Tag Archives: Inclusion

More thoughts on disruptive kids

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Dr. G

There are far, far more kids who struggle with ‘doing church” because of disruptive behavior than there are kids recognized with a special need who struggle to do church. Continue reading →

Posted in Hidden Disabilities, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Defining Moments

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Dr. G

These experiences have been instructive. I’ve felt like an outsider looking in. I think that feeling is similar to the experience I’ve heard from many parents of kids with disabilities who’ve wanted to get more involved at church but describe the sense of being an outsider whose presence is an intrusion into the ways that things have always been done. Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Demon or Disorder? Attitudes Toward Mental Illness in the Church

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Dr. G

15% of adults who sought help from their church for a mental illness for themselves or a family member reported a weakening of faith as a result of their interaction, and for 13%, their interaction resulted in the end of their involvement with their faith. Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Autism and Your Church…Revised Edition by Barbara Newman

Posted on July 17, 2011 by Dr. G

Autism and Your Church is an excellent resource for church staff and volunteers seeking to more effectively minister to children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families, offering strategies for creating welcoming environments and practical solutions for churches seeking to be more inclusive of persons with special needs. Continue reading →

Posted in Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Should Christian Parents Only Use Christian Mental Health Professionals?

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Dr. G

I think the critical issue for parents who have a kid in need of mental health care is finding a clinician with a track record of demonstrating excellence in what they do, regardless of that person’s belief system. Continue reading →

Posted in Mental Health, Parents, Strategies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

How Dads are Impacted When Kids Have Disabilities

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Dr. G

Examination of contributing factors to the higher rates of depression seen among men with teen or young adult children with autism may help us better appreciate what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a father of a child with a significant disability. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Families, Key Ministry, Parents | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Challenges Kids With Anxiety Face in “Doing Church”

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Dr. G

A child with significant anxiety will likely face multiple impediments to full participation in the children’s or youth ministry of their local church. The specific thoughts, experiences and situations that create obstacles to participation and growth will be unique to each child, but the list below describes common challenges parents and church staff can anticipate when ministering to children and youth with anxiety. Continue reading →

Posted in Anxiety Disorders, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Resources, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What Can the Church Do to Help Families of Kids With Mental Illnesses?

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Dr. G

What would you like to see the church do to better serve families of kids with mental illnesses? Aware of any innovative strategies employed by churches or small group within churches that have helped to demonstrate the love of Christ while meeting immediate needs? Please post comments and links below. Continue reading →

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A Child Shall Lead Them…Update

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Dr. G

This past March, I shared a post describing a 14 year-old volunteer who had served in Breathe Respite events held at my church who approached our senior pastor with a fleshed-out proposal for the church to host a luau this summer as an outreach to 50 adults with developmental disabilities living in our community.
Continue reading →

Posted in Inclusion, Key Ministry, Spiritual Development, Stories, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Can I Get Involved and Help?

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Dr. G

I started kicking around the question of how I hope people will respond when they’re exposed to our people, training and ministry resources. Ultimately, I would hope folks would respond by looking for where God might be at work in the unique intersection of their experiences, talents, giftedness and circumstances in providing opportunities to build His Kingdom. Continue reading →

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