Key Ministry the Podcast

In this episode, Sandra interviews Stephanie Hubach to discuss how churches can support all the members of a special-needs family. What challenges do they face, and how can the church provide hope and help for these families? Visit keyministry.org/podcast for shownotes.

What does Sunday morning look like before a special needs family ever walks through your church doors? In this episode, Amy Kendall takes church leaders hour by hour through the realities families face—from the moment their child wakes up to the challenges of simply arriving at church. You’ll gain practical insight into what families experience, the stress points you may never see, and how your ch...

In John 9–10, Jesus contrasts false shepherds with the Good Shepherd—and Dr. Chris Hulshof applies that lens to disability ministry. Learn the five qualities of a “disability-effective” leader—Understanding, Trust, Safety, Accessibility, and Sacrifice—with practical steps, reflection questions, and a weekly challenge for your team. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares about the chapter she contributed to the new book, Children and Salvation. How is the conversation about salvation for children with disabilities different and how is it the same? Sandra shares from her experiences as a sister, mom, ministry leader, and theologian.

In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Amy Kendall shares the value of having student volunteers in disability ministry. She highlights the unique energy, reliability, and relatability students bring, along with how serving builds their confidence and leadership skills. Listeners are encouraged to intentionally invite and mentor young people as vital members of their ministry teams. Find th...

This episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, with Dr. Chris Hulshof, explores the difference between simply welcoming someone and truly offering them belonging in the body of Christ. Drawing from Acts 9 and Saul’s encounter with Ananias, we see that belonging is expressed through relationships, the work of the Holy Spirit, and full participation in the life of the church. True belonging means people...

In a powerful conversation with Dr. Steve Grcevich on the Key Ministry Podcast, Jesslyn McCutcheon shares her deeply personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and following God’s call to advocate for others facing similar struggles. Her story is not just about overcoming a diagnosis — it’s about turning suffering into purpose and creating a ministry that brings healing, hope, and the love o...

Join Sandra Peoples to learn how to support families of preschool-aged children showing early signs of disabilities in your church ministry. Discover practical steps for fostering empathy, offering hope, and creating an inclusive environment for every child. And, equip your team with biblical encouragement and actionable strategies. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/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-spir...

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 i...

In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Dr. Chris Hulshof examines the commonly cited verse Matthew 25:40 and challenges its use in disability ministry. He explains that “the least of these” refers specifically to Jesus’ followers, urging listeners to move beyond surface-level interpretations and embrace a deeper, gospel-centered theology of disability. Find the full show-notes at: www.keymi...

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...

We’re celebrating the release of Sandra’s new book, Accessible Church! In this episode she shares behind the scenes details, comments she’s gotten about the book, and resources that will enhance your reading experience.  Find the full Show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

Amy Kendall steps into the podcast with warmth, humor, and decades of lived experience in disability and mental health ministry. In this episode, she introduces herself, shares her journey through vocational ministry, and offers heartfelt wisdom for leaders and families in the disability community. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

What does a theology of disability look like in a broken but beautiful world? Dr. Chris Hulshof invites us into a deep, honest, and hopeful conversation about where we are in God's story — a place he calls "life between the trees." Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

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. Find the full show-no...

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 vide...

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. F...

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...

At a recent Key Ministry conference, Disability and the Church 2025, Dr. Lamar Hardwick delivered a moving and powerful message about what it truly means to serve the disability community in the church. Drawing from personal experience and deep reflection, his words challenged attendees to go beyond preparation—and embrace pursuit. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

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...

Enjoy this talk pulled from the archives of last year's Disability and the Church Conference by Kim Botto. Kim discusses ways to better include all kids in the Kingdom of God. Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Elaina chats with Dr. Terisha Lee about her professional experience cultivating a relationship between social services & practical theology. They also discuss the upcoming Disability and the Church Conference, and Dr. Lee's podcast with Dr. Lamar Hardwick. Find the full Show-Notes here; https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Melissa Ortiz to discuss her history with disability & advocacy, physician assisted suicide, along with what she will be sharing at Disability and the Church Conference.  Find the full Show-Notes here.

Sandra Peoples shares how ministry leaders can use ChatGPT to know how to welcome kids with disabilities, train volunteers, make modifications, and support behavior challenges. Could it be your ministry accessibility advisor? Sandra says yes and teaches you how to get the most out of it.  Find the full Show-Notes at: