needs. Dads, after listening to this episode and Eric and Mark's conversation you will definitely walk away feeling seen and heard. Join in the conversation and connect with other Dads who get it at our upcoming Dad's Meet Up this Thursday and be watching for our annual Dad's Day Out event COMING in THIS SUMMER! Connect with Mark at: Episode Links and Resources: Mark Arnold is the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather blog.  You can follow his blog and reach out to him on his website at https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/ Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints' pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing: http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance', a learning and support community of almost three thousand organizations, children's & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond: http://www.additionalneedsalliance.org.uk Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle', a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other: http://www.thedadsfirecircle.com He is a ‘Churches for All' partner, a member of the ‘Council for Disabled Children' the ‘European Disability Network' and the ‘Living Fully Network', serves on the executive for ‘Children Matter!' and writes a monthly additional needs column for Premier Youth and Children's Work (YCW) magazine as well as being a writer/contributor for Firefly Community, Key Ministry, The Mighty, Different Dream, DAD.info, and BRF Parenting For Faith. Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church' creating a place of belonging and spiritual development for all: https://grovebooks.co.uk/products/y-65-how-to-include-autistic-children-and-young-people-in-church-creating-a-place-of-belonging-and-spiritual-development-for-all Mark is dad to James, a 19-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.   Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Website: hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the founder and President of Key Ministry. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who combines over 25 years of knowledge gained through clinical practice and teaching with extensive research experience evaluating medications prescribed to children and teens for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Grcevich has been a presenter at over 35 national and international medical conferences and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  In his role as President of Key Ministry, Steve serves the primary vision caster and spokesperson for Key and plays an important role in Key's efforts to develop collaborations with church leaders, professionals and organizations both within and outside the disability ministry movement. He is responsible for strategy and oversees the implementation of Key's ministry plan. He blogs at Church4EveryChild.org, is a regular contributor for Moody Radio Cleveland and frequently speaks at national and international ministry conferences on mental health and spiritual development. His first book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in February 2018.  Steve and his wife Denise live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have two daughters - Leah and her husband (Max) are students at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Mira is attending Belmont University and is majoring in psychology. Steve's work serves as a distraction from the abysmal performance of Cleveland's professional sports teams.

Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the founder and President of Key Ministry. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who combines over 25 years of knowledge gained through clinical practice and teaching with extensive research experience evaluating medications prescribed to children and teens for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Grcevich has been a presenter at over 35 national and international medical conferences and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).  In his role as President of Key Ministry, Steve serves the primary vision caster and spokesperson for Key and plays an important role in Key's efforts to develop collaborations with church leaders, professionals and organizations both within and outside the disability ministry movement. He is responsible for strategy and oversees the implementation of Key's ministry plan. He blogs at Church4EveryChild.org, is a regular contributor for Moody Radio Cleveland and frequently speaks at national and international ministry conferences on mental health and spiritual development. His first book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in February 2018.  Steve and his wife Denise live in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. They have two daughters - Leah and her husband (Max) are students at the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Mira is attending Belmont University and is majoring in psychology. Steve's work serves as a distraction from the abysmal performance of Cleveland's professional sports teams.

Do you know someone who has a disability? Through researching for this episode I learned some staggering statistics. 1 in 4 adults are affected by a disability. 1 in 5 children have learning or attention issues. That means the chances that you have or will have someone walk into your church with a disability is very very likely. Jesus DID not say “Let the little children come to me, except those that are crippled” He welcomed all into his arms. Are we as a church providing space for those with special needs?  In today's conversation with Joanna French we learn some practical ways we can embrace our disabled friends in ministry. There is something we can all do regardless of our church size.    Joanna French Pastor Joanna French is the Special Needs Pastor at Flint Hills Church in Junction City, Ks. Seven years ago she founded their special needs ministry, Embrace. Since then Joanna has spoken nationally on the subject of Disability Ministry nationally, written two books, and shares her wisdom for the national ministry Key Ministry. Joanna seeks to help other churches make the gospel accessible to everyone.   Statistics 1 in 4 adults have some type of disability. (61 Million People with Disabilities in the United States (abilitymagazine.com) 1 in 5 children have learning and attention issues. (The State of Learning Disabilities Today – Learning Disabilities Association of America (ldaamerica.org) This means if you are not directly affected, most likely you know someone who is. Do you have any of these people attending your church? How are you accommodating them? Can we do better?   Can you imagine being told you are welcome to come back to church but please find a sitter for your kids next time?    What can the Average Church Do to Embrace those with disabilities and mental illness? Don't despise small beginnings. Talk openly and positively about mental illness Be aware of disabilities and mental illness Support Autism Awareness Day Promote Down Syndrome Day Make Buddy Bags. What to include: use a cheap backpack  Noise canceling headphones Fidgets Communication cards Visual schedule   Create a Sensory Safe Room (could use a closet) What to include: Bean bag chair Noise canceling headphones Pillows Puzzles Fidgets   Advanced Steps: Provide sensory safe space when offering community events Host Respite Nights Host Siblings Day (event for siblings of disabled)   How can Implementing this Type of Ministry help Prepare us for Revival? Revival requires empathy.  In the recent move, “Jesus Revolution”, we see that revival started by meeting people right where they were at, without judging them for their actions. They simply offered them the love of Jesus. Proverbs 27:17 says “Iron sharpens Iron, and one man sharpens another..” These special friends will sharpen us as we get to know each other. They will change us. They will make us more compassionate, more accepting, and more thankful. They will teach us to worship uninhibited. They show us what true worship looks like. It helps us love people in a revolutionary way and that is key in preparing for revival.   How to start an “Embrace Ministry”? Talk to the disabled and their family members - they will have necessary input for you to create a good disability ministry. Ask their opinions and what they need.  Do the three things listed above and don't despise small beginnings. Even if it is for one person or one child.  Offer support for anyone. You may have people who are not “diagnosed” with a disability but need additional support. Have the buddy bags and alternate spaces available to anyone.   Prayer: Make sure you listen till the end for Joanna's beautiful prayer at the end of our time together.    Scripture References: “The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬   FREE BOOK: To be entered to win a free copy of Joanna's Book, Becoming Enabled, email her at embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com and let Joanna know you listened to this episode with Jacklin Drake. She will notify the winner via email and I will post on our social media pages as well.   Resources: Keyministry.org promotes meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with disabilities for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Assembly of God - Kansas Beyond Suffering Bible by Joni and Friends     Connect with Joanna: Website: https://www.enabledgospel.org/bio Becoming Enabled Book: https://amzn.to/3RPEo9i Email: embraceministriesfhc@gmail.com Connect with Jacklin:  Effective Ministry Solutions Facebook Effective Ministry Solutions Instagram Preparing the Church for the Harvest Blog Schedule a Call This episode was originally published on effectiveministrysolutions.com/episode020.  

About Ryan Ryan Wolfe the President of Ability Ministry has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the emerging field of Disability Ministry. 15 years of local church ministry at First Christian Church in Canton, OH where he was the full-time Disability Ministry Pastor. He spent time as a Church Consultant for Key Ministry before coming to Ability Ministry 7 years ago. He is an author and a featured speaker.   Favorite Quote "We're more alike than we are different." -Ryan Wolfe   Related Links Ability Ministry Website Social Media: @AbilityMinistry Disability is Beautiful Photo Database The Tale of the Shrinking Toilet    

Special Needs Ministry Series: “The Additional Needs Blogfather” with Mark Arnold You guys are going to love today's episode from our Special Needs Ministry Series. Mark Arnold brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with churches all over the UK.  He has a passion to see churches worldwide embrace the special needs community and develop programs to meet their needs.  Let's get started.   Episode Links and Resources: Mark Arnold is the author of The Additional Needs Blogfather blog.  You can follow his blog and reach out to him on his website at https://theadditionalneedsblogfather.com/ Mark Arnold (The Additional Needs Blogfather) is the Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints' pioneering additional needs ministry, including training, consultancy, conference speaking and resourcing: http://www.urbansaints.org/additionalneeds He is co-founder of the ‘Additional Needs Alliance', a learning and support community of almost three thousand organizations, children's & youth workers, parents and more who are passionate about inclusion and belonging in the UK and beyond: http://www.additionalneedsalliance.org.uk Mark is founder of ‘The Dads Fire Circle', a place for dads and dad figures for children, young people and young adults with additional needs to gather, share and support each other: http://www.thedadsfirecircle.com He is a ‘Churches for All' partner, a member of the ‘Council for Disabled Children' the ‘European Disability Network' and the ‘Living Fully Network', serves on the executive for ‘Children Matter!' and writes a monthly additional needs column for Premier Youth and Children's Work (YCW) magazine as well as being a writer/contributor for Firefly Community, Key Ministry, The Mighty, Different Dream, DAD.info, and BRF Parenting For Faith. Mark is the author of ‘How To Include Autistic Children And Young People In Church' creating a place of belonging and spiritual development for all: https://grovebooks.co.uk/products/y-65-how-to-include-autistic-children-and-young-people-in-church-creating-a-place-of-belonging-and-spiritual-development-for-all Mark is dad to James, a 19-year-old Autistic young man, who journeys with Epilepsy, Learning Difficulties and Anxiety.   Connect with Us: If you enjoy this podcast please share us with others and be sure to follow us so won't miss an episode.  We'd love to hear from you so please leave us a comment or rating and connect with us on social media or on our website. Website: https://hopeonthehardroad.org Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/hopeonthehardroad/ Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/2621447987943459/?source_id=105530184205752 Free Youtube Resource Library https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsSAfvTkSy87X-fEqtVR2qvo7w9UQBuxz

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

Please make sure to subscribe to our email list at autisminactionpodcast.com to stay current on the newest episodes, and share on social to help families find autism resources, services, and support! Find Autism in Action Podcast on Social Media - Share your favorite episodes - Subscribe - Email us at autisminactionpodcast@gmail.com Don't forget to check out the amazing additional resources like online courses and downloadable freebies at autisminactionpodcast.com Featured on Today's Show: John Felageller is the Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago. Previous to that, he spent almost 20 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher and School Director. John lives in Highwood, IL and is a single father to his son Christopher (ASD). He is a public speaker, multiple podcast guest, and regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfelageller.com Facebook: Johns Special Needs Blog Instagram: jfelageller Twitter: jfelageller74 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/autisminaction/message

In this week's episode, Beth Golik humbly shares about a time when we, Key Ministry, blew it. (On social media no less). Learn how you can easily avoid the same mistake.

Key Ministry was founded to help churches welcome families of children with hidden disabilities. Since 2002, we've provided knowledge, innovation, and experience to the worldwide church as it ministers to and with individuals and families of kids with hidden, developmental, and physical disabilities. In addition to being a disability inclusion ministry resource, we find ourselves uniquely called and positioned to serve churches seeking to become more intentional and effective in ministry with children, teens, and adults impacted by mental illness and trauma. www.keyministry.org   We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question that we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to comment on the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com. Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group.  Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for www.bphope.com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email info@FreshHope.us or call 402.932.3089.  #mentalhealth #freshhope  To donate to Fresh Hope, go to http://freshhope.us/donate/.  Check out this episode!

In today's episode, Catherine Boyle shares about a new project Key Ministry has underway, designed to help you discover God's ministry purpose for your life.

Annette Hines, host of Parenting Impossible – The Special Needs Survival Podcast starts the podcast talking about her recent live video post in the Circle of Care Facebook private group open to anyone in the disability community in which she asked: "If I could do one thing for you today to make your life better, what would it be? Dream big." Coming from a place of gratitude, Annette shares how important the gift of service is through asking others how we can help.  Being a servant leader to your family and community is one of the healthy, necessary roles for dads that John Felageller shares based on his experience as a single father raising his son, Christopher who has non-verbal autism.  John explains how essential his faith and social communities were to the development of his role as a dad and learning disability parenting.  His communities foster the response of giving back to others after receiving support ourselves and sharing resources.  John's service to others in the disability community has flourished through almost 20 years in education, serving as teacher, mentor, and director, and author.  He currently serves as Ministry Relations Manager at Joni and Friends Chicago and a Special Education teacher in Chicago and is a regular contributor to Key Ministry's Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. You can read John's encouraging messages on his Facebook page: John's Blog for Special Needs Parents and learn more about his work on his website: www.johnfelageller.com

Welcome to Key Ministry: The Podcast! In this quick intro episode, I'll tell you more about Key Ministry, introduce you to the hosts of this podcast, and tell you what to expect each week!

Join Kristin and her guest, Kristin Faith Evans, on today's episode of Fully Restored Podcast. Kristin shares with us the adjustments and struggles she has had as a mom raising two children with special needs. Kristin's journey became so overwhelming as her depression increased to the point where she attempted to take her own life. God moved in her behalf and Kristin woke up in ICU where her life was changed and she began the process of finding the right help and support for the journey of restoring her life. Some tips Kristin shares today are: Believe there is hope and you will once again find joy. Finding connection and support in your journey. Seek pastoral and mental health counseling. Find little moments to live in. Practice gratitude for simple moments   About Our Guest: Kristin is an author, a speaker, a Licensed Masters Social Worker, and a mother of two children with rare genetic disorders and complex needs. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journeys to deeper faith and mental health wholeness. Her mission is to empower other parents of children with special needs and disabilities through her blog www.SpecialNeedsMomsBlog.com. Kristin also loves ministering to other couples with her husband, Todd, at conferences and through writing articles and their new book. Kristin has written for Key Ministry, Different Dream Living, The Joyful Life Magazine, Alive Now, and The Upper Room. She has her Masters in Christian Spiritual formation with over a decade of serving in ministry and has clinical experience in individual, couples and family, substance abuse, and crisis counseling. She lives with her husband and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she's not enjoying life with her family, writing, or working with clients, you can find her training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature.   https://kristinfaithevans.com/ https://specialneedsmomsblog.com/ https://www.instagram.com/specialneedsmomsblog/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/specialneedsmomslivingstrong  https://www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895/  https://twitter.com/AuthorKristinEv

In this episode, Brian and Kirsten discuss the few essential elements they would focus on in 2022. Join us as we discuss discovering and focusing on the things that will make the most significant difference in your ministry this year.Resources MentionedYouth Ministry CertificationYouth or Children's Ministry CoachingJoin Our Facebook GroupSubscribe To Content Filled EmailsFind the Youth Ministry Institute on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Brian on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Linkedin.Find Kirsten on Facebook, Instagram, or Linkedin. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/112574644767835624/charity/1998227)

Lamar Hardwick experienced a revelation at age 36 when he was first diagnosed with autism. That watershed moment opened so many doors for him to understand how he related to and communicated with other people and led to his being able to use his writing to raise awareness for the disability community, the largest minority community group in the world. Yet it continues to also be a marginalized group in the church. In this prophetic and frank conversation, Lamar shares amazing insights into the church's own self-identity that mirrors his own journey of being unaware of his own disability, and he offers profound ways for the body of Christ to better understand itself and the needs of people with disabilities. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation.About the Guest:Lamar Hardwick, also known as "the autism pastor," is the lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia. He is the author of Epic Church and the best-selling I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor.In 2014, after years of silently struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing disorder, and a host of other significant issues, Hardwick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirty-six. He now provides workshops, seminars, and consults with local churches and faith-based organizations on creating environments for people with autism. He also provides mentoring services for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. His writing has been published by various autism and disability websites such as The Mighty, The Huffington Post, Key Ministry, and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network. He lives in Newnan, Georgia, with his wife, Isabella, and their three children.Follow Lamar on Twitter.SPECIAL OFFER | Save 40% on Lamar's book Disability and the Church and get free US shipping when you use promo code EVN40 at checkout.About the Hosts:Helen Lee is the director of product innovation at IVP; she is also the author of The Missional Mom and The Race-Wise Family, co-authored with Dr. Michelle Reyes. Helen also serves as the producer of The Every Voice Now Podcast and as the executive producer of The Disrupters. Follow Helen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.  Formerly an editor at IVP, Ed Gilbreath is currently an executive leader at Christianity Today; he earned his bachelor's in communication arts from Judson University and a master's in philosophy of history from Olivet Nazarene University. He is also the author of two IVP books: Reconciliation Blues and Birmingham Revolution. Follow Ed on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.Support the show

Lamar Hardwick (DMin, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary), also known as "the autism pastor," is the lead pastor at Tri-Cities Church in East Point, Georgia. He is the author of Epic Church and the best-selling I Am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor. In 2014, after years of silently struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing disorder, and a host of other significant issues, Hardwick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirty-six. He now provides workshops, seminars, and consults with local churches and faith-based organizations on creating environments for people with autism. He also provides mentoring services for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. His writing has been published by various autism and disability websites such as The Mighty, The Huffington Post, Key Ministry, and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network. He lives in Newnan, Georgia, with his wife, Isabella, and their three children. Episode Talking Points: Lamar's upbringing Disability statistics How churches respond to those with disabilities Recognizing the blessing those with disabilities bring to the table Resources: https://autismpastor.com/ Disability and the Church --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/the-monday-christian/support

Lamar has an MDiv from Emory University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University. Over the years Lamar has served as a youth pastor, hospice chaplain, football coach, and pastor but his most important role is serving his wife of 16 years and their three beautiful children ages 11, 8, and 3. In 2014, after years of silently struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing disorder, and a host of other significant issues, Dr. Hardwick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He was 36 years old when diagnosed. Dr. Hardwick has had articles published by various autism and disability websites such as The Mighty,The Huffington Post, Key Ministry, and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network to name a few. His articles and blogs can also be found on his website www.autismpastor.com. Dr. Hardwick is the author of the best-selling book I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor and the recently released Disability and the Church: A Vision for Diversity and Inclusion.In this episode, Larmer tells his story and helps us understand how the church can better understand and include people with Disabilities. Theology in the Raw Conference - Exiles in Babylon At the Theology in the Raw conference, we will be challenged to think like exiles about race, sexuality, gender, critical race theory, hell, transgender identities, climate change, creation care, American politics, and what it means to love your democratic or republican neighbor as yourself. Different views will be presented. No question is off limits. No political party will be praised. Everyone will be challenged to think. And Jesus will be upheld as supreme.Faith, Sexuality, and Gender Conference - Live in Boise or Stream OnlineIn the all-day conference, Dr. Preston Sprinkle dives deep into the theological, relational, and ministry-related questions that come up in the LGBTQ conversation.Support PrestonSupport Preston by going to patreon.comVenmo: @Preston-Sprinkle-1Connect with PrestonTwitter | @PrestonSprinkleInstagram | @preston.sprinkleYoutube | Preston SprinkleCheck out Dr. Sprinkle's website prestonsprinkle.comStay Up to Date with the PodcastTwitter | @RawTheologyInstagram | @TheologyintheRawIf you enjoy the podcast, be sure to leave a review.

Dr. Steve Grcevich from Key Ministry returns to talk about how we can all be equipped to support those with special needs, and how to make them feel welcome in our church.

Dr. Steve Grcevich from Key Ministry is Pastor Paul's guest. Dr. Steve's passion is to equip the Church for ministry to those with special needs and mental health challenges.

About John  John Felageller has spent over 15 years in education, working with children from Infants to Middle School, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, School Director and Non Profit ManagerJohn lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (AS), and is currently a special education teacher in Chicago, IL. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty.   Related Links johnfelageller.com John's Facebook page John's Twitter Common Man, Extraordinary Call

I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Steve Grcevich of Key Ministry.  Dr. Steve is helping churches learn how to minister to people with disabilities including mental health. He shares about what moved him to begin his mission of connecting churches with families of kids who have physical and mental disabilities. Different scenarios and social interactions in church that trigger the anxiety in kids and families. Barriers that make it more difficult for kids and families to be part of the church.How to help kids and families with anxiety and other mental health issues feel welcomed and included in church.Communication strategies and inclusion plan to help people feel more welcome in church.Links and ResourcesKey MinistryBook: Mental Health and the ChurchSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeforanxiety)

featuring Catherine Boyle with Key Ministry.  Catherine talks about the help and grace Jesus has given her through her struggles with depression.  She shares valuable insight on becoming more effective in ministry with individuals impacted by mental illnesses. Resources mentioned within the interview: An Overview & Statistics on Mental Illness Coronavirus Ministry Resources Simple Gestures that Resonate Deeply with Special Needs Caregivers  Groups That Can Help: FreshHope Mental Health Grace Alliance

featuring Catherine Boyle with Key Ministry. ( Catherine talks about the help and grace Jesus has given her through her struggles with depression.  She shares valuable insight on becoming more effective in ministry with individuals impacted by mental illnesses. Resources mentioned within the interview: An Overview & Statistics on Mental Illness Coronavirus Ministry Resources Simple… Continue reading Ep.45 “Abundant Life: Help & Grace for Hidden Afflictions”

Join Dr. Holmes as John Felagellar shares his journey for inclusive education for his son both as a parent and professional. John will discuss the importance of inclusion and partnering with parents for a better educational environment for students with needs, such as the autism spectrum.John Felageller has spent over 15 years in education, working with children from Infants to MiddleSchool, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and School Director. John lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (AS), and has most recentlybeen the Educational and Social Programs Manager at Total Link 2 Community in Northbrook, IL. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfelageller.com

Join Dr. Holmes as John Felagellar shares his journey for inclusive education for his son both as a parent and professional. John will discuss the importance of inclusion and partnering with parents for a better educational environment for students with needs, such as the autism spectrumJohn Felageller has spent over 15 years in education, working with children from Infants to MiddleSchool, serving in a variety of roles including Teacher, Mentor Teacher, and School Director. John lives in Highwood, IL, and is a single father to his son Christopher (AS), and has most recentlybeen the Educational and Social Programs Manager at Total Link 2 Community in Northbrook, IL. He is a regular contributor to Key Ministry’s Special Needs Family blog, as well as other special needs blogs including Hope Anew and The Mighty. Connect with John on his website: www.johnfelageller.com

Join Dr. Holmes as she interviews Dr. Grcevich and they discuss adolescents on the autism spectrum. Dr. Grcevich discusses why adolescents tend to be missed and what is happening that tends to bring teens for evaluation. As a clinical associate professor for the Department of Psychiatry at NE Ohio Medical University, he discusses medication and how the autistic brain responds differently to psychotropic medications. This is a great segment for clinicians, psychiatrists, general practitioners, and parents for discussing mental health issues that can occur co-morbidly for those on the spectrum.Dr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the founder and President of Key Ministry. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who serves as the primary vision caster and spokesperson for Key and plays an important role in Key’s efforts to develop collaborations with church leaders, professionals, and organizations both within and outside the disability ministry movement. He blogs at Church4EveryChild is a regular contributor for both Moody Radio Cleveland and the ERLC and frequently speaks at national and international ministry conferences on mental health and spiritual development. His first book, Mental Health, and the Church was published by Zondervan in 2018. In his professional life, he is an experienced clinician, teacher, and researcher, with over 35 presentations at national and international medical conferences and a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). For more information: https://www.keyministry.org/staff-churchesAnd for the book:https://www.keyministry.org/mentalhealthandthechurch

Join Dr. Holmes as she interviews Beth Golik from Key Ministry on creating a place of worship that welcomes every child. Beth offers practical tips for ministry leaders on how to create a welcoming atmosphere for families with children with hidden disabilities such as autism and tools and strategies that are not cost-prohibitive. From the website to the parking lot to the building accessibility, the place of worship is communicating about its willingness and ability to serve families with different needs. Beth will provide insight, tools, and strategies for serving the family and child with special needs.Beth Golik is the Operations Director for Key Ministry, an organization that provides knowledge, innovation, and experience to the worldwide church as it ministers to and with families of kids with disabilities. She hosts a monthly Disability Ministry Video Roundtable for ministry leaders and has convened a weekly Idea Share with church leaders across the country during the time of COVID-19. Beth also serves as the special needs ministry director at Bay Presbyterian Church in suburban Cleveland. She has a passion for connecting people to resources through networking and relationship building. You can find her and more about Key Ministry at: www.keyministry.org

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Dr. Stephen Grcevich, a child & adolescent psychiatrist and founder of Key Ministry, promoting meaningful connection between churches and families of kids with special needs.To find out Key Ministries go to: https://www.keyministry.orgTo find out about Dr, Grcevich's book, Mental Health & The Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, go to https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Church-Including-Conditions/dp/031053481XFollow Stephen Grcevich on Facebook or Twitter: search Key Ministy.And to find out more about the Special Fathers Network go to:https://21stcenturydads.org/about-the-special-fathers-network/

    AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH Special Guest: Kim Kaiser is a proud Mom of a son on the Spectrum. She is an Autism Advocate, Artist and Certified Peer Support Specialist and Parent Advisor with Families Together in New York State and a Parent Trainer, panelist and collaborator with The Color of Autism Foundation. Kim has 35 years experience working with Families and grassroots initiatives in the areas of parent education, mental health, developmental disabilities and recovery. Kim supports and fights for Family and youth driven initiatives, self-advocacy and empowerment within undeserved communities. Special Guest:. Dr. Lamar Hardwick. After graduating high school in El Paso, Texas, Lamar enrolled and attended Concordia University Wisconsin where he would meet his wife and eventually graduate with a BA in criminal justice. Lamar would go on to graduate with a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University. Over the years Lamar has served as a youth pastor, hospice chaplain, football coach, and pastor but his most important role is serving his wife of 16 years and their three beautiful children ages 11, 8, and 3. Dr. Hardwick has had articles published by various autism and disability websites such as The Mighty,The Huffington Post, Key Ministry, and The Autistic Self Advocacy Network to name a few. His articles and blogs can also be found on his website http://www.autismpastor.com    

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. 

What's Good Babes, It has been a min since I released a new episode. I have had 2 ready to go but I have been a bit consumed with what's happening in the world around us.  In this episode I sat down with a remarkable special needs Dad that speaks about his journey having to deal with the complexities of what comes with that responsibility. What I learned from John Felageller is that there are many resources available, It is important to rely on the community that encompasses dealing with special needs, as well as being a special needs parent should really teach you compassion. Those were my takeaways. John has a blog and offers many resources for individuals/families struggling with having a special needs child.  Here are all the links to contact John and additional sources: Facebook: John Felageller  John's Blog for Special Needs Parents: www.facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog/  Website (live April):  johnfelageller.com  Instagram:  Jfelageller  Twitter:  Jfelageller74  Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/   Special Needs Dads Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/742892662716342/  Key Ministry:  www.keyministry.org  Hope Anew:  www.hopeanew.com  As always thank you for the support! Please like subscribe and share!   Stay Healthy, Stay Ready- Deanna Marie Kuempel--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/labelfreepodcast/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/labelfreepodcast/support

What's Good Babes, It has been a min since I released a new episode. I have had 2 ready to go but I have been a bit consumed with what's happening in the world around us. In this episode I sat down with a remarkable special needs Dad that speaks about his journey having to deal with the complexities of what comes with that responsibility. What I learned from John Felageller is that there are many resources available, It is important to rely on the community that encompasses dealing with special needs, as well as being a special needs parent should really teach you compassion. Those were my takeaways. John has a blog and offers many resources for individuals/families struggling with having a special needs child. Here are all the links to contact John and additional sources: Facebook: John Felageller John's Blog for Special Needs Parents: www.facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog/ Website (live April): johnfelageller.com Instagram: Jfelageller Twitter: Jfelageller74 Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/ Special Needs Dads Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/742892662716342/ Key Ministry: www.keyministry.org Hope Anew: www.hopeanew.com As always thank you for the support! Please like subscribe and share! Stay Healthy, Stay Ready- Deanna Marie Kuempel --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deanna-marie-kuempel/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/deanna-marie-kuempel/support

Jamie Aten of Wheaton College's Humanitarian Disaster Institute talks about offering they have to help churches protect themselves and serve others during the COVID-19 crisis.  Stephen Grcevich of Key Ministry looks at how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic affects those with special needs and who we can help them.

Jamie Aten of Wheaton College's Humanitarian Disaster Institute talks about how churches can protect themselves and serve others during the COVID-19 crisis.  Stephen Grcevich of Key Ministry looks at how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic affects those with special needs and how we can help those who are vulnerable.

Check out this exciting episode with Jodi Wolkerstorfer, focusing on how churches can support families with members with special needs.Resources mentioned in this episode:BOOKSMental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions by Stephen Grcevich MDDisability and the Way of Jesus: Holistic Healing in the Gospels and the Church by Bethany McKinney Fox ARTICLESThe Mixed Messages of Welcoming and Belonging - Feb 10, 2020Ten disability ministry trends to watch in the 2020s - Jan 6, 2020Being Included Without the Needed Supports is Simply Physical Proximity - Dec 16, 2019AJB Recommends: Resources on Inclusion and Belonging - Oct 17, 2019The Spectrum of Welcome: Moving from Exclusion to Tolerance to Inclusion to Belonging - Oct 2, 2019 WEBSITESCollaborative on Faith and Disabilities - Part of this is the Institute of Theology and Disabilities which is held in Holland, MI each spring. Key Ministry - Based in Ohio. Founded to help churches minister to families of children with "hidden” disabilities. Serves churches seeking to become more intentional and effective in ministry with children, teens and adults (and their families) impacted by mental illness, trauma and developmental disabilities. Website provides great resources for both churches and families.Special Needs and Disabilities Ministry Leaders Forum - private Facebook group with close to 2,000 members nationwide. Provided by Key Ministry.Joni and Friends - advancing disability ministry world wide - resources, conferences, retreats for familiesMN One Body Conference - I’ll be speaking at this on April 4, 2020 on how churches can be “Set up for Success” for families of kids with disabilities. Autism Faith Network - started in 2016 by a mom who has two boys on the autism spectrum. Equipping faith-based communities to become more autism friendly.  Based in GA.valuedbeyondmeasure@gmail.com - my email address that I use for all things faith and disability related, launching a website as well soon. Focused on connecting churches with resources, providing training to staff and volunteers, and continuing to walk with families to find ways to experience ministry within the local church.  Thanks for listening!

Tuesday, January 21, 2020Enjoy this conversation with Dr. Steve Grcevich from Key Ministry as we learn more about mental health and how churches can respond to this important consideration.About Dr. Steve GrcevichDr. Stephen Grcevich (MD, Northeast Ohio Medical University) serves as the President and Founder of Key Ministry. He serves the primary vision caster and spokesperson for the ministry and plays an important role in Key’s efforts to develop collaborations both within and outside the disability ministry movement with church leaders, other like-minded organizations and the professional community. Dr. Grcevich is a regular contributor for Moody Radio Cleveland and the ERLC (Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention) and is frequently invited to speak at national and international ministry conferences on mental health and other disability ministry-related topics. His first book, Mental Health and the Church, was published by Zondervan in February 2018. In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Grcevich is a child and adolescent psychiatrist who combines nearly thirty years of knowledge gained through clinical practice and teaching with extensive research experience evaluating medications prescribed to children and teens for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. He serves on the faculty of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, has been a presenter at over 35 national and international medical conferences and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Related Links: Key MinistryKey Ministry FacebookInclusion Fusion LiveDr. Steve Grcevich’s book: Mental Health & the Church Favorite Quotes:“One of the things that we suggest to churches: Put as many pictures and as much video up online…” -Steve G.“Do we minister to people and provide them with the same kind of supports for mental health disabilities as what we would physical disabilities?” -Steve G.Based on a Lifeway study: “What families impacted by mental illness most wanted from their churches was for their pastors to talk about it from the pulpit.” -Steve G.

Join Stephanie Holmes and Pastor Lamar Hardwick as they discuss places of worship and how they can better accommodate those with Autism. Lamar Hardwick is a father, husband, pastor and author. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University School of Divinity. In addition, Dr. Hardwick is a graduate of the Yale School of Divinity Clergy Scholar Program. Dr. Hardwick is a contributing writer to multiple blogs and magazines including The Mighty, Key Ministry, Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Zoom Autism Magazine. In 2014, after years of silently struggling with social anxiety and sensory processing issues, Dr. Hardwick was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of 36. He is the author of I am Strong: The Life and Journey of an Autistic Pastor (2017). He is currently the lead pastor of Tri-Cities Church located in Atlanta, GA.

On the 8th episode of AdvocacyPRIME (AP), John and I sat down in my house to record AP's very first Video Podcast. He is an inspirational man who is an advocate for his son Christopher with Autism, programs manager for Total Link 2 Community, public speaker for...Key Ministry, Hope Anew, SOAR, The Mighty, and Special Fathers network. Today's Epsiode Why male advocacy is low His successes and failures as a father of a son with Autism How he was able to get out of the dark once he found a community Advice for fathers and advocates alike! Check out AdvocacyPRIME's Facebook Group Follow me on Twitter Check out my Blog You can donate to this cause on PayPal to help me produce more content!

On this Dad to Dad podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Special Father John Felageller, a 4th grade teacher and father of 11-year-old Christopher, who is autistic. John and his wife Elizabeth have been through some challenging times but have emerged stronger thanks in part to their involvement an evangelical christian church. That's all on this Dad to Dad Podcast, presented by the Special Fathers Network. To find out more about the Special Fathers network, go to 21stcenturydads.org.

Content warning: very brief mention of self-injury and suicidality.The first week of May is Children’s Mental Health Week, and to celebrate we’ve got the second part of our conversation with Dr. Stephen Grcevich! We cover a lot of ground including things to look for in children, the medicating of kids (are we overdoing it?), the rising rates of anxiety & ADHD in children, and helping our kids be resilient. In the intro, Robert & Holly talk about Burger King’s recent campaign “for” Mental Health Awareness Month.Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- the first half of this conversation is episode 74 - How Do We Make Our Churches Inclusive for Mental Health? (feat. Dr. Stephen Grcevich)- National Institute on Mental Illness’s statistics page- Under Pressure: Confronting the Epidemic of Stress and Anxiety in Girls by Lisa Damour PhD- episode 70 - Teens, Anxiety, & Self-Esteem (feat. Lisa Schab)- Key Ministry’s resources pageConnect with Stephen on Twitter, online at church4everychild.org, or connect with Key Ministry on their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Buy ‘Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions’ on Amazon.Quotes:- “Mental health disabilities are by far and away the most common disabilities that are seen in children worldwide.”- “There are few medical or mental health concerns that are greater than what we see with kids with anxiety, depression, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder.”- “In any given year, roughly 1 in 3 kids will struggle with anxiety.”- “About 7.5% of school age kids experience social anxiety.”- “One of the things I’m struck by is how radically different the demands we place upon kids for academic productivity are now.”- “It’s not uncommon for me to have 40lb kids in my office with 10lb backpacks.”- “Some of the anxiety [in children] I think comes from families and the expectations they have for their kids in terms of athletic success, academic success, and interpersonal success.”- “For some kids with different mental health issues, [social media] is truly a lifeline.”Join the Cxmhunity on Facebook!Connect with Robert on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.Connect with Holly on her website or Twitter.Connect more with CXMH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.Ways to support CXMH:- make a pledge on Patreon and get rewards like submitting questions for upcoming interviews, a mug, sticker, t-shirt, or more!- give a one-time gift using PayPal- Do your Amazon shopping through this link- Leave us a rating & review on iTunes or Google Play- Check out our CXMH merchandise to show off your support- Listen to the Cxmhunity Spotify playlist here- Check out other episodes and find your favorites guests on our website.Intro/Outro music for this episode is ‘Fall Down’ by Rivers & Robots.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Grcevich (founder of Key Ministry and author of Mental Health and the Church) to talk about how we can make our churches & ministries more inclusive to those encountering mental health struggles and their families. Dr. Grcevich talks about the 7 barriers identified in his book and what we can do about them. (Next week, he comes back to talk about children’s mental health, so make sure you come back too!) In the intro, Holly and Robert discuss several birthdays and how to balance focusing on too many things at once.Things we mention in this episode/other resources:- the LifeWay Research study we discuss- episode 1 - Where We Are (feat. Scott McConnell)- episode 50 - Preaching About Mental Health (feat. Mary Alice Birdwhistell)Connect with Stephen on Twitter, online at church4everychild.org, or connect with Key Ministry on their website, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Buy ‘Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions’ on Amazon.Quotes:- “This is a big issue in terms of mental health being a significant barrier to families being able to be a part of church.” (tweet)- “Think about some attributes that are associated with mental illness and think about the way they clash with church culture.” (tweet)- “Good mental health inclusion isn’t a program, it’s a mindset.” (tweet)- “Mental health ministry, by definition, has to be family ministry.” (tweet)Join the Cxmhunity on Facebook!Connect with Robert on his website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.Connect with Holly on her website or Twitter.Connect more with CXMH on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest.Ways to support CXMH:- make a pledge on Patreon and get rewards like submitting questions for upcoming interviews, a mug, sticker, t-shirt, or more!- give a one-time gift using PayPal- Do your Amazon shopping through this link- Leave us a rating & review on iTunes or Google Play- Check out our CXMH merchandise to show off your support- Listen to the Cxmhunity Spotify playlist here- Check out other episodes and find your favorites guests on our website.Intro/Outro music for this episode is ‘Fall Down’ by Rivers & Robots.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Stephen Grcevich (founder of Key Ministry and author of Mental Health and the Church) to talk about how we can make our churches & ministries more inclusive to those encountering mental health struggles and their families. Dr. Grcevich talks about the 7 barriers identified in his book and what we can do about them. (Next week, he comes back to talk about children’s mental health, so make sure you come back too!) In the intro, Holly and Robert discuss several birthdays and how to balance focusing on too many things at once.

Individuals with differing abilities have much to contribute and our communities are lacking without their presence and influence. This is true in faith based settings as well. Sandra Peoples is a leading voice and encourager in the special needs community via her online groups, 3 published books, a long running blog. and as a contributor and editor at Key Ministry. Listen in to this conversation as Sandra and I chat about how important it is for individuals with disabilities to be seen and understood in faith based settings. We follow up with encouragement for families, resources for churches, and nudges for everyone to move forward.

Have you ever wondered if the sacrifices that you are making for your children will make a lasting impact?  Listen as Sandra Peoples shares how her mother made some impactful deciisons for her older sister with down syndrome, which then motivated Sandra to make a difference in her son James' life as well. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Have you ever thought about how difficult a simply activity like attending church could be for a special needs family?  Listen as Sandra Peoples discusses what churches could do to partner with special needs parents.  I highly encourage you to share this episode with your pastor or children's pastor at your church so they can learn how to reach this group of people. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Do you ever wonder how having a special needs sibling will affect your traditional child?  Listen as Sandra Peoples shares her story of first being a special needs sibling, and now a special needs parent. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

Are you the parent of a special needs child who is struggling with your child’s diagnosis?  Do you need encouragement in your day to day life?  Or maybe you need some perspective on what it is like to have a special needs child and how you can bless another family in this situation.  Today Sandra Peoples shares her story of receiving an autism diagnosis for her son, and what it is like to raise a special needs child.  She shares that even though a special needs diagnosis might be your plan B it is actually God’s plan A for your life and the life of your child. Sandra Peoples, is a leading voice in the disability community as an encourager to special-needs parents. She has been a member of a special-needs family since the day she was born. Her older sister has Down syndrome, and in 2010 her son James was diagnosed with autism. Sandra is the executive editor for Key Ministry and Not Alone, and her writing has been featured by FamilyLife Today, DaySpring, Parenting Teens ( aka LifeWay), and (in)courage. Sandra, her husband, and their two boys live outside of Houston. You can connect with her at her website and you can preorder her book at Amazon.

May is Mental Health Month. In today’s episode, Influence magazine executive editor George P. Wood talks to Dr. Stephen Grcevich about a mental health inclusion strategy for the local church. Dr. Grcevich is founder and president of Key Ministry. He is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with over thirty years of clinical experience and extensive research experience evaluating medication prescribed to children and teens for mental health disorders. A past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, he is the author of Mental Health and the Church, published this year by Zondervan.

In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Pastor Brad interviews Dr. Steve Grcevich.  Dr. Grcevich is the author of Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, which be released this week (February of 2017).  Pastor Brad believes that this book is a must read and must use book for any church that wants to include people who struggle with mental health issues. The church across North America does a weak job of welcoming and including families of children, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions or trauma. One obstacle is the absence of a widely accepted model for mental health inclusion ministries for kids, teens, adults, and their families. In Mental Health and the Church, Dr. Stephen Grcevich seeks to put forth a model for a mental health/trauma inclusion ministry of sufficient flexibility to be implemented by churches of all sizes, denominations, and organizational styles. This model is based upon an understanding of seven barriers that families of kids, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions face if they seek to regularly attend a local church: ADHD, anxiety disorders, attachment disorders, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulties with social communication/interaction. The model includes seven broad inclusion strategies for helping persons with common mental health conditions and their families to overcome barriers to active engagement in the full range of ministries offered by the local church. Dr. Grcevich is the principal author of Church4EveryChild, recognized among the Top 15 children’s ministry blogs in 2013 by Ministry-To-Children.com, and serves as the Program Committee Chairman for Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry’s Disability Ministry Web Summit. In March of 2013, he was recognized by Sharecare as one of the top ten online influencers in children’s mental health. Dr. Grcevich is a physician specializing in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in practice in Chagrin Falls, OH. He is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and trained at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Case Western Reserve University. He is a faculty member at both Case Western and NEOMED and has extensive research experience evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications prescribed to children and teens for ADHD, anxiety and depression. He has been a featured speaker or presenter at over 35 national and international medical conferences and is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the “Psychiatrist of the Year” award from the Ohio Chapter of NAMI. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends via your social media connections. After listening to this podcast, we encourage you to email us at info@FreshHope.us with a comment or question that we will share on our next podcast.   If you are listening to this podcast on iTunes, we encourage you to leave a comment regarding the podcast. Or you can leave a voice message for us on the site:  www.FreshHope4MentalHealth.com Pastor Brad Hoefs, the host of Fresh Hope for Mental Health, is the founder of Fresh Hope Ministries, a network of Christian mental health support groups for those who have a diagnosis and their loved ones. In other words, Fresh Hope is a Christian mental health support group.  Brad was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1995. He is a weekly blogger for www.bphope.com (Bipolar Magazine). He is also a certified peer specialist and has been doing pastoral counseling since 1985. Brad is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, which is available on Amazon or at www.FreshHopeBook.com If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email info@FreshHope.us or call 402.932.3089. To donate to Fresh Hope go to http://freshhope.us/donate/  For a complete list of where Fresh Hope groups are presently meeting, go to www.FreshHope.us and click on “find a group.”  Or you may attain an online group of meetings of Fresh Hope by going to www.FreshHopeMeeting.com If you are interested in starting a Fresh Hope group within your faith community, contact Julie at Julie@FreshHope.us  Fresh Hope for Mental Health is a production of Fresh Hope Ministries.  Fresh Hope Ministries is a non-profit ministry.   The copyrights of this program belong to Fresh Hope Ministries and may not be duplicated without written permission.  All of the podcasts of Fresh Hope Today, as well as numerous other videos, are all available on our YouTube channel: Fresh Hope Network  Fresh Hope for Mental Health is on Facebook at  www.Facebook.com/FreshHopeforMentalHealth      

On this episode of Patchwork Heart Radio, Bill Snyder talks with Dr. Steve Grcevich, Founder and President of Key Ministry about his work to minister to children, families and churches struggling with disabilities. For more information about Key Ministry visit keyministry.org

Dr. Stephen Grcevich serves as Founder and Director of Strategic Initiatives of Key Ministry, a non-profit organization providing free training, consultation, resources and support to help churches serve families of children with disabilities. Dr. Grcevich is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), trained in General Psychiatry at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at University Hospitals of Cleveland/Case Western Reserve University.

• Dr. Steve Grcevich currently serves as President and Founder of The Family Center by the Falls,a multidisciplinary behavioral health group practice based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, exclusively devoted to serving children and families. • He also serves as President of Key Ministry Foundation, a non-profit organization charged with assisting churches in the provision of outreach and support services to families of children with hidden disabilities. Katie Wetherbee • Former special education teacher, Katie has always enjoyed working with children who have special needs. • However, her experience as a mother to a child with special needs has fueled her passion for helping parents. In addition to her work with Key Ministry.

Dr. Steve Grcevich, President of the Board of Key Ministry, discusses the advantages of family-focused special needs ministry. 

Katie Wetherbee, Director of Education for Key Ministry, will share some strategies and tips for helping parents who want to work more effectively with churches and schools.

Katie Wetherbee, Director of Education for Key Ministry, will share some strategies and tips for helping parents who want to work more effectively with churches and schools.