Category Archives: Key Ministry

Tips for Church Staff and Volunteers Serving Kids With Asperger’s Disorder

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Dr. G

We’ve looked at some of the common characteristics of kids with Asperger’s Disorder along with the impediments they face to spiritual growth and the obstacles parents of kids with the condition face when attempting to “do church.” Today, we’ll get very practical and explore some helpful hints for church staff and volunteers involved in serving kids with Asperger’s. Continue reading →

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Cindi and Joe Ferrini…The Unexpected Journey of Relationships

Posted on April 13, 2012 by Dr. G

Cindi Ferrini was the special guest last night for SNAPPIN’ Ministries Special Needs Ministry Tweetchat…transcript available here. The discussion topic was Marriage With Special Needs Children. A number of participants had commented on the outstanding presentation Cindi and her husband (Joe) gave for last fall’s Inclusion Fusion on The Unexpected Journey of Relationships…When Special Needs Change Our Course. Here’s the video from Cindi and Joe’s presentation:
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Posted in Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Parents, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Applying a Family-Based Ministry Model When Kids Have Asperger’s Disorder

Posted on April 8, 2012 by Dr. G

So…If the parent(s) are the “experts” when it comes to individualizing strategies to promote spiritual development in kids with Asperger’s, what’s the role for the church? Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Interview With Chuck and Colleen Swindoll…Part Two

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Dr. G

Yesterday, we shared Part One of an interview Katie Wetherbee conducted with Chuck Swindoll and his daughter Colleen for last fall’s Inclusion Fusion in which they discussed the different ways in which their family had been impacted by having a child (Jonathan) with autism. Here’s Part Two of the interview, followed by the content of the guest blog Colleen wrote last year for Autism Awareness Day…
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Autism Awareness Day 2012…Chuck and Colleen Swindoll

Posted on April 2, 2012 by Dr. G

In honor of Autism Awareness Day, we’d like to share an interview conducted by Katie Wetherbee in which Chuck and Colleen spoke at length about the impact of Jonathan’s disability on their family, how his presence in the family has been a blessing, and how Jonathan has helped Chuck become more effective in his ministry to people with disabilities. Here’s Part One of the interview…We’ll share Part Two tomorrow.
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Posted in Autism, Families, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Spiritual Growth Challenges for Kids With Asperger’s Disorder

Posted on April 1, 2012 by Dr. G

We spent time this past week reviewing the criteria used to diagnose Asperger’s Disorder, and looked at some of the challenges kids with Asperger’s experience as a result of other conditions frequently associated with the disorder. Today, we’ll use this information to anticipate the obstacles to spiritual growth kids with the condition are likely to encounter.
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Downloads and Free Registration for the Children’s Ministry Websummit

Posted on March 31, 2012 by Dr. G

Just a reminder…my video presentation on our current blog series, Square Pegs and Round Holes…Helping Kids With Asperger’s Disorder and Social Disabilities Grow Spiritually, will be available online from April 2-6 as part of the 2012 Children’s Ministry Websummit.
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Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

More Stuff You Should Know About Kids With Asperger’s Disorder

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Dr. G

This past Tuesday, we reviewed the diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s Disorder and emphasized the notion that the unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses seen in kids with the disorder complicates efforts to serve them programmatically. We’ll continue our discussion today by examining three additional characteristics of many kids with Asperger’s that often complicate their ability to participate in activities at church.
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Square Pegs and Round Holes…Understanding Kids with Asperger’s Disorder

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Dr. G

As we begin our discussion of how churches can more effectively connect with, welcome and support kids with Asperger’s Disorder as they mature spiritually, a good place to begin is to establish a common understand-ing of the condition. Continue reading →

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Square Pegs and Round Holes…Helping Kids With Asperger’s Disorder and Social Disabilities Grow Spiritually

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Dr. G

Today we’re launching a series to help support churches seeking to minister more effectively to families of kids with Asperger’s Disorder and other social disabilities. The blog series will kick off five weeks of special content in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This series will also accompany a video presentation I’ll be offering on the topic as part of the 2012 Children’s Ministry Websummit, available online, everywhere, free of charge (registration required), from April 2-6. Continue reading →

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