When Key Ministry’s leadership team met at the end of last summer to “reimagine” how we might serve churches in the future, we were in agreement on two important issues… First, we were unanimous in affirming a future in which our team continues to provide direct service to churches, and second, we were of a single mind in affirming that we will offer churches relationships along with resources.

We aspire to help churches launch comprehensive initiatives to include kids with disabilities and their families into every area of ministry BUT…We also want to come alongside churches of all sizes when they have a child or family they’re called to serve. It’s not at all unusual for for our conversations with church staff and volunteers to begin with the phrase, So there’s this kid…

Key Ministry is pleased to make available our FREE Consultation service to pastors, church leaders and ministry volunteers. Got questions about launching a ministry that you can’t answer…here we are! Have a kid you’re struggling to serve? Contact us! Want to kick around a problem with someone who’s “been there and done that?” You know where to find us!

We’re blessed to have two very experienced teammates recognized throughout the field of disability ministry to answer your questions or help you take the next step!

Shannon Dingle and her husband (Lee) serve as coordinators of the Access Ministry, the Special Needs Ministry of Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. Shannon has a Master’s degree in Special Education, specializing in learning disabilities and autism, and formerly taught in public schools in Texas and North Carolina. She has served as a speaker at the D6 Family Ministry conference, the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference and Inclusion Fusion.

Shannon and her husband became parents of children with special needs during 2012 and 2013. Two summers ago, they added a precious daughter to their family via special needs adoption; Zoe has lots of spunk, a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and a now-healed heart defect. Later that fall, their son was diagnosed with epilepsy. Last year, the Dingles added a sibling group of three to the family via adoption, one of whom has HIV. As a result of their experiences, Shannon and Lee became more familiar with some of the emotional needs that are common among children from hard places.

Shannon maintains blogs on special needs ministry at The Works of God Displayed, and on her family at Dinglefest.

Mike Woods currently serves as the Director of the Special Friends Ministry at First Baptist Orlando. Prior to joining First Baptist Orlando, Mike worked for nine years as the autism and inclusion specialist for a large school district in metropolitan St. Louis. He has also worked as a Parent Training Specialist for the nationally known Easter Seals agency… LifeSkills. In addition, Mike is one of the founders of Not Alone, selected best Special Needs blog in 2013 by About.com.

Mike regularly blogs for Key Ministry on topics related to “missional” Special Needs Ministry…how churches can “leave the building” to share the love of Christ with families impacted by disabilities in their local communities.

Mike is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst (BCABA) and senior-level certified Crisis Prevention Instructor. He has conducted workshops for a variety of churches, and   has served as a speaker for several national autism conferences, Inclusion Fusion and state conferences on autism-related topics. He is a Christ-follower, husband, dad, choco-holic, and peanut-butter lover!  He is passionate about faith and special needs.

Mike is happily married to his lovely wife Linda and is the father of three wonderful boys, all three of whom are on the autism spectrum (yes, all three!).

Can we serve you? Feel free to complete this contact information if you’d like help from Mike or Shannon, or send me an e-mail to steve@keyministry.org with details of your request, and our team will get you connected.

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The Front Door is a pilot project of Key Ministry to provide church online for families of kids with disabilities who are not currently able to “do church.” We seek to promote relationships between families and local churches for the purpose of working toward families being able to worship in the physical presence of other Christ followers as full participants in a local church. We offer online worship services and fellowship on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Join us this coming week!