Special Needs Ministry

Mary, Ministry Purpose and You: Podcast Episode 080

Mary, Ministry Purpose and You: Podcast Episode 080

This blog post and podcast episode are being published shortly before Christmas, 2023. I love the Christmas music that is sung and shared this time of year. Recently, one song in particular got me thinking about Jesus’ mother Mary. Do you think Mary realized that in addition to being the mother of His Son, that she had her own ministry purpose? Stay tuned to hear what we can glean from Mary’s life that can help you find God’s ministry purpose for you, in a life that includes disabilities.

Five Things to Try When You're Bummed Out or Burned Out in Disability Ministry: Podcast Episode 079

Five Things to Try When You're Bummed Out or Burned Out in Disability Ministry: Podcast Episode 079

Have you ever planned an event and it wasn’t the success you thought it would be? Or maybe you are feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list even though it’s work that God has called you to? Beth has five strategies to share that just might help if you are in a season of being bummed out or burned out. She will provide words of encouragement and some practical steps to get you back on track and, hopefully, in a healthy and productive place.

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.

Ten Books for Disability Ministry Leaders: Podcast Episode 70

Ten Books for Disability Ministry Leaders: Podcast Episode 70

Fall is a great time to read a good book! In this episode, Sandra shares 10 books for disability ministry leaders in the areas of family care, theology of disability, and ways to strengthen your inclusion practices! 

Five Truths of Disability Theology: Podcast Episode 069

Five Truths of Disability Theology: Podcast Episode 069

Knowing and understanding what the Bible says about disability is pivotal as we strive to be better equipped for the lifelong journey with our friends and families in the disability community. In this week’s episode, Garett discusses the topic of disability theology while focusing on a few verses from Scripture that have been helpful for him and his family.

Four Aspects of Protection to Help Find Your Ministry Purpose - Podcast EP 068

Four Aspects of Protection to Help Find Your Ministry Purpose - Podcast EP 068

Is God stirring something in you, perhaps drawing you into ministry work? In today’s podcast, Catherine shares four aspects of God’s protection that can help you discern and fulfill this calling, while living a life impacted by disabilities.

The Value of Being Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Podcast Episode 064

The Value of Being Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Podcast Episode 064

David reminds us in Psalm 139 that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made and that the works of God in us are truly wonderful. David helps us to understand the value of life because he reminds us that God knew us and formed us and designed us for his glory. In this week’s episode, we reflect on that Biblical truth and how the church is called to celebrate God’s wonderful works in all things, including disability. 

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!

Solutions When You Don’t Have enough Buddies: Podcast Episode 057

Solutions When You Don’t Have enough Buddies: Podcast Episode 057

You’ve recruited (and maybe even begged) and still can’t get enough buddies to meet the needs of kids and teens at your church. What can you do next? Sandra Peoples has four ideas that work for churches of any size!

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.