Category Archives: Stories

Hoping there’s a place in the church for a kid like mine

Posted on May 21, 2017 by

I wonder if we lose a lot of our youth when we focus exclusively on activities and programs that occur in medium to large-sized groups and offer little to kids who are more comfortable in gatherings of two or three? Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Ministry Environments, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Is past experience of church a barrier for persons with mental illness and their families?

Posted on March 6, 2017 by

I suspect that past experiences of church may be a major barrier to current church involvement for many adults with a history of mental illness or parents of children or teens with significant mental health conditions. Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What the church can learn from a basketball game

Posted on February 27, 2017 by

What would our churches look like if we valued the gifts and talents of all of our members and celebrated the work accomplished by the Holy Spirit through them in the way that Louisville High School demonstrated to two of their athletes? Continue reading →

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

Going to church as a family on Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2016 by

Our mission is successful when all families have the opportunity for memories of attending church together to form the foundation of their Christmas traditions. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

An adoptive father returns home

Posted on December 4, 2016 by

Kevin brought us an appreciation for the challenges adoptive parents face in staying involved with church when their children experience emotional, behavioral or developmental challenges that make church attendance difficult. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Families, Key Ministry, Special Needs Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Disability Inclusion on Mission Trips

Posted on September 25, 2016 by

A mission trip planned by and for people with disabilities was exactly what we were hoping for as we were making our philosophical switch. Note that it was not something anyone from my leadership team came up with. It was an idea that was birthed by God through our friend Nick. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Intellectual Disabilities, Ryan Wolfe, Special Needs Ministry, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Lamenting the Life We Had Hoped For…Wendy Heyn

Posted on September 17, 2016 by

Yet we know that even in this unexpected life of ours, God’s grace abounds. He heals, restores, comforts and strengthens. He is a God who saves.
Continue reading →

Posted in Parents, Special Needs Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Creating Mental Health Ministry in a Local Church – A Year in the Life

Posted on June 12, 2016 by

If you think mental health ministry is something your church should consider, just start the conversation. If your church is like most, the pastors and staff are already aware of mental health needs in your faith community. Prayerfully consider if Jesus isn’t asking you to step up and reach out to the ones who can’t reach out for themselves. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mother’s Day…It’s complicated

Posted on May 8, 2016 by

We learn to delight in what is and let go of what illness and disability has robbed us and our kids. Continue reading →

Posted in Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry, Parents, Special Needs Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Motherhood and depression guilt…

Posted on May 5, 2016 by

I may not be the best mom. I may not even get back to being the average mother I once claimed to be. But I’m here. I’m getting back up. I’m not leaving. And I’m the mom God ordained for these four souls, and therefore I am their best mom.
Continue reading →

Posted in Depression, Families, Gillian Marchenko, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments