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Author Archives: Dr. G
“Thinking Orange”…Family Values: Partnering with parents of kids with disabilities
Nothing is more important than someone’s relationship with God Think of how challenging this principle is to implement on a daily basis for folks in vocational ministry. Imagine how hard this is for parents of kids with disabilities! Based upon the limited data in the research literature, parents of kids with hidden disabilities are more likely to be single parents. Their kids are likely to require far more of their time and attention. Recommended treatments are time consuming and often expensive. In addition to all of the other “idols” that distract us from God in modern life, the day to day needs of kids with hidden disabilities leave parents with less “margin” to pursue their relationship with God. Continue reading
Thinking “Orange”: Warm Hearts…The family’s role in spiritual development is magnified when kids have disabilities…as well as the church’s role (Part Two)
I’ve found many church leaders to be very short-sighted in their conceptualization of disability ministry, resulting in the need for more family-centered approaches. How are the kids in the family supposed to come to know and love Jesus if we’re not prepared to welcome the parents to church…and all the other activities we’ve found to be helpful in facilitating spiritual growth? Continue reading
Thinking Orange: “Warm Hearts”…The family’s role in spiritual development is magnified when kids have disabilities…as well as the church’s role (Part One of Two)
Parents of kids with disabilities are often dragging along quite a bit of baggage. Many of them have their own struggles and limitations that undermine the best of intentions when it comes to their personal spiritual development and the spiritual development of their kids. Follow-through may be difficult for many parents, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to. The church plays an invaluable role by walking with them, encouraging them and helping them to take the next step. Continue reading
Posted in ADHD, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies
Tagged ADHD, children's ministry, Church4EveryChild, Disability Ministry, Family Ministry, Harmony Hensley, Katie Wetherbee, Key Ministry, Orange Conference, Reggie Joiner, spiritual development, Think Orange
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What Does it Mean For the Church to be “Light” to a Family Impacted by Disability? (Part One of Two)
I think there’s the potential for “multiple wins” here. The very attributes of the church that best reflect the character of God are those that will draw families of kids with disabilities to the “light.” In order to put the “light” on display to families of kids with disabilities, we get to parade the light in front of lots of other folks who may not otherwise get to see the “light.” Continue reading
Great Opportunity to Learn More About “Orange”
Here’s a great opportunity for church staff and volunteers serving kids with disabilities to learn more about the “Orange” strategies for family ministry that form the foundation of our Winter blog series. Continue reading
To Make “Orange” You Need Red in Addition to Yellow
We’ll be focusing on the unique challenges involved in partnering with families of kids with disabilities around the spiritual development of their children, and explore strategies churches may use to partner with such families. In doing so, it is our hope that the church will understand the advantages of the “Orange” strategy in ministry to kids with hidden disabilities and their families. Continue reading
When should a family seek professional help for their child?
Pastors and ministry leaders are often the first resources parents turn to for advice when their child is in the midst of a significant emotional or behavioral crisis. I’m going to periodically post resources here to help church staff get parents pointed in the right direction when they’re seeking the right help for their kids.
When a parent calls me, the very first question I try to help them answer is whether their child needs professional help. I’ll do that by asking the parent the following series of questions:
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Winter Blog Series: Applying “Orange” Principles in Ministry to Families of Kids With Hidden Disabilities
After reading “Think Orange,” I concluded that many of the principles discussed in the book are especially relevant as catalysts to spiritual development in kids with more subtle, or “hidden disabilities.” During the lead-up to this year’s Orange Conference, the blog will explore how specific “Orange” principles and perspectives can be applied to ministry with families in which one or more children experience disabilities.
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The Importance of Christian Community
I can’t imagine what it would be like to struggle with the burdens and challenges presented to parents of kids with disabilities without the ability to connect with other people with similar interests, passions and faith in Jesus Christ. Continue reading
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