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.

Talk back to us!

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Dr. G

We’re interested in hearing from families impacted by disability, as well as pastors, ministry leaders and professionals serving kids and adults with disabilities so we might best prioritize new tools and resources in the coming year. Continue reading →

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

A disability is still a disability for kids who aren’t disabled all the time

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Dr. G

Many kids and adults experience mental health conditions that substantially limits their ability to participate in church as a major life activity while maintaining reasonably high levels of functioning at school, at work or at home. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

If a kid has mental illness, who will invite their family to church?

Posted on June 26, 2014 by Dr. G

It’s hard for families to be invited to church when they don’t know anyone who regularly attends church. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Past experiences of church have left many families hurting and broken…

Posted on June 22, 2014 by Dr. G

We hardly ever go to church any more. I write this with tears in my eyes because I want to find a church where my kids and I are accepted, and yes, even given “special” treatment from time to time…I am so close to just giving up on church. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sin, mental illness and disability ministry

Posted on June 19, 2014 by Dr. G

Is it possible that the historical exclusion of kids and adults with mental illness from “disability ministry” stems from the view held by many church leaders and attendees that much of what we classify as mental illness is a byproduct of either sin problems or a lack of faith? Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Need Project podcast spotlights Key Ministry, hidden disabilities

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Dr. G

In my conversation with Bob, we discussed the state of mental health care in the U.S., explored the reasons why kids with mental illness aren’t typically served in the context of existing disability ministries, examined some of the struggles churches experience in serving those with hidden disabilities and shared strategies some churches are utilizing to reach families impacted by disabilities lacking meaningful involvement with a local church. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

From outreach ideas to action in three easy steps…Mike Woods

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Dr. G

What can you and your special needs ministry do to help people with disabilities in your community achieve their potential and experience God’s good design for their lives? No one special needs ministry (or church) can do everything . . . but each special needs ministry (or church) is called to do something.
Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jeff Davidson…Help Wanted

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Dr. G

I wish the 30-year old dad of the newborn son I once was could have known the 47-year old dad of a sixteen year old son with special needs that I am now. I could say, “Listen I’ve been where you are. Your life didn’t just end. In fact, this is only the beginning of the most amazing ride of your life. God is going to teach you and reveal things to you that you can’t even imagine.” Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Intellectual Disabilities, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Matt Mooney…Why after all the hard, did you choose hard again?

Posted on June 13, 2014 by Dr. G

Matt Mooney served as our guest blogger for Father’s Day 2013. Many people were touched by his family’s story last June…we thought we’d share with our new readers… Matt currently serves as Executive Director of 99 Balloons, a non-profit organization based in … Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Families, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Too much visual stimulation may be bad for most kids…

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Dr. G

The research describing the impact of environment upon learning in children offers one of the best examples of how churches can take concrete steps to become more welcoming to all families (especially those with children who struggle with attentional regulation or sensory processing) and more effective during the limited time they have to influence kids without having to develop a stand-alone ministry “program” or requiring families to self-identify their kids with disabilities. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment