Tag Archives: youth ministry

It’s the hidden disabilities that keep kids out of church

Posted on July 23, 2018 by Dr. G

The study found that the children most likely to be excluded from church are those with autism spectrum disorders and common mental health conditions – anxiety, depression, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder and ADHD. Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The sexual revolution, our kids and suicide…a new look

Posted on July 16, 2018 by Dr. G

Suicidal thinking and the severity of suicidal behavior are HIGHLY correlated with sexual activity in teens. Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How kids with disabilities are challenged when a new program year begins…

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Dr. G

As a new school year is beginning here in Northeast Ohio, many kids and families will face a daunting challenge at church.
Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Ministry Environments, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Five reasons churches shouldn’t have vaccine policies

Posted on April 24, 2015 by Dr. G

But excluding unvaccinated or undervaccinated children would mean turning away a significant group of families. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Controversies, Families, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The struggles of kids with mental illness in a sexualized culture

Posted on April 9, 2015 by Dr. G

Is it our unwillingness to affirm the risky behaviors that all too often lead to tragic consequences or a hopelessly broken, messed up culture that tells emotionally vulnerable teens that they’re defined by who they’re attracted to and their desirability to potential sexual partners? Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Anxiety Disorders, Controversies, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

HIV and other blood-borne pathogens in children’s ministry…Shannon Dingle

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Dr. G

So what should you do if there’s a child with HIV in your church? The same thing you should do otherwise: use best practices for first aid and show love to the child and parents. Continue reading →

Posted in Adoption, Controversies, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Updated: More stories of disability and church…

Posted on November 11, 2014 by Dr. G

We think the stories are an accurate reflection of the progress the church has made…and how far we have yet to go… Continue reading →

Posted in Inclusion, Inclusion Fusion, Key Ministry, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Are parents of kids with ADHD stigmatized at church?

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Dr. G

Would it make more sense to err on the side of grace in how we view families of kids with ADHD, at least until we know them well enough to feel we could walk in their shoes? Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Controversies, Families, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What keeps kids with ADHD out of church?

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Dr. G

“People in the church believe they can tell when a disability ends and bad parenting begins.” Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Families, Hidden Disabilities, Inclusion, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Updated…How are kids and teens with ADHD different?

Posted on September 16, 2014 by Dr. G

Dr. Barkley’s theories suggest that ADHD is a disorder not only of attention, but of executive functioning as well. Executive functioning describes a set of cognitive abilities involved in controlling and regulating other abilities and behaviors. Such functions are necessary in initiating goal-directed behavior, suppressing impulses arising from lower brain centers, and planning future behavior.
Continue reading →

Posted in ADHD, Hidden Disabilities, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment