Category Archives: Key Ministry

The relationship between anxiety and church attendance…

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Dr. G

Is it possible…or even likely that an important reason people attending church report less anxiety is that the regular experience of anxiety causes people to have more difficulty in attending church? Continue reading →

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

Dr. G to be keynote speaker for Awana Ministry Conference 2014-Mississippi

Posted on August 1, 2014 by Dr. G

Our Key Ministry team is delighted that Steve will be serving as the keynote speaker for this year’s Awana Ministry Conference on Saturday, August 23rd at First Baptist Church in Oxford, MS.
Continue reading →

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Incomplete…

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Dr. G

I can attest that our work would be impossible without the time and talent of Board members, staff and volunteers who themselves are being actively treated for a mental health condition or have a child (or multiple children) receiving treatment. Life for each of them is not without bumps in the road, but yet they serve magnificently. Continue reading →

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

The sins of psychiatry…and psychology

Posted on July 28, 2014 by Dr. G

“It seems reasonable to conclude that the institutions of psychiatry and psychology (and many practitioners of those disciplines) have conducted themselves in a manner to betray the trust of church leaders, especially those leaders who adhere to traditional interpretations of Scripture. I’d hypothesize that one manifestation of the collateral damage resulting from this “falling out” between the church and the mental health community is the lack of understanding in the church as to how to most effectively minister to individuals and families impacted by mental illness.” Continue reading →

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

When church leaders talk about mental illness, spiritual evil and demons…

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Dr. G

We have to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL when telling people who approach the church for help that they have a sin problem (after all, we ALL have a sin problem!) when they truly have a mental health problem. Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

I’m not like “those kids”

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Dr. G

The kids (and their families) are exquisitely sensitive to perceptions of being “different” from everyone else. This is a key reason why they don’t fit into most “special needs ministry” models and why they’re inclined to avoid “programs” that draw attention to their differences. Continue reading →

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

The top four reasons for attending…or hosting the Front Door Church

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Dr. G

Do you want to do something you’ve never done before to reach people who have never been reached before with the saving message of Christ? Do you enjoy communicating and connecting with others? Is there a group of people that you could extend an invitation to join you at online church? Do you feel comfortable sharing spontaneous prayer with and for others? Is there a time of day that works best for you where you sense others would join you at online church? Do you have access to a computer and feel capable with Facebook? These simple requirements make you the perfect host! Continue reading →

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Updated: Families impacted by depression…How can the church help?

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Dr. G

Society still places a stigma on mental illness, but Christians make it worse, he said, by “over-spiritualizing” depression and other disorders — dismissing them as a lack of faith or a sign of weakness. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Depression, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Invitation to Speakers…Inclusion Fusion 2014

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Dr. G

It’s time again for us to offer an invite to any member of our larger family in Christ with excellent ideas to contribute to the field of disability ministry to serve as a presenter for Key Ministry’s Inclusion Fusion Disability … Continue reading →

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We all want to be chosen…

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Dr. G

People who struggle with mental illness (or their caregivers) very much want to be pursued. For someone to recognize that they have value. Isn’t that the mission of the church? Aren’t we the hands and feet of the Savior who pursues the lost sheep? Don’t we serve a God who chose us and is lavish in the grace he extends to us? Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments