Key Ministry the Podcast

This blog explores a Christian approach to mental health care through the insights of Dr. Warren Kinghorn, emphasizing the importance of seeing individuals as wayfarers on a spiritual journey rather than problems to be fixed. It highlights how faith, psychiatry, and the local church can work together to support healing, belonging, and human flourishing. The conversation challenges the medical-spiritual divide and invites both clini...

In this episode Amy Kendall shares essential tools and tips for creating a sensory box to support individuals in special needs ministry. From oral motor chews and noise-canceling headphones to stress balls, fidget spinners, and liquid motion bubblers, Amy provides practical recommendations and trusted websites to help leaders build effective, budget-friendly sensory kits. She also highlights the importance of meeting individual sen...

Inspired by a conversation with Sandra Peoples, this podcast episode highlights the essential role of disability ministry in the church. It explores the theological foundation for inclusion and offers practical, low-cost strategies for creating accessible environments that serve the whole family. Sandra’s heart is for every church to welcome every family, ensuring that all can hear and respond to the gospel.

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In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich speaks with Kim Botto about her book Boundless Hope, which equips churches to better welcome and support children with hidden disabilities, trauma histories, and big emotions. Kim shares personal stories, practical strategies, and a powerful vision for inclusive ministry that starts with relationship and empathy.

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Sandra Peoples shares a clip from an interview with Anthony Emerson, Spiritual Life Director at The Brookwood Community—a nonprofit residential and vocational community for adults with disabilities in the Houston area. Although Brookwood is not a church, Sandra highlights the value of Anthony’s insights for church leaders seeking to better serve adults with disabilities. The clip is part of a video series that accompanies Sandra's ...

At the heart of Dr. Erik Carter’s Main Stage talk at Disability and the Church Conference 2025, lies a compelling vision: a church where everyone — no asterisks, no exceptions — is welcomed, valued, and needed. His message to ministry leaders and congregations is both a challenge and an encouragement: shift from passive welcome to active inclusion, especially for families impacted by disability.

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At just 17, Ivy is proving that age is no barrier to purpose. What began as an idea sparked during a cooking summit has transformed into a thriving ministry—Cooking Capable—a hands-on, family-centered workshop series that teaches people of all abilities how to cook healthy, affordable, and delicious meals. But Ivy’s journey is more than just about food; it’s a testament to faith, courage, and the power of inclusion.

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Each year, Disability and the Church serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—building inclusive, Gospel-centered communities where individuals with disabilities and their families are not just welcomed but truly belong. In episode 145 of the Key Ministry podcast, Sandra Peoples was joined by Kathy Kovalchuk, a first-time attendee and breakout speaker, to reflect on our experience at this year's conference in Washingto...

In this episode, Larah has a conversation with Dr. Chris Hulshof to discuss what it means to cultivate a truly inclusive church culture—one that moves beyond passive acceptance to active participation for people with disabilities. They explore the foundations of disability-inclusive leadership and how pastors and church leaders can take practical steps toward shifting their congregations in this direction.

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In this episode, Larah Roberts sits down with Sara Dalgliesh to talk all things summer camp! Sara shares how her church’s disability ministry team plans, prepares, and runs an inclusive and gospel-centered summer camp for kids of all abilities. From organizing volunteers to adapting activities and creating a welcoming environment, she gives practical insights and encouragement for churches looking to do the same. If you’re thinking...