Key Ministry the Podcast

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 d...

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...

Sandra Peoples interviews Pastor Jim Roden, and they talk about the characteristics of accessible churches that help make them healthy churches. You'll be surprised by the last three! Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/06/an-accessible-church-is-a-healthy-church-ep-138/

Elaina chats with Dawn Allen, the director of Bethel University's BUILD program, a special program equipping and encouraging students with intellectual disabilities to attend college! Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/02/20/living-out-the-great-commission-within-the-walls-of-the-university-dawn-allen-from-build-at-bethel-university-ep-137/

Elaina sits down with Kari Baker, author of Finding KiND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, and talks about special needs parenting, autism spectrum, and supporting other families on the same journey. Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we’ve created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025. Download your calendar & find the f...

Elaina Marchenko sits down with Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love Ministries to talk about the reality for families affected by special needs, the need for disability support in Colorado, and what Rachael will be sharing at Disability & the Church Conference. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Larah Roberts sits down with Beth Golik and talks about the annual Night to Shine Event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Beth gives a peek into what the event looks like and also shares how your church can prepare and host one of these events in your city! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Andrea Roseman from Access Ministry to discuss the wins of 2024, the changes she wants to make in 2025, and the way the Lord is working in and through Access Ministry. Find the full Show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples shares praise reports from churches across the country as we celebrate what God is doing through accessible churches. She also shares the biggest challenges churches say they are facing in the new year and lists resources to help with each challenge. Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

Elaina sits down and shares a few of the many reasons we have to celebrate here at Key Ministry this year. We are so grateful for all that the Lord has done in and through our ministry in 2024, and we can’t wait to see what he does in 2025! Find the full shownotes at: www.keyministry.org/church4everychild

Sandra Peoples grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and now has a teenager with level 3 autism, so she knows how different the holidays can feel for a family like hers. But they don't have to feel different at church! With a few steps of consideration, she shares how families can feel included and valued. Let's make sure special-needs families can hear the message of hope this Christmas! Find...

Sandra Peoples interviews Lexi Melia on her experiences as a disability ministry intern, and they share advice for ministry leaders who are looking for an intern for next summer! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Pastor Sergei Marchenko to discuss his experience with mental illness both in his home and church. Pastor Sergei shares hope for the hurting and discussed the importance of mental health awareness in the church, and from the pulpit. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down and talks with Lisa Jamieson from Walk Right In Ministries about family caregivers, the holidays, and ways the church can better support them. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode, Lauren Hickman shares her personal journey and calling to disability ministry, describing how God has guided her every step of the way to serve families impacted by disability. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In today’s episode, Sandra talks about the challenges small to normative-sized churches face in disability ministry and shares how the churches she’s been a part of have overcome these challenges. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

This week Elaina, from Key Ministry, sits down with Sergei Marchenko, Lead Pastor of Chatham Bible Church, and Special Needs Parent. They discuss preparing for the holiday season, church inclusion, special needs parenting and more! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Catherine Boyle shares 4 steps any church can take when an individual or family has a significant mental health need that may require ongoing church support. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

At Mental Health & the Church Conference 2024, Dr. Steve Grcevich interviewed Kelly & her son Daniel Rosati on their experience with Schizophrenia, their powerful testimony of Jesus' grace, and how the church can support families like theirs. Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

 Ministry Callings & Qualifications: Sandra Peoples was recently asked what qualifications she has to fulfill her ministry role. Maybe it’s a question you’ve asked yourself! What qualifications and characteristics do you need to advocate for families and help your church be more accessible? If you’re called to do disability ministry but don’t always feel qualified, this episode is for you Find...

Larah Roberts goes back to the archives of Disability & the Church, and shares many compelling reasons for why you should plan to attend Disability & the Church 2025. We will be announcing the dates and location soon!

In today’s podcast, Dr. Adam Wilson from Denver Seminary joins Catherine Boyle to share about the work he and others within the seminary have done around mental health support within Christian schools. Dr. Wilson believes that mental health is everybody’s job, whether you are a parent, teacher, ministry leader, or friend. Take a listen and read the transcript of this insightful conversation. Find...

Beth Golik interviews Mike & Michelle Beard from Imago Work, in Vietnam. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples interviews Jason Epps and Paul Pettit about their book, One Body, One Spirit: Disability & Community in the Church. Hear about their friendship and how Jason's challenges with church accessibility led to them writing this book together.  Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast