Key Ministry resources for EPC churches
Presentations by the Key Ministry Team
Including Kids on the “High End” of the Autism Spectrum at Church
Dr. Stephen Grcevich
The presence of a child with autism decreases family church attendance by 84%. Nearly 60% of children with autism are of normal intelligence and resist “special needs” ministry designed for kids with intellectual disabilities. Mental health concerns common in autism often exacerbate their challenges at church. This breakout will introduce approaches for including them into the full range of children’s ministry programming by incorporating mental health ministry strategies with established approaches for serving youth with autism.
training your children’s ministry team for disability inclusion
Beth Golik
Your volunteers are key in creating a culture where students of all learning styles are fully engaged and growing in their faith. Equip your volunteers with the tools and strategies to meet the needs of the types of students you are likely to have in your Sunday School classroom, including kids with hidden disabilities and behavior challenges. This session will have hands-on activities and case-based training that you can experience first-hand and then take back to your church to share with your team.
[Click here to download the presentation]
Dear Teacher: Heartfelt Advice for Teachers from Students (from brainhighways.com)
Helping Kids With ADHD to Grow Spiritually
Dr. Stephen Grcevich
ADHD is the most common mental health disorder among school-age children in the U.S. In this breakout Dr. Grcevich will discuss the differences in brain functioning seen in persons with ADHD and outline how the condition impacts participation in worship services, Christian education and other common church activities. Attendees will identify common pitfalls to spiritual development in children with ADHD, identify useful strategies for including them into children’s ministry programming and acquire practical ideas to share with family members seeking to promote spiritual growth in their child.
Downloadable Resources
Join us for MHATC2024
We invite you to join us in Cleveland, OH September 26 & 27, 2024 for Mental Health & The Church 2024. Our goals in coming together are to explore how ministry organizations serving the mental health community can work collaboratively to maximize our impact throughout the church while training pastors and church leaders to integrate ideas for evangelism and outreach with affected individuals and families who aren’t currently attending church while expanding available care and support for established members and attendees.
Use Promo Code EPC24 for a discount on your ticket price.
Networking, Training & One-on-One Consultations
Each week, Key Ministry: The Podcast hosts Sandra Peoples, Beth Golik, Catherine Boyle, Garett Wall, and Dr. Lamar Hardwick cover topics related to disability and mental health. You will deepen your theology of disability, learn ways to reach and support special needs families, and equip your staff and volunteers to make church more accessible to students and adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Find the podcast in your favorite podcast app and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
