Tag Archives: Inclusion

What does “executive functioning” have to do with kids and church?

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Dr. G

Through identifying the other challenges executive functioning weaknesses present to a person’s ability to maintain an ongoing pattern of involvement with a local church, we hope to assist leaders in designing ministry environments and developing supports to welcome kids and families who were “unsuccessful” in previous experiences of church and strengthen their connection to the local church once they become attenders. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Doing church” when kids struggle with social communication…

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Dr. G

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

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

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Dr. G

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

Including kids and teens with mental illness at church…What are the barriers?

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Dr. G

I’ve come to the conclusion that our team at Key Ministry needs to, at the very least, put forth a conceptual model for a mental health/trauma inclusion ministry that could be implemented by churches of all sizes, denominations and organizational styles. Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Mike Pitts…Hidden Disabilities in Middle School Ministry

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Dr. G

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

Posted on January 21, 2014 by Dr. G

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.
Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry, Training Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Dr. G

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

Nurturing spiritual growth in kids with anxiety…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Dr. G

Rhonda discusses the unique spiritual needs of children who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Social Phobia and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder. Katie and Rhonda cover identification, accommodations and unique spiritual issues for each manifestation of anxiety from the church nursery to the high school youth group.
Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Spiritual Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pursuing those who Jesus loves…Key Ministry 2.0

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Dr. G

Kids with disabilities, their siblings, and their families generally don’t experience the sense of being pursued. They’re not the first ones picked for teams on the playground. They’re not the kids who get invited to sleepovers or “play dates”. They’re not the recipients of the increasingly grandiose (and public) invitations to attend the prom. We’re going to help churches pursue them…and allow them to experience what it’s like to be pursued.
Continue reading →

Posted in Inclusion, Key Ministry, Leadership, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Growing up with a sibling with special needs…Inclusion Fusion Library

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Dr. G

Colleen Swindoll-Thompson asked her adult children to speak on the challenges siblings experience when a brother or sister experiences a disability. Siblings are often forgotten, judged, misunderstood, and suffer many challenges. Colleen’s children (Ashley, Austin and Cody) shared their experiences growing up with a brother with significant special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Families, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments