In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Larah Roberts sits down with Britni Marinelli to kick off a brand new series: Disability & the Church Stories. Britni shares an incredible testimony of how God transformed a simple act of respite care into something far greater than she ever imagined. What began as caring for three autistic brothers eventually grew into a home, a family, and a monthly dinner gathering where the gospel is shared around a table of spaghetti.
Listeners will hear how God used Britni’s “yes” to serve others to build a ministry that welcomes individuals with disabilities, families, and members of the community who might never step inside a traditional church. From surrendering personal plans, to trusting God for provision, to watching autistic young men preach the gospel to their peers, this story reminds us that the church often grows in the simplest places — like around a dinner table.
In This Episode
- How a college job providing respite care turned into becoming a full-time caregiver and “Mama Bear” to three autistic men.
- The power of small moments of faithfulness and how God uses them to shape lives over time.
- How a family tradition of “Spaghetti Sunday” grew into a community dinner church.
- Why sharing the gospel can sometimes begin with simple belonging around a table.
- How autistic young men are now preaching short messages and inviting others to encounter Jesus.
- The reminder that disability ministry is not about programs — it’s about relationships.
“If the only thing we get into their heart is that Jesus loves them… then that’s enough to start.”
“Those little moments we think don’t matter — God uses them to shape entire lives.”
“The real love of Jesus happens around the table.”
The Story Behind “Spaghetti Sunday”
Britni’s journey into disability ministry didn’t begin with a strategic plan. More than twenty years ago, she met two toddlers with autism in her early childhood classroom. Their family needed respite care, and Britni volunteered. What began as occasional caregiving slowly turned into a deep relationship with the entire family.
Years later, after the boys’ grandmother passed away, Britni’s life changed overnight. The three young men — all autistic — moved into her home. What she once knew as simple respite care suddenly became full-time caregiving. She found herself navigating new responsibilities, helping them learn life skills, advocating for them, and walking through grief and trauma together.
Through that process, Britni realized something profound: the small moments she once thought were insignificant had been shaping their lives all along. Teaching them how to ride bikes, make sandwiches, and navigate daily routines had quietly formed a foundation of trust that now allowed them to grow together as a family.
When the Gospel Entered the Story
Britni had recently committed herself more deeply to following Christ when the young men moved in with her. She invited them to church, but she didn’t force faith conversations. Instead, she simply lived out her faith and allowed them to experience Christian community.
Eventually, their curiosity grew. One moment in particular stood out when Britni mentioned that Jesus loved them. Their stunned response was simple but heartbreaking:
“He loves me?”
That moment became a turning point. The young men began sharing that message with their friends. Soon the dinner table in Britni’s home began filling up as more people came to hear about Jesus and share a meal together.
A Dinner Table That Became a Ministry
The idea for expanding the gathering came after Britni attended the Disability & the Church Conference. There she heard about the concept of “dinner church” — gathering around meals as a space where the gospel can be shared relationally.
Immediately, she realized she was already doing something similar in her home.
With prayer, faith, and some unexpected provision — including selling her car and finding a volunteer cook — Britni launched the first official “Spaghetti Sunday.” The very first gathering welcomed 75 people around the table.
What makes the evening unique is that the three autistic men now share the message. Each month they prepare a short lesson about Jesus — sometimes based on sermons they’ve heard, sometimes based on conversations they’ve had during the week.
Through their voices, the gospel is reaching families, caregivers, and community members who might otherwise feel disconnected from church.
When the Church Meets Around a Table
Six months into the ministry, hundreds of people have already participated in Spaghetti Sunday. Some families impacted by disability have found a welcoming place where church feels accessible. Others from the community come simply because they’re drawn to the joy they see in the young men leading the gathering.
What Britni has learned is that belonging often opens the door to belief.
When people gather around the table, share a meal, and hear the simple truth that “Jesus loves you,” hearts begin to change.
And sometimes, the church grows not through programs or buildings, but through something as ordinary as a bowl of spaghetti and a table full of friends.
Resources Mentioned
About the Host & Guest
Larah Roberts
Larah Roberts serves as Chief Operating Officer of Key Ministry, an organization that equips churches to welcome individuals and families impacted by disability, mental health, and trauma for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Larah is passionate about helping churches remove barriers to belonging and equipping leaders to faithfully serve families navigating disability.
Britni Marinelli
Britni Marinelli is a caregiver, ministry leader, and founder of the Spaghetti Sunday dinner church outreach. After years of providing respite care for three autistic brothers, Britni became their full-time caregiver and spiritual mentor. Today, she leads a growing community ministry centered around hospitality, shared meals, and simple gospel conversations.
