Tag Archives: Disability Ministry

“Doing church” when kids struggle with social communication…

Let’s consider the challenges a kid would experience who has difficulty picking up on body language or the meaning behind the tone and inflection of speech if their parents decided to start attending your church. Continue reading

Posted in Autism, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Ministry Environments, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Including kids and teens with mental illness at church…Grasping the relationship barrier

The kids and families we serve in our child and adolescent psychiatry practice are extremely vulnerable to a vicious cycle of escalating social isolation, perpetuated by the nature of the conditions they experience, their propensity to misinterpret the thoughts and reactions of other people and the stigma associated with mental illness. Continue reading

Posted in Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Ten ideas for promoting spiritual growth when kids have ADHD or anxiety

Today, we’ll look at the catalysts to spiritual growth discussed in Reggie Joiner’s book Think Orange, and propose ten strategies that could be useful when kids have ADHD, anxiety, or social communication disorders. Continue reading

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Casseroles, church, and the stigma of kids with mental illness

We, as church, also have a remarkable opportunity to share the love of Christ with many families who, because of stigma, may be too embarrassed to let us know when they are in need. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Mike Pitts…Hidden Disabilities in Middle School Ministry

Somewhere along the line we have unintentionally and unknowing catered our ministries to the “typical” students. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Key Ministry Training Survey

We’re putting together our training offerings for the coming year, and want to know how we can be most helpful to your church’s staff and volunteers as you serve families impacted by disabilities.
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Posted in Key Ministry, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Help Wanted…for two “Key” jobs

We’re looking for a couple of good men…or women. We have two paid positions we’re seeking to fill. Continue reading

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Is mental illness a disability?

Why wouldn’t we expect people with the most common cause of disability in the U.S. to be served by our existing disability ministries? My colleague is absolutely right…they’re NOT. Why not? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Continue reading

Posted in Adoption, Controversies, Hidden Disabilities, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

My one word…REST

Mike and Rachel suggest an alternative to New Year’s resolutions…Choose just one word that represents what you most hope God will do in you, and focus on it for an entire year. Continue reading

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One family’s Christmas at the movies…and our culture?

I would hope and pray God would see fit to use the Colson’s experience to open the eyes and hearts of many in our culture to the needs of families impacted by autism and other disabilities. I’m sure Emily and Max would be honored if everyone who hears of their story would demonstrate Christ’s love to someone experiencing the effects of disability at their next opportunity. Continue reading

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Inclusion, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments