Tag Archives: church

Families impacted by mental illness crave support from their church…

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Dr. G

The study points out a crying need on the part of families impacted by mental illness for help and support through their local church to facilitate inclusion and spiritual growth. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

If churches knew how many people mental illness impacts, they’d be more interested in reaching them

Posted on May 13, 2014 by Dr. G

The segment of the population impacted by disability, especially families impacted by mental illness, trauma and developmental disabilities, would in my mind represent the ultimate “low-hanging fruit” for local churches Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Mental Health, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Common mental health conditions can be MAJOR barriers to church involvement

Posted on May 5, 2014 by Dr. G

It’s particularly difficult to understand why parents who might be able to maintain a job and a household or kids who are able to school without one-on-one aides or lots of support services aren’t able to attend church. I’ll try to explain why in today’s post…and give churches a conceptual framework for anticipating the obstacles kids and adults might experience in attending church and addressing them so they no longer remain obstacles.
Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Who knew? Guest blogger Denise Schamens

Posted on April 27, 2014 by Dr. G

I asked him if he wanted to talk about God. He spelled out “yes.” I asked if he understood what it means to be baptized? He spelled out “it means to accept Jesus into your heart.” Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Join us for a conversation with Emily Colson

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Dr. G

Her uplifting account of how God has used Max to be a blessing to the people of her church are an inspiring reminder that persons with special needs also have gifts and talents to contribute to the work of the church…and a reminder of how the church is diminished without the inclusion of families impacted by disability. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Stories, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Emily Colson…Becoming Still

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Dr. G

We’ve come a long way since those early years of staying home on Sunday mornings when we couldn’t find our place. Back then, like so many families, we couldn’t even make it across the threshold. Autism held us hostage. I had to make a conscious decision to go forward every day, no matter what, and claim the abundant life God promises. I always knew Max needed the church, but no one could have imagined how much the church needed Max. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Stories, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

David Lynden…Connecting with God through the routines of life

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Dr. G

There is something more about the gift of routines: they can create a contrast to help us see what might be considered small and insignificant. One of the mantras of wisdom that our autism support group used to rehearse is to celebrate the small, incremental progressions of our children with autism. And they were easier to see because the routines make them stand out so much more than our typical children. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Amy Simpson Interview

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Dr. G

The church is the first place many people go when they’re looking for help of all kinds, including treatment for mental illness. Among people who have sought treatment, 25 percent have gone first to a member of the clergy. This is a higher percentage than those who have gone to psychiatrists, general medical doctors, or anyone else. Unfortunately, many church leaders are ill-equipped to help people get the care they need. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Saddleback’s Gathering on Mental Illness and the Church to be available online…

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Dr. G

The Gathering will be streamed live by the folks from Saddleback so that church leaders, advocates and family members everywhere can participate. Continue reading →

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A success story from one of our colleagues…

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Dr. G

During the Praise and worship service, one of the young ladies looked at me with tears coming down her face…during her favorite song. I talked with her for a minute and then got on my knees and prayed with her. She accepted Christ. Continue reading →

Posted in Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Stories | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment