Spiritual Development

The World is Different Now

The World is Different Now

Today's blog post addresses the topic of child abuse. It is a powerful account of both human evil and the forgiveness available through Christ. Please read with care.

The Power of Perspective and Flexibility in Ministry: Podcast Episode 090

The Power of Perspective and Flexibility in Ministry: Podcast Episode 090

In this week’s episode, Garett reflects on how life experiences shape our ministry perspectives while looking at the importance of being flexible in ministry with the goal of reaching more people with the hope of Jesus. He encourages us consider and embrace a ministry approach similar to that of the four friends who found a way to take their paralyzed friend to Jesus rather than allowing our preferences to dictate how we operate our churches.

An Interview with Lamar Hardwick on How Ableism Fuels Racism: Podcast Episode 089

An Interview with Lamar Hardwick on How Ableism Fuels Racism: Podcast Episode 089

In today’s episode, Catherine Boyle interviews Dr. Lamar Hardwick about his newest book “How Ableism Fuels Racism: Dismantling the Hierarchy of Bodies in the Church.”

Perseverance Needed in Disability Ministry

Perseverance Needed in Disability Ministry

Shannon Blosser talks about New Years Resolutions and the challenges of starting up a Disability Ministry. Like many resolutions it can be hard to stick with it after the New Years glitter wears off, and Disability Ministry is not much different. Disability Ministry takes perseverance, and being willing to do things differently in order to have a more Christ-centered church.

Resolving to Experience God’s Blessings in the New Year : Podcast Episode 081

Resolving to Experience God’s Blessings in the New Year : Podcast Episode 081

In this week’s episode, Garett helps us close the book on 2023 and open the door on 2024 by reflecting on the year that was, by looking at God’s Word for guidance on where we’re going in the year ahead and sharing some practical action points as we seek to faithfully follow the Holy Spirit in the new year.

Reflections on Clark Griswold and The Perfect Christmas

Reflections on Clark Griswold and The Perfect Christmas

How much stress do we put on ourselves to have our house perfectly decorated, so we can “enjoy it?” How much tension do we carry trying to navigate the family dinners and getting worried about our own “Cousin Eddie” showing up and making a scene? How often do we fill up our schedules with parties, events, and celebrations because we feel we have to do it? How often do we get to Christmas Day and have nothing left to give when it comes time to truly celebrate the incarnation of Christ and the Lord’s presence in our lives?

Confidence in Knowing God Will Finish What He Starts: Podcast Episode 077

Confidence in Knowing God Will Finish What He Starts: Podcast Episode 077

In this week’s episode, Garett shares a follow up story on a message from a previous episode while also discussing how the apostle Paul’s words of encouragement to the church at Philippi should also be a message of encouragement to anyone on the journey to take the hope of Jesus Christ and the love of his church to the special needs community.

How did we do that? We didn’t. The Holy Spirit did it!: Podcast Episode 060

How did we do that? We didn’t. The Holy Spirit did it!: Podcast Episode 060

Each summer, our Shine Disabilities Ministry team hosts Camp Freedom, which an action-packed weekend where campers with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities experience summer camp in a way they most enjoy. The blessings and the memories and the logistics from the event always leave me asking “How did we do that?” But as we see through the ministry of Peter and John in Acts 3-4, we didn’t do any of it. The Holy Spirit did it!

Different, Not Harder

Different, Not Harder

"Different, not harder." That was the powerful takeaway from a dear friend who has spoken with Joanna about special needs ministry for years. This leads her to the question: are we fighting for pity or equality?

What if true equality starts with finding common ground?

Four Aspects of Perseverance to Help Find Your Ministry Purpose: Podcast Episode 055

Four Aspects of Perseverance to Help Find Your Ministry Purpose: Podcast Episode 055

If your life includes disabilities, you probably already know that perseverance is needed in different ways. If you sense God stirring you towards ministry in some capacity, here are four aspects of perseverance that can help sharpen your understanding of what perseverance looks like in the midst of disabilities.