Category Archives: Strategies

It’s the hidden disabilities that keep kids out of church

Posted on July 23, 2018 by

The study found that the children most likely to be excluded from church are those with autism spectrum disorders and common mental health conditions – anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder and ADHD. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Traditional churches and the mental health system…Irreconcilable differences?

Posted on July 2, 2018 by

Can the church and the mental health system work together? And sadly, I’m coming to suspect the answer to that question is NO…so long as that church adheres to traditional church teaching and Biblical interpretation of texts addressing human sexuality. Continue reading →

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How a hidden disability kept one family from church

Posted on December 18, 2017 by

Some friends in a like-minded ministry have produced a wonderful video that illustrates the challenges one family impacted by a hidden disability experienced in maintaining their involvement at church. Continue reading →

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The mental health crisis among persons with autism

Posted on October 8, 2017 by

Perhaps one of the reasons the church has struggled to effectively minister with many persons with autism spectrum disorders is that we don’t do a very good job of welcoming and including children and adults with mental health-related challenges common among persons with autism?  Continue reading →

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

Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook and church

Posted on July 9, 2017 by

FAKE NEWS ALERT: Mark Zuckerberg never claimed that Facebook would take the place of church. But he did give a speech a couple of weeks ago that ought to spur lots of thought and conversation among those who recognize the transcendent value of Christian community. Continue reading →

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The Benedict Option

Posted on March 20, 2017 by

In short, we are going to have to be the church, without compromise, no matter what it costs. Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Strategies | Tagged , , , , | 2 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

Jeff McNair: Eight Questions to Guide the Next Steps for Your Disability Ministry

Posted on February 7, 2017 by

“Better has no endpoint.” Whatever stage we are at in our ministry work or our own walk with Christ, we recognize we are on a continuum. Continue reading →

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Our ministry blueprint for 2017

Posted on January 17, 2017 by

It makes me happy to think about other families having a strong faith foundation when the winds and waves of contemporary life come crashing against the shore. Continue reading →

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Ten ways for churches to serve families impacted by mental illness

Posted on October 2, 2016 by

Small things done with great love will change the world. Continue reading →

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