Disability and Faith

The heart of this episode is deeply personal. I share my story as a daughter and caregiver to my dad, who has lived with schizophrenia for nearly 43 years. I was raised in a culture of stigma and secrecy around mental illness. We didn’t talk about it. We survived it quietly. And yet — he was still my dad. At 18 years old, I became his primary caregiver. In 2007, when his condition worsened signifi...

In this episode of Disability and Faith, host Christine Boyle talks about the upcoming global Tim Tebow Prom event, 'Night to Shine', for people with disabilities. Christine passionately articulates her mixed feelings about the event, emphasizing the need for intentional, year-round disability ministry rather than one-time celebrations. She calls for strategic follow-ups, relationship-building, an...

In this episode, Christine Boyle shares a raw and emotional recount of her recent experience with a case manager from the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The episode details an incident during her son's annual Medicaid Waiver assessment that turned adversarial, highlighting the systemic challenges caregivers face. Christine delves into her 25-year journey as a caregiver, the importance of advocacy, a...

In this deeply personal and hope-filled episode of Disability and Faith- Invited In with Christine Boyle , Christine welcomes her dear friend and mentor, Betsy Stretar , for a powerful conversation about God’s redemption and the beauty of spiritual friendship. Years ago, Betsy—herself once a teen mom—walked beside Christine during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life—as a teen mom search...

In this heartfelt episode of Disability and Faith , Christine Boyle opens up about closing one beautiful chapter and stepping boldly into another. After eight incredible years serving with Young Life , Christine reflects on how this ministry—especially Young Life Capernaum , which reaches teens with disabilities—deeply shaped her life, her faith, and her family. From the moment she first encounter...

In this episode, I share an honest story from a recent Content Creators Expo (CEX) in Cleveland, where I was asked again and again: “So, what do you do?” I would explain that I’m a podcaster who discusses disability and faith, and the Executive Director of a nonprofit disability ministry here in Cleveland. Those conversations opened the door for me to share not only what we do, but also the soberi...

Today we celebrated that 25 years ago, on August 16, 2000, I met Christ in this abortion clinic, Preterm Cleveland! God intervened, Courteney's life was saved, and my soul was saved! I am forever thankful to God for pursuing me, showing up in my darkest moment, and using His kindness to lead me to true repentance. Courteney was set apart for good works...made on purpose and for a purpose. What a p...

After a whirlwind of life, ministry, and miracles, I’m back behind the mic, and I’ve got stories to tell. In this heartfelt episode, I'm Still Here , I’m catching you up on the last four months that have been nothing short of incredible. From speaking engagements to travel adventures, disability ministry milestones to powerful moments of connection — it’s been busy, beautiful, and a little bit cra...

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the critical issue of disability and voting with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and ADA Coordinator Brett Harbage. Discover the remarkable efforts being made to ensure accessible voting for all, hear inspiring personal stories, and learn about the extensive accommodations available to voters with disabilities. We also discuss the process of starting...

In this episode, Christine is joined in Studio Court by her husband, Dan, and their best friends Nancy and Curtis Carnes. Nancy and Curtis have been long-time dear friends of the Boyle family and they are also the Godparents to Christine and Dan's kids, Courteney and Kevin. Recording just days prior to the 3 year anniversary of Courteney Boyle's passing, these four close friends reminisce about Co...

In this episode, Christine is joined by her dear friend, co-worker, and fellow disability parent, Brad Mowry. Together they share raw and authentic perspectives on the topic of "Chronic Sorrow." Chronic sorrow is  a pervasive loss that comes in waves over time regarding the loss that happens at stages throughout life and milestones missed for the disabled child and parent.  Brad and Christine...

Night to Shine proms are just around the corner! On February 7, 2025, hundreds of churches worldwide will host Night to Shine proms. These proms are good if they lead to fruitful ministry with and alongside people with disabilities and to make disciples of people with disabilities. Christine dives deep into how families affected by disability need so much more than just a prom, a one-night event....

Dr. Erik Carter, the  Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities  at Baylor University and Executive Director of the  Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities , joins Christine on this episode of Invited In. Dr. Carter is well known for his research on the intersection between disability and faith. He often teaches and speaks about the 10 dimensions of belonging and what that pra...

Christine interviews Dan Vander Plaats the creator of "The 5 Stages: Changing Attitudes," a resource used all over the world to teach about disability and attitudes toward disability. This simple, but profound, one-page resource is one of the greatest tools to equip, educate, and encourage Christians on God's heart for the Church and for people with disabilities within the Body of Christ. This can...

December 4th is a day of celebration, remembering, and mourning. Christine reflects on and celebrates the completion of her first year of podcasting. Christine simultaneously celebrates and honors her daughter Courteney on her 24th birthday and that she is the reason and the "why" this podcast came to be. To God alone be the glory! You are Invited In!

On this episode of Invited In, Christine and Dr. Steve Grcevich of Key Ministry, discuss the mental health crisis outside of and within the Church. Steve believes and shares that people with a mental health disability are the most underserved population by the church in North America. He encourages and provides resources from Key Ministry and his childhood psychiatrist experiences to help the Chur...

Christine interviews her 97-year-old grandpa about his life experiences working with and alongside adults with disabilities. He describes that time as the most rewarding experience of his life. Be encouraged by this precious, fun, and insightful interview! Christine would like to thank her Grandpa, Ralph Sivak, for being a guest on Invited In, for sharing his story, and for encouraging everyone to...

Christine records this episode from theme park Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney is well known for being inclusive, accessible, and a place of belonging for people with disabilities. Christine shares how the church can better love and care for people with disabilities and their families by learning from Disney's example. You are Invited In! October 10, 2024 - Joni Eareckson Tada Disabi...

Tristan Griffin, the Executive Director of Farming with Friends, joins Christine. Tristan is a self-labeled “recovering attorney,” who became a college football coach, went into full-time sports ministry, and now is a farmer. Tristan had his eyes and heart opened to the world of disability through his personal experience with his daughter. God used disability to chip away at much of what he used t...

Episode 16 - An Obligation & An Opportunity - A Dad's Story John Fela of Joni & Friends disability ministry shares his story of being a single, special needs dad near suicide to finding community and his purpose. John’s passion is coming alongside the special needs dad, who can often be overlooked and under-resourced. He teaches and educates churches to see disability ministry as an obliga...

Christine records and shares from the abortion clinic where she met Christ 24 years ago. She tells her story of hopelessness and shame and how God met her right where she was at that day. The Lord not only saved her soul that day, but also saved the life of her precious daughter, Courteney. Recognizing the unprecedented times we are living in, Christine also shares an encouraging message for those...

Episode 14 - Debunking the Lies, Special Marriages Can Thrive! Christine is joined by authors, speakers and disability parents, Todd & Kristin Evans. Todd and Kristin recently published a book called: How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities. Building a vibrant and joyful marriage is always a challenge. When you add the stresses inherent in parenting children...

The best news we may ever hear is that Jesus enters into our messy stories. He meets us right where we are at. In the book of John, we see this when a woman with a bad reputation encounters Jesus at a well. He had come there just for her. The same is true for each one of us too. Meet Him at the well and find Living Water. YOU are Invited In! Bible Reference: John 4: 1-42 NIV www.christineboyle.com

Her friend, Scott Habeeb, joins Christine and together they talk about the journey of bringing friends and families affected by disability out of the margins and into true community. As executive director of Masterpiece Alliance, Scott also shares how they are reaching, equipping, and educating churches to become places of belonging for friends with disabilities and their families. YOU are Invited...

Bonus Episode!!! Christine is joined by her friend, Sue Passauer of MEI Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, who specializes in Disney travel planning. Together they talk all things Disney! If you want to know the ins & outs of Disney, how to save money on a Disney trip, and how to do Disney with a disability, this episode is for you! Most importantly, Christine urges her listeners to find their hap...