Thanks to Bob West and his crew from The Need Project for inviting me as a guest for their June podcast! Listen to the podcast anytime by clicking here.

In my conversation with Bob, we discussed the state of mental health care in the U.S., explored the reasons why kids with mental illness aren’t typically served in the context of existing disability ministries, examined some of the struggles churches experience in serving those with hidden disabilities and shared strategies some churches are utilizing to reach families impacted by disabilities lacking meaningful involvement with a local church.

The Need Project provides churches the tools they need to support those with special needs in the local community! They’ve sought to identify local and web resources for dozens of disabling conditions that can help guide families in the midst of difficult circumstances. They seek to provide a bridge to help families in their time of need to receive the resource(s) they most need.

Bob and his wife (Sue) eagerly awaited the birth of their first son (Kyle) in 1992. Kyle was born two months prematurely. Kyle seemed to struggle to achieve milestones other children accomplished with little effort. At age two, Kyle was officially diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The West family, already familiar with the medical profession thanks to Sue’s background as a nurse, encountered hundreds of specialists, all with varying degrees of bedside manner. Over the course of 17 years, Kyle would endure 11 surgeries, each designed to help improve his overall mobility and dexterity.

Bob served on staff at Focus on the Family. Kyle appeared with Dr. James Dobson on the Focus on the Family radio program to discuss the life of a child with special needs. Following the broadcast, the West’s passion for their personal ministry outreach ascended to new heights. Kyle’s program became one of Focus’ most popular broadcasts of all time. Beginning in 2006, Bob and Sue expanded their support to families nationwide through their Need Project ministry and website. Together, with an enthusiastic team of supporters and families all around the world, they offer a message of hope to parents in a culture that has devalued life. Thanks to the generosity of many friends, Need Project creates encouraging and helpful resources, and educates groups about the needs of these very unique and wonderful families.

Bob shared with me a wonderful resource he wrote for fathers…3 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me-A Dad Shares What He Has Learned About Having a Child With Special Needs. The book is a quick read for busy fathers struggling with the financial, relational and spiritual complications of parenting a child with a disability. Click here to obtain a free download of the book in .pdf format.

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Key Ministry has assembled resources to help churches more effectively minister to children and adults with ADHD, anxiety disorders, Asperger’s Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, depression and trauma. Please share our resources with any pastors, church staff, volunteers or families looking to learn more about the influence these conditions can exert upon spiritual development in kids, and what churches can do to help!