Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute - Brad Lee Part 2

"Why is it important that in the midst of struggle we look for the hope?"

Join us as we share Part 2 of our discussion with Executive Director of the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute, Army Chaplain Brad Lee. Hear all about his personal experience raising his son, Kaydan, who has Down syndrome and autism and learn about the exciting plans for the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute. And find out why raising children with disabilities can add to your marriage, what questions pastors should be asking families, and what being an image bearer can really look like.

 

Chaplain (Colonel-R) Brad Lee was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene for Christian ministry after graduation from Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee, IL (BA, 1994), and Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO (Master of Divinity, 1999).  He served as an Army Chaplain from July 1999 and retired in June 2024. As a Chaplain, Brad served at various levels of rank and responsibility. He was assigned as Battalion Chaplain, Brigade Chaplain, Family Life Chaplain, in both the conventional and Special Operations communities, and as Command Chaplain in the Special Operations community and at the Theater echelon. In addition to numerous awards, he earned additional degrees and certifications including: Master’s degree in Community Counseling, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA (2009), Certified Professional Coach, International Coaching Federation (2018), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), an Approved LMFT Supervisor in the state of Alaska, a Clinical Fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Certified Mental Health Advocate in the American Association of Christian Counselors.

 

Brad is currently the Director of the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute (SNMFI), a ministry and academic partnership with Grace Church of the Nazarene, Nashville, TN, and Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN. He also works as an independent consultant with CORE-RECON, a company devoted to creating connection and community. He is also a doctoral student at Liberty University, with a concentration on the Special Needs Marriage. Brad is married with six children, including his son, Kaydan, who has Down syndrome and autism. Brad’s first book, “Walking with Kaydan:  A Journey of Faith, Struggle, and Hope,” will be published in early 2025.

 

To learn more, please visit ⁠walkingwithkaydan.com ⁠

 

To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry or the Adapted Discipleship Library, please visit ⁠⁠⁠wonderfulworksministry.org⁠⁠⁠

 

.A quick note on disability terms:

Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!

 

One more quick note:

The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.