Category Archives: Strategies

Disability Inclusion on Mission Trips

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

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Mental Health Ministry…So What?

More than anything, mental health ministry is about your church community, as a whole, getting the concept that people with mental health issues aren’t problems to be solved, they are people to be loved.
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Catherine Boyle… Stepping Into Mental Health Ministry: Understand Who Your Church Is and Find the Champions

Before launching the Ironbridge Baptist Church mental health pilot, I spent months talking and meeting with individuals of influence within the church community, many with ‘lived experience.’ The goal of such conversations was ultimately to generate support for the idea that we could – as a faith community – be much more upfront about the reality of mental illness, in all its various forms – and begin truly supporting one another. Continue reading

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Dr. Karen Crum…10 Ways to Make Bible Camp Successful for Children with Autism and Related Challenges

Here are ten ideas for staff wanting to help children with autism succeed at a camp for typical kids. Continue reading

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Subversive for the Kingdom in post-Christian America

We celebrate today the birth of a country founded 240 years ago by men willing to subvert the “old order” of doing things. America evolved into a republic in which individual rights…in particular, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom … Continue reading

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

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

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Partnering with parents to display the works of God in special needs ministry

Because every child’s disability is unique, it’s vital to talk with each family to figure out the best ways to include their child in your church. Continue reading

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Connecting with the Community: Stepping Outside the Church to Grow Your Ministry

Recently, our church was the first host site for a Guinness World Record attempt for creating the world’s largest fingerprint painting aimed at raising awareness for playgrounds that are accessible for everyone, including those with disabilities.
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6 tips on how to help a friend with depression…Gillian Marchenko

Don’t judge or assume that if your friend can’t ‘pull her life together’ then she just isn’t trying hard enough. Depression isn’t laziness or a lack of faith. It is a disease that requires treatment and care. Continue reading

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Five strategies for maintaining hope if you’re struggling with depression

Through my years of therapy for depression, I’ve acquired some strategies that help me hope in the future more often. Continue reading

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