Category Archives: Inclusion

Winter Blog Series: Applying “Orange” Principles in Ministry to Families of Kids With Hidden Disabilities

After reading “Think Orange,” I concluded that many of the principles discussed in the book are especially relevant as catalysts to spiritual development in kids with more subtle, or “hidden disabilities.” During the lead-up to this year’s Orange Conference, the blog will explore how specific “Orange” principles and perspectives can be applied to ministry with families in which one or more children experience disabilities.
Continue reading

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Importance of Christian Community

I can’t imagine what it would be like to struggle with the burdens and challenges presented to parents of kids with disabilities without the ability to connect with other people with similar interests, passions and faith in Jesus Christ. Continue reading

Posted in Inclusion, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Book Review: Reclaiming Adoption

linical experience suggests that most families who adopt children with significant emotional, behavioral or developmental disorders don’t have churches with the resolve and resources to offer the ongoing supports necessary to maintain the family’s participation at church and equip the parents for their role as their child’s primary faith trainers.
Continue reading

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

All I Want For Christmas: Online Church Campuses for Families of Kids With “Issues”

Technology affords us incredible opportunities to “rethink” how we’re sharing the Gospel with families impacted by disabilities. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Counting the Cost…Is the Church Ready to Support Families Who Adopt?

Is the church prepared to provide the resources and supports families called to this ministry will need to maintain their current level of church involvement and effectively shepherd their kids in the Christian faith? Continue reading

Posted in Adoption, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

One Family’s Story: Rebecca and Jamie Adam…following up

As a church we really need to emphasize the importance of that child’s faith over any outward behavior. Not every child has the ability to sit quietly for an entire sermon or look and act appropriately in front of adults, but every child has the ability to have a loving relationship with Jesus. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Spiritual Development, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

One Family’s Story: Rebecca and Jaime Adam

I needed so desperately to hear from the church that these children were a gift, wonderfully designed by God and that it wasn’t my fault. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Village Project: Discovering Unmet Needs of Families of Kids With Disabilities (Part Two)

Nobody knows a child with special needs better than the parents. They are the real experts and anyone who wants to help the IP must listen carefully to the family members and take their views into treatment considerations.
Continue reading

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Parents | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

ADHD and Spiritual Development: Tying it All Together

What if God allows some kids and adults to have ADHD so that He might use their condition to connect them to their larger family in Christ? What if he created them with a unique set of traits and abilities to carry out a special role on His team?
Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Ministry Environments, Parents, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Harmony Hensley: Welcoming Ministry Environments for Kids With ADHD (Part Two)

Harmony discusses use of wall color, wall decor and signage in environments for kids with ADHD, along with thoughts for churches contemplating a new construction project or renovation. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Ministry Environments, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments