Autism

A Better Question: Podcast Episode 004

A Better Question: Podcast Episode 004

In this episode, Lamar Hardwick examines how our theology influences disability ministry and how the experience of disability influences our understanding of God, faith, and life. We will talk about how understanding disability doesn’t begin with having all the right answers, but how understanding disability requires that we ask the right questions. 

Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities Podcast Episode: 086

Supporting Students with Invisible Disabilities Podcast Episode: 086

In this week’s episode of Key Ministry The Podcast, Sandra Peoples discusses hidden disabilities, and how we, as The Church, can better support these students with invisible disabilities.

Neurodiversity, Relationships and Mental and Spiritual Health: An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes Part 2: Podcast Episode 084

Neurodiversity, Relationships and Mental and Spiritual Health: An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes Part 2: Podcast Episode 084

Today’s podcast and blog is part 2 of a 2-part conversation with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes. You might want to listen to part 1 or read that transcript before going on to this second part. The entire conversation is packed with information about autism that’s important to ministry leaders, parents, couples and individuals.

Neurodiversity, Relationships and Mental and Spiritual Health: An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes Part 1: Podcast Episode 083

Neurodiversity, Relationships and Mental and Spiritual Health: An Interview with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes Part 1: Podcast Episode 083

Today’s podcast and blog is part 1 of a 2-part conversation with Dr. Stephanie C. Holmes. Stephanie works extensively with neurodiverse Christian couples and families, to help these families better understand, communicate and connect with each other. Stephanie has personally experienced many of the same mental health and spiritual health challenges as the families and ministries we serve. This is part one of a must-hear/must-read podcast interview.

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?

Organic Friendships

Organic Friendships

After all my years of teaching middle school special education, specifically a significant disabilities/autism class, you’d think I would have learned by now that some of my best-laid plans were the last things my students needed…especially when it came to making friends. I personally believe that many of the social skills activities I’ve done with my students and my own children have been a great benefit. Our kids need the training and support we provide through role-playing, social stories, and other activities, but at what point do we take our hands off and give control of those friendships to our kids?  Letting go of that control can be scary.

What the Church Can Learn from the Disability Community

What the Church Can Learn from the Disability Community

As a senior pastor, I often tell my congregation, the church is “the ongoing witness of Jesus Christ in a broken and hurting world.” When we think about the church and the disability community, we often think about what the disability community needs from the church. I wonder, though, what does the church need from the disability community?

Six Reasons Church Leaders are Struggling (And How You Can Help): Podcast Episode 021

Six Reasons Church Leaders are Struggling (And How You Can Help): Podcast Episode 021

In this episode, Lamar Hardwick shares six reasons why church leaders, especially those in disability and mental health ministry, may be struggling and how your church family can help them.

The Reason I Gave Church Another Chance

The Reason I Gave Church Another Chance

As members of the disability community or the parents/caregivers who love them, we know the Church is not overtly welcoming. The right body of believers is out there, but they may not know it…yet. They may not even be able to understand…yet. But they will be willing to learn. Consider this your formal invitation to be sure of what you cannot see.

Courage in Pursuit of Our Callings

Courage in Pursuit of Our Callings

I’d like to say a few things publicly that need to be said by someone in my profession with my background and experience. Somebody needs to go first. My hope is it will be easier for others to speak if they know they’re not alone.