Key Ministry for Families

02/12/2025

"I first suspected I had ADHD as a teenager, but finding the right professional to take me seriously was much harder than I expected. Previous attempts only ended in frustration and tears. A few years ago, I met with a doctor to seek a diagnosis for ADHD. Toward the end of the appointment, the psychiatrist made dismissive comments and, to make matters worse, prescribed medications we hadn’t even discussed—medications unsafe while I was nursing my son. I was angry, confused, and frustrated that I couldn’t get clarity about something I knew to be true." Sunita Theiss

I first suspected I had ADHD as a teenager, but finding the right professional to take me seriously was much harder than I expected. Previous attempts only ended in frustration and tears.

02/11/2025

"As parents and caregivers of those with disabilities, it is not out of the question to find ourselves in the position of struggling with our faith...the pain of overhearing rejection, bullying or your child being made fun of for something that they have no control over, can break your heart." Mary Underwood

Resilience is defined as the ability to withstand or recover quickly from a difficult situation. To have a resilient faith we need to build into our spiritual lives the actions needed to recover from the hurts, the pain and the relentless suffering that dealing with disability brings. By keeping our

02/08/2025

In case you missed this month's Idea Share, you can find the whole thing recorded on our YouTube Channel! Take a look!

Disability ministry leaders support and encourage each other while discussing the issues facing their ministries. Links mentioned include:https://disabilitya...

02/06/2025

It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we’ve created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025. Listen now anywhere you find podcasts or at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

02/06/2025

Pastor, who's missing from your pews?

People impacted by disability may not feel welcome.

Disability may keep them from attending. Let us help you invite them in.

Go to www.disabilityandthechurch.com to register for the conference now.

02/05/2025

Take a peek at this podcast we ran a few years back with Catherin Boyle & Kim Botto!

In today’s podcast episode, Catherine Boyle talks with Kim Botto, one of the featured speakers at DATC2023.

02/03/2025

Don't forget to join us TODAY at 12pm EST, for our monthly Idea Share!

Click the link to sign-up: https://keyministry.us12.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9c469f85e6968241100f1471e&id=5fe3bee91b

02/01/2025

Did you catch our new episode of Key Ministry the Podcast yesterday? We had Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love Ministries tell us all about the work they are doing in Colorado, and the many ways they are supporting families affected by special needs. Listen anywhere you find podcasts or at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

01/31/2025

"A new year is a wonderful time to freshen our perspectives. In disability ministry, we are usually trying to understand and support parents and their children with disabilities. Less often, we consider the siblings of those who have the special needs. Let’s call them 'special siblings.'" Lisa Jamieson

We are looking at a new generation of caregivers who need confidence that their church has their back while God comforts, guides, and strengthens them for the invaluable roles they play in their families as special-needs siblings. 

01/30/2025

"Right after my son James was diagnosed with autism, we were told we had to get him as much help as possible because the early years are so vital. They said if he didn’t learn it then, he may never learn it. And we certainly tried. We had therapists coming to the house almost every day. He went to school. We changed his diet, took him to a special doctor, and did lots of our own therapy at home. But there was a limit to the money we could spend and the time we could invest...And at times we felt guilt for what we couldn’t do." Sandra Peoples

God redeems the days, months, or even years you may feel were wasted. Like Jesus multiplied the loaves of bread and fish to feed thousands, God will accomplish His goals even with our meager offering.

01/29/2025

"The church is a place for everyone, yet for many families with neurodivergent children, attending church events or services can be a challenging experience. Children with sensory and communication differences may need unique accommodations to feel comfortable, included, and valued. This season, as your church plans special services and activities, consider these three simple yet impactful ways to create a more welcoming environment for neurodivergent kids and their families." Sunita Theiss

Read the new blog post at: www.keyministry.org/church4everychild

01/28/2025

"The lessons I learned while raising a child withEA/TEF have been many and varied. That’s to be expected since our son was born in 1982 withesophageal atresia (EA) and atracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), two conditions that left him unable to swallow and required immediate surgery. Many of the lessons came about as a result of the surgeries and invasive procedures he endured between birth and age 5. Other lessons came later as he became more independent in adolescence and adulthood. I encourage you to use these ten lessons as a springboard for considering what you’ve learned as well." Jolene Philo

The lessons I learned while raising a child with EA/TEF have been many and varied. That’s to be expected since our son was born in 1982 with esophageal atresia (EA) and a tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) , two conditions that left him unable to swallow and required immediate surgery.