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.

Thinking “Orange”…Takeaway Points

Posted on April 17, 2011 by Dr. G

When church leaders consider the opportunity to minister to and influence parents and siblings who otherwise miss out on the benefits of a local church, the potential impact of an inclusive family ministry on the surrounding community becomes readily apparent. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Special Needs and Divorce: What Does the Data Say?

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Dr. G

New data…Older siblings who can assist in caregiving may play an important role in maintaining family stability and It’s less stigmatizing to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder than it is to have one with a psychiatric disorder. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Families, Key Ministry, Parents, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Thinking “Orange”…Kids With Disabilities Present the Church With a Unique Opportunity

Posted on April 10, 2011 by Dr. G

One of the reasons churches shy away from serving kids with disabilities is the concern that large numbers of volunteers may be needed for a ministry that can be labor-intensive. But what if churches could reach a large, underserved population of families in their immediate communities while offering students the opportunity to engage in meaningful ministry experiences? Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Blessings of Technology

Posted on April 5, 2011 by Dr. G

Up to now, the scope of our ministry has been limited by the ability of trainers to take time away from their families and work responsibilities to travel to churches and church conferences and the costs involved with travel and producing resources to be shared with the churches we serve. Because of the resources that folks like Jeremy Collins have developed, our team can make our training, consultation, resources and support available, free of charge, to churches everywhere. Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Resources, Strategies, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Thinking “Orange”: Catalysts for Spiritual Growth For Kids With…and Without Disabilities

Posted on April 3, 2011 by Dr. G

What if a kid has a significant emotional, behavioral or developmental disorder that makes it more difficult to participate in the program or stick with the program? Here are ten suggestions…some are demonstrably effective, some are still working hypotheses based upon 25 years of experience as a clinician and many years of active involvement in churches. All of these suggestions are applicable to any kid or family being served by your church, and are applicable to kids with and without identified disabilities: Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Resources, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Autism Awareness Day: Guest Blogger Colleen Swindoll

Posted on April 2, 2011 by Dr. G

Insight for Living is among the most prominent Christian organizations to champion the cause of kids with special needs and their families. Chuck Swindoll has dedicated broadcasts to addressing the spiritual needs of parents raising kids with emotional, behavioral, developmental or physical disabilities. His family has had firsthand experience with the topic. His youngest daughter (Colleen) is raising a son who has been diagnosed with autism. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Hidden Disabilities, Parents, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Resources on Autism for Church Staff and Volunteers

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Dr. G

I’d like to share three excellent ministry or educational resources with our friends who currently serve on staff or volunteer in churches with an interest in becoming better equipped to welcome and include kids with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What Helps Kids Grow Spiritually? A Look at the Data

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Dr. G

What did all of these studies have in common, and what would I want to focus on as a parent if I want to increase the likelihood that my kids are going to grow up to be mature Christians, actively engaged in a local church and using their gifts and talents in serving others?

I’d want to pray regularly with my kids, and have them see my wife and I praying regularly.
I’d want my kids to see my wife and I studying the Bible regularly, and initiate spiritual conversations with them on a regular basis about applying Biblical teachings in day to day life.
I’d want to pursue opportunities to serve other people as a family through my church.
I’d want to make sure my kids saw my wife and I going to church every week, and encourage them to participate in the ministry offered at church for kids in their age group. I’d also encourage them in forming relationships with pastors or youth leaders outside of our home who will support and reinforce the values we’re trying to foster in our kids. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Thinking Orange”…Helping Parents of Kids With Disabilities Do A Little Bit More

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Dr. G

For our friends in children’s ministry, I’d echo the question Reggie Joiner posed at the beginning of the chapter: Do you really believe in the potential of parents? Including parents of kids who don’t think and react and behave like other kids? I do. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Thinking Orange”…A Parent’s Perspective-Mike Woods from Making Room

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Dr. G

You are God’s gift to families who have a child with autism. God calls people just like you to Himself, and then blesses you with the purpose of becoming part of a community of Christ-followers focused on helping “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). In Scripture God calls his people to live out the gospel pattern of welcome and generosity. “Therefore, “ Paul says, “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Ro.15:7). Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments