Category Archives: Families

Promoting mental health inclusion at church? Respond to the family’s most immediate needs

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Dr. G

If we’re to have an impact as the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are outside the church, we first have to get better at addressing the practical needs of families impacted by mental illness who are already part of the church or those who have some connection to the church. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What parents are most afraid to hear…

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Dr. G

There may be parents who are trying their best visiting your church with kids who have bad genes, kids who experienced trauma or abuse, or kids who haven’t yet developed the skills to effectively self-regulate their emotions and behavior. How do we welcome them and share with them the unconditional love Christ has for them? How do we as the church best communicate so we build the relationships necessary to cast influence in their family? Continue reading →

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

Churches, mental health inclusion and respite care…

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Dr. G

Through providing respite care, churches can step in the gap to meet an immediate need for parents of kids with mental illness while providing an opportunity for members and attendees to serve others in a practical way and connect with families who likely lack a meaningful connection with a local church. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Joe Padilla…5 Steps to the Rise of Mental Health Support in the Church

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Dr. G

Mental health community support in the church is on the rise and this changes the whole game! As we see more and more influential church leaders share their personal or family experience, the conversation is beginning to take shape in the church. We’re beginning to see a turning of the tide. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Depression, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 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

Vangie Rodenbeck’s interview with Dr. G on Mental Illness and the Church…

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Dr. G

Steve will be Vangie Rodenbeck’s special guest THIS COMING TUESDAY, MAY 19th, at 12:00 PM Eastern as part of Vangie’s Shaping Special Hearts podcast hosted by CM Connect and sponsored by Standard Publishing. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mental health inclusion…The importance of getting the right people around the table

Posted on May 14, 2015 by Dr. G

If you’re seeking to start a mental health inclusion ministry initiative and your job title is something other that Senior Pastor, Job #1 is to get buy-in from the most senior leader in your church. Here’s why… Continue reading →

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

Christians, are we being wise with the words orphan and fatherless?

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Dr. G

We still use “orphan” or “fatherless” a lot in the church when we’re talking about adoption and foster care, even when those words don’t fit with our current culture or a specific circumstance. Why? Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Families, Foster Care, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

One mother’s journey…adoption and psychiatric medication

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Dr. G

Contrary to what many believe, putting a child on psychotropic medication is neither quick, nor easy, nor a fix. It is a serious decision with potentially serious consequences. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Advocacy, Controversies, Families, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Five reasons churches shouldn’t have vaccine policies

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Dr. G

But excluding unvaccinated or undervaccinated children would mean turning away a significant group of families. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Controversies, Families, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments