What is Special Needs Ministry?
When we as the church talk about “disability” and “special needs,” we are talking about real people in our churches and communities. While a diagnosis...
24
Jun
18
Jun
A Father’s Encouragement
This week on the podcast, David Smith is joining Crystal to share his story and a powerful word of encouragement to other special needs dads. As a dedicated...
17
Jun
When Church Leadership and Parenthood Collide
Twenty-eight years ago, I got two calls. The first was God calling me into pastoral ministry, and the second was my pastor and mentor calling me to his...
15
Jun
In the Little Town Where I Once Lived
In the little town where I once lived, people with disabilities contributed to the community in significant ways. The woman who ran the switchboard, one...
27
May
3 Simple Ways Lead Pastors Can Support Special Needs Ministry
"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:12 There is a big difference between a church permitting disability ...
20
May
Reentry and Church Life After Quarantine
There are few things I love more on a summer night than lying out under the stars and watching meteor showers leave trails of light across the sky...
14
May
A Quarantined Caregiver
As we continue in this time of unexpected isolation and social distancing, many people who serve in caregiving roles are feeling a new...
13
May
The Dysfunction in Disability Language
What does “disability” really mean? On the surface, there’s a simple answer: someone is unable to do something. But when you probe a little deeper, it gets...
8
May
My First Day as a Mother
Mother’s Day is a time for memories. Yes, I think of my own mother, but more recently I’ve found myself thinking about the day I became a mother. Just weeks...
29
Apr
The Importance of Intentional Disability Ministry
“Intentionality” seems to be a hot-button word in ministry these days. Intentionally making disciples, intentionally planning programs, intentionally...
