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.

Should you allow someone like Josh Duggar to serve in your children’s ministry?

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Dr. G

Am I doing everything I can to protect the children and youth entrusted to my care each week? As a leader in the church and an ambassador for Christ, I need to be able to answer yes to that question, even if I have to answer no to someone who wants to serve with us.
Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Leadership, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

When we talk about the Duggars, who is listening?

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Dr. G

If a mom, dad, or teen in your church feels like their family is falling apart because of a dark secret, will your words on this topic invite them to trust you or to stay silent? Will what you say or post on social media tell them you will love them in the midst of their messiness? Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“I Can’t Do This!”: Facing Your Limitations as a Special-Needs Parent

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Dr. G

As you face difficult situations in parenting your child with social, emotional or behavioral challenges or disabilities, remember that none of this is a surprise to God and that He has a plan and purpose for you and your child as you struggle. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Parents, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Mental health inclusion…creating more welcoming ministry environments

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Dr. G

Every church can make a conscious effort to make their ministry environments more friendly to kids and teens with common mental health conditions and their families. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What we know about kids who do what Josh Duggar did

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Dr. G

It might be helpful to look at the available research into kids and teens who commit sexual offenses to better understand the background of kids who perpetrate these offenses and the impact that treatment may have on reducing their risk of harming others in the future. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Controversies, PTSD | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Jolene Philo…A series of very fortunate events

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Dr. G

We wrote Every Child Welcome because this command is not limited to children who will sit quietly at His feet and listen, who color between the lines, who raise their hands and wait to be called upon, and who work at grade level.
Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mental health inclusion…Preaching it from the pulpit

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Dr. G

When the leader of your church talks about mental illness from the pulpit or the stage during weekend worship services, they communicate to the body that people with mental illness are valued and grant permission for members and attendees to talk with others in the church about their experiences.
Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Every Child Welcome…the most complete special needs ministry resource I’ve ever come across

Posted on May 19, 2015 by Dr. G

This is not a book that will be read once and stuck on a shelf…well-worn copies will be found on the desks and in the workspaces of those serving in children’s ministry, family ministry and special needs ministry because it is destined to become the “go-to” reference when leaders look for answers in seeking to minister with kids with disabilities and their families. Continue reading →

Posted in Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The barriers to getting newcomers with mental illness connected at church…

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Dr. G

Is there a way of making available an alternative path…an accommodation available to those who need it? Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Are antidepressants safe for kids?

Posted on May 16, 2015 by Dr. G

Patients with depression were eleven times more likely to experience significant benefit from antidepressant medication than to experience medication-related suicidal thinking or behavior, patients with OCD were thirty-four times more likely to experience benefit and patients with non-OCD anxiety were thirty-six times more likely to experience benefit. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Controversies, Depression, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments