Category Archives: Families

Another good family experiences tragedy…

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Dr. G

Given what we know about the lethality of mental illness in teens and young adults, it is absolutely essential for the church to make every possible effort to introduce those at risk to Jesus Christ and invite them to be part of a family of faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Growing up with a sibling with special needs…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Dr. G

Colleen Swindoll-Thompson asked her adult children to speak on the challenges siblings experience when a brother or sister experiences a disability. Siblings are often forgotten, judged, misunderstood, and suffer many challenges. Colleen’s children (Ashley, Austin and Cody) shared their experiences growing up with a brother with significant special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Key Ministry featured at Insight for Living!

Posted on December 3, 2013 by Dr. G

In our interview, Colleen and I had the opportunity to discuss the challenges families face in attending church when kids have mental illnesses Continue reading →

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

“Mom, I feel like Cinderella”-Cindi and Joe Ferrini…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Dr. G

I became keenly aware of the fact that she needed to be a kid. I know I didn’t expect her to “take over” my job of caring for our son with special needs, but I was happy for her help, and at that moment I could see I’d lost the ability to see that I was asking too much. Continue reading →

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Would your church miss you if you weren’t there? Barb Dittrich

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Dr. G

Suffering from “compassion fatigue” or lacking in resources, families are frequently heartbroken when their church does not reach out to them in crisis. Sadly, those who do find an inclusive congregation or one with special needs programming can also be inclined to walk away from the church when they feel ignored in their darkest hours.

Yet, what if we flipped that concept on its head?
Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Understanding traumatic stress responses in children and families…The Twelve Core Concepts

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Dr. G

Today, I plan to summarize what we’ve learned in this series about traumatic stress response in children and families by sharing Twelve Core Concepts framed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, PTSD | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Our Broken Mental Health System…a diagnosis

Posted on October 13, 2013 by Dr. G

Here’s a formulation as to why our mental health system in the U.S. is failing so many of the families it was created to serve.
Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Sticks and Stones, Clicks and Phones: Solutions for Preventing Bullying at Church…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Dr. G

In her presentation for Inclusion Fusion 2012, Katie tackled the issue of bullying…and focused on bullying prevention. Pastors, KidMin leaders and volunteers need to know how to proactively prevent bullying, because sadly, this kind of behavior can—and does—occur in churches, too. In this presentation, she shared some practical strategies that can change the social culture of Sunday mornings.
Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A cord of three strands…

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Dr. G

An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Holistically Serving the Adopted/Foster Child…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on October 4, 2013 by Dr. G

In the video, she shares some of her experiences dealing with the emotional struggles of adopted and foster children as they adjust to the reality of becoming part of a new family. She did a great job of describing how the adverse childhood experiences of kids available for adoption and foster care contribute to difficulties “doing church” and shares helpful strategies for church staff and volunteers who interact with them at church. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Foster Care, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, PTSD, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment