Author Archives: Dr. G

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About Dr. G

Dr. Stephen Grcevich serves as President and Founder 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. He is a faculty member in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at two medical schools, leads a group practice in suburban Cleveland (Family Center by the Falls), and continues to be involved in research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medications prescribed to children for ADHD, anxiety and depression. He is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Dr. Grcevich was recently recognized by Sharecare as one of the top ten online influencers in children’s mental health. His blog for Key Ministry, www.church4everychild.org was ranked fourth among the top 100 children's ministry blogs in 2015 by Ministry to Children.

Inclusion Fusion: Joe and Cindi Ferrini

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Dr. G

Noted authors, speakers and parents Joe and Cindi Ferrini have graciously agreed to join us for Inclusion Fusion. Joe and Cindi will be speaking on the topic…The Unexpected Journey of Relationships – When Special Needs Change our Course! Continue reading →

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When Mood Dysregulation Heightens Risk for Aggression at Church

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Dr. G

Here’s a general rule of thumb…When a child or teen is demonstrating aggressive behavior that appears to be predominantly impulsive in nature, decreasing the sensory stimulation in the environment is generally helpful. When a child or teen demonstrates aggressive behavior resulting primarily from perseveration on a perceived hurt or frustration, distracting the child as early as possible in the cycle is generally helpful. Continue reading →

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Inclusion Fusion Speakers: Harmony Hensley on Inclusive Ministry Environments

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Dr. G

In Harmony’s workshop, she’ll explore ways to create inclusive ministry environments that engage and empower children with hidden disabilities. Participants will learn practical tips to make your ministry area a magnet for families of kids with special needs. Continue reading →

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When are kids most at risk of aggressive behavior at church?

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Dr. G

Most kids who display aggressive behavior serious enough in terms of frequency and/or severity to be of concern to church staff and volunteers will meet the criteria for one or more mental health or developmental disorders. Nevertheless, children’s and youth ministry staff and volunteers need to take steps to minimize antecedents to aggressive behavior without specific information about a child’s diagnosis or treatment. Continue reading →

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Inclusion Fusion Speakers…Amanda Mooney

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Dr. G

This session will help participants see and explore ways to include children with special needs in existing church programs, develop action steps for launching new programming while working within the curriculum or catechesis requirements of their church or Diocese. Participants will come away with concrete ideas, action steps and resources to start ministry in their local church. Continue reading →

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Batting Second for Inclusion Fusion: Katie Wetherbee

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Dr. G

Katie Wetherbee, Key Ministry’s Director of Education will be presenting on the topic of Advocating for Your Child at Church.

Parents of children with special needs spend countless hours advocating for health and educational support. Advocating for a child at church presents a whole new set of challenges…and some parents find that by Sunday, they’re just too worn out…it’s just easier to stay home. In Katie’s session, she’ll examine ways to understand a church’s culture, discuss methods of positive, proactive communication, and identify strategies for making church a successful experience for all involved. Continue reading →

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Why do kids become aggressive?

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Dr. G

One contributing factor to aggressive behavior you can influence as a ministry leader is the environment in which your kids worship, learn and serve at church. You want to consider how you can create environments that help all kids to maximize their capacity to use all of their cognitive resources for the best possible experience at church.
Continue reading →

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Introducing our Inclusion Fusion Speakers: Libby Peterson

Posted on September 19, 2011 by Dr. G

We’ll be introducing you to some of the outstanding speakers and leaders taking part in this year’s inaugural Inclusion Fusion in the weeks leading up to the Special Needs Ministry Web Summit. Today, it’s my pleasure to introduce Libby Peterson, Director of Family Ministries at Bay Presbyterian Church in Bay Village, Ohio.
Continue reading →

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More thoughts on disruptive kids

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Dr. G

There are far, far more kids who struggle with ‘doing church” because of disruptive behavior than there are kids recognized with a special need who struggle to do church. Continue reading →

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Fruit…Guest Post from Rebecca Hamilton

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Dr. G

We covered all the specifics that night; I fielded a few phone calls and e-mails with last-minute questions before these proverbial little birds were ready to fly. Their first respite night is coming up this Friday, and once a month thereafter. I can’t wait to hear all the stories that will come from their sincere desire to serve their community for Christ. I’m privileged to have been a small part of what I know will shine a bright, pure light toward Christ. Please join us in praying for their efforts, and for the efforts of every church that wants to serve in this way. His love is amazing!
Continue reading →

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