Category Archives: Advocacy

Unintended consequences…Sin, mental illness and the church

The research appears to suggest that we have a lot of people within the church who struggle with emotional distress who have been badly hurt by their interactions with pastors, church staff, counselors and the reactions of fellow believers. Clearly, there’s an established perception among the majority outside the church that those struggling with more serious or chronic mental health concerns won’t be welcome at church…and that’s a very big problem when it comes to fulfilling Christ’s command to make disciples. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Controversies, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

When Our “Can’t” Overwhelms Our “Can”…Mike Dobes

Why are the very overseers of the Church reluctant to bring the Gospel to all people, regardless of their disability? In truth, we are all disabled… some of us just hide our disabilities better than others. How do we keep missing an entire people group that is waiting to be heard, loved, accepted and embraced as they are? Continue reading

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I wonder how we miss the obvious…Jeff McNair

We walk by, seemingly acting if we don’t know who our neighbor is. Continue reading

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Does love heal all wounds from childhood trauma?

In other words, church, we have a great opportunity to love those affected by trauma! The need is great. Kids are hurting. Adults are too. Families are struggling. And the first step in being able to help is understanding the need. Jesus met people where they were, and so can we. Continue reading

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Foster Care, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, PTSD | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Mental Illness: Too Scared to Share – why most Christians won’t talk About “IT”…Mitzi Van Cleve

I sat completely mute and stunned when mental illness was included in a list of “sins” for which restoration through repentance were possible. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The myth that love is always enough…

Sadly, love isn’t always enough, and the implication that it is (or should be) with kids exposed to trauma or neglect is as destructive as the myth that mental illness is caused by a problem with sin or inadequate faith.
Continue reading

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Controversies, Families, Foster Care, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Our ten most popular blog posts of 2014…

Sharing today’s post is an excellent way of introducing the blog…and Key Ministry with pastors, friends and family members who would be blessed! Continue reading

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, PTSD, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do some disabilities predispose individuals for leadership?

I thought I’d share links to a couple of excellent articles for your reading pleasure that postulate specific advantages to two hidden disabilities in the formation of successful leaders. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Advocacy, Depression, Hidden Disabilities, Leadership | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A look back at 2014…

Our team has been taking a look back at this past year to examine what worked, what didn’t and to better understand how our services and resources are accessed by the churches and families we serve. I’ll share some of our more interesting observations… Continue reading

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Joe Butler…Connecting with families in your community

It’s not about starting a “special needs ministry,” as much as it’s about changing your philosophy of ministry to include families affected by special needs into the life of your church. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments