How can the Church welcome families impacted by
DISABILITY, MENTAL HEALTH AND TRAUMA?
The Gospel is the key.
The Gospel is the key
to welcoming individuals and families impacted by disability.
WHO WE ARE
A gospel-driven movement supporting disability inclusion.
Key Ministry serves churches seeking to welcome individuals and families impacted by disability, mental illness and trauma, for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Through resources, training, and ongoing support, we help churches create environments where these individuals and families can know Christ.
RECENT
Podcasts Episodes
169: Supporting Neurodiverse Teens in Your Youth Ministry
168: Begin with the End in Mind (DATC Tour Stop Talk)
167: On Repeat
166: When Hurting People Come to Church: A Vision for Mental Health Ministry
165: Supporting Special-Needs Families
164: What Sunday Looks Like for Special Needs Families — and Why Church Leaders Should Know with Amy Kendall
163: John 10 and The 5 Qualities of the Disability Effective Leader
John 10 and The 5 Qualities of the Disability Effective Leader
RESOURCES
Stories, Articles & Downloads
Everything I Have
Still Life
When Hurting People Come to Church: A Vision for Mental Health Ministry Ep 166
3 Myths in the Church About Mental Health
DATC 2026 Call for Speakers
John 10 and The 5 Qualities of the Disability Effective Leader with Chris Hulshof Ep 163
School Daze or School Days?
Salvation for Children with Disabilities with Sandra Peoples Ep 162
Having Student Volunteers in your Disability Ministry with Amy Kendall Ep 161
A Theology of Belonging with Chris Hulshof Ep 160
3 Myths in the Church About Mental Health
In high school, I suffered from anxiety that most teenagers suffer from: how I would do on tests, if a boy liked me, or what my teachers and peers thought about my character. However, as I grew into young adulthood, this mild anxiety developed into a paralyzing...
DATC 2026 Call for Speakers
Call for Speakers - Disability and the Church 2026 On behalf of our team at Key Ministry and the DATC Program Committee, we invite prospective speakers to apply to be a speaker at Disability and the Church, Key Ministry’s annual, worldwide disability ministry...
John 10 and The 5 Qualities of the Disability Effective Leader with Chris Hulshof Ep 163
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...
TOGETHER
We can reach further.
Key Ministry is a nonprofit 501c3 that depends on the investments of individuals donors and churches.
To sustain our mission and fulfill our role in this Great Commission movement, we’re seeking partners willing to invest a recurring monthly gift to Key Ministry.
With your ongoing support, you become part of a powerful ripple effect—helping us reach and equip church leaders who, in turn, launch ministries that bring the gospel to individuals and families impacted by disability.
Would you consider joining us as a monthly partner?
TOGETHER
We can reach further.
Key Ministry is a nonprofit 501c3 that depends on the investments of individuals donors and churches.
To sustain our mission and fulfill our role in this Great Commission movement, we’re seeking partners willing to invest a recurring monthly gift to Key Ministry.
With your ongoing support, you become part of a powerful ripple effect—helping us reach and equip church leaders who, in turn, launch ministries that bring the gospel to individuals and families impacted by disability.
Would you consider joining us as a monthly partner?
Looing for a welcoming church?
WHAT WE DO
We serve churches looking to welcome
individuals impacted by disabilities through:
Conferences
We bring together church leaders and families through conferences designed to inspire and equip them to welcome individuals impacted by disability.
Disability & the Church
The Disability and the Church (DATC) conference is a yearly in-person event that addresses disability, mental health, and church inclusion.
Mental Health & the Church
The Mental Health & the Church Conference equips church leaders with strategies to support individuals and families impacted by mental illness. Through expert-led discussions and “Quick Takes” sessions, attendees will gain insights on providing peer support, creating inclusive church environments, and collaborating with mental health professionals.
Regional Disability Events
The Disability & the Church Regional Events deliver the same high-impact training and practical strategies from our national conference—now in your backyard! These immersive, day-and-a-half experiences are designed to equip church leaders with the tools to create welcoming, gospel-centered communities for individuals and families impacted by disability. Walk away with fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and a renewed vision for inclusive ministry.
Collaboration
We provide tailored consulting and foster collaboration to help churches create effective disability inclusion strategies.
Monthly Virtual Roundtables
Key Ministry's Monthly Video Roundtables are designed for church leaders and ministry professionals to engage in focused, interactive discussions on disability and mental health ministry. These sessions offer practical solutions and peer support to address challenges and implement inclusive strategies, with the goal of fostering stronger, more supportive church communities.
IdeaShare
Key Ministry's IdeaShare is a collaborative forum aimed at sparking creativity and innovation in disability and mental health ministry. Its goal is to provide a platform where leaders can exchange new ideas, resources, and strategies to enhance church outreach, making ministries more impactful and accessible.
MORE INFO
Coaching
We offer free, practical resources to guide churches in embracing and supporting individuals with disabilities, mental health challenges, and trauma.
Mental Health & the Church
Churches across North America have struggled to minister effectively to individuals with common mental health conditions due to the lack of a widely accepted outreach model. In Mental Health and the Church, Dr. Stephen Grcevich offers a simple, flexible model for mental health inclusion, addressing seven barriers to church participation and providing strategies for families and churches to foster spiritual growth for those impacted by mental illness.
Checklist & Get Started with Special Needs & Disability Inclusion Ministry
Looking to create or expand an inclusive ministry in your church? Our resources are designed to support you, no matter where you are in the process. Whether you're gaining senior leadership support or equipping volunteers, we offer the vision and practical tools to help your church welcome more families impacted by disability.
Books We Recommend
Here are some recommended books that can help deepen your understanding and enhance your ministry to individuals and families impacted by disability and mental health conditions.