Pastors are often expected to be resilient, spiritually strong, and emotionally steady—especially in the face of crisis. But what happens when church leaders themselves are carrying unresolved trauma from their own past?In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with counselor and researcher Jeremy Smith to explore the often-unspoken reality of trauma in pastors’ lives and why addressing it matters for the health of the Church. This conversation moves beyond theory and into lived experience, research, and gospel-centered hope, offering church leaders permission to name what they carry and practical wisdom for cultivating resilient, healthy ministry.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

As we end one year and look forward to the next, we can praise God for all He’s done in 2025. In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares ten wins from the disability ministry movement. She also covers five things she’s looking forward to in 2026. Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.Links: * Joni & Friends released an updated version of Beyond Suffering (https://joniandfriends.org/christian-institute-on-disability/beyond-suffering/)* Awe & Wonder released a salvation resource kit (https://www.specialneedsministryresources.com/shop/p/salvation-for-special-needs-learners) * Key’s YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@KeyMinistryOfficial)* review of Accessible Church for Christianity Today (https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/07/accessible-church-sandra-peoples-gospel-centered-vision-including-people-disabilities/)* Engaging Disability with the Gospel is launching Beyond the Pew (https://engagingdisability.org/roop/)* Letters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism through a Gospel Lens* Raising Autistic Disciples (https://www.instagram.com/raisingautisticdisciples/)on Instagram

In this episode of the Key Ministry podcast, join Dr. Chris Hulshof as he reflects on one of the lesser-known yet deeply meaningful names of Jesus found in Luke 2: The Consolation of Israel.” Drawing from Simeon’s encounter with the infant Christ, this conversation explores how Jesus is not a consolation prize for a broken world, but God’s personal comfort given to His people. For families and individuals impacted by disability, this name of Jesus offers real hope, belonging, and rest during the Christmas season and beyond.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

What helps vulnerable kids truly heal and thrive—especially children navigating disability, trauma, foster care, or adoption?In this conversation, Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Rachel Medefind, Director of theInstitute for Family Centered Healing and Health at the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), to explore how God uses loving families, local churches, and simple daily practices to foster whole-person health. Drawing from her own story, her work at CAFO, and current research, Rachel offers deeply hopeful, gospel-rooted encouragement for parents, foster and adoptive families, and church leaders who want to walk faithfully with vulnerable kids.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

Sandra talks with Tammy Dunkum about how her church shares the gospel with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and disciples both participants and families over time. Tammy shares practical classroom strategies, sensory-aware gospel conversations, and stories of God’s work—from a first grader learning who Jesus is to a sensory-friendly VBS that reached unchurched families.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Dr. Chris Hulshof invites us into Mark 3 and the healing of the man with the withered hand. As Jesus confronts religious leaders with “calloused hearts,” we’re challenged to consider where our own hearts may have grown hard—especially in how we see, serve, and welcome people with disabilities in the life of the church. This is a gospel-centered call to trade systems, silence, and self-protection for love, mercy, and faithful service.  Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, host Dr. Steve Grcevich welcomesDr. Mark Mayfield—pastor, counselor, professor, and author of The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry. Together they explore how churches of every size can care well for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, develop a biblical theology of suffering, and build trusted pathways to professional support—all while holding fast to the hope of the gospel.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

What does it look like to support neurodiverse teens so they can truly belong, grow, and thrive in your youth ministry? In this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Sandra Peoples shares practical guidance shaped by both ministry experience and life as a mom to two neurodiverse teenagers. She explains common challenges neurodiverse students may face at church, outlines inclusion models that help them hear and respond to the gospel, and reminds us that their identity is ultimately found in Christ—full of value, purpose, and dignity. Also, listen for Ten Tips for Supporting Neurodiverse Teens in Your Student Ministry.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

Larah Roberts guides this special “Tour Stop” episode featuring her message recorded in September 2025 near Cleveland, Ohio. Larah lays out a gospel-centered orientation for disability ministry: start by envisioning the finish line—the throne room of Jesus in Revelation 21—and work backward. From there she shows how Acts 2 gives a practical blueprint for building ministries that move people toward discipleship, not just programs.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-149229850/edit/KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

What can the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:1 teach us about parenting, repetition, and joy? In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Chris Hulshof shares a powerful reflection on how repetition—so often seen as tedious or tiresome—can actually be a gift from God. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and wisdom from G.K. Chesterton, Dr. Hulshof helps us see how repetition in our lives, especially as parents of children impacted by disability, mirrors the steadfast heart of God.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcas (KeyMinistry.org/Podcas)t for show notes.

Dr. Steve Grcevich interviews Dr. Jim Sells about his new book When Hurting People Come to Church, coauthored with Shaunti Feldhahn. Together, they explore a practical model for how churches can support people with mental health struggles—not just through professional referrals, but by equipping every believer to offer presence, compassion, and hope. The conversation highlights how mental health ministry can become a vital strategy for discipleship, evangelism, and true community in the church.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

In this episode, Sandra interviews Stephanie Hubach to discuss how churches can support all the members of a special-needs family. What challenges do they face, and how can the church provide hope and help for these families?Visit keyministry.org/podcast for shownotes.

What does Sunday morning look like before a special needs family ever walks through your church doors? In this episode, Amy Kendall takes church leaders hour by hour through the realities families face—from the moment their child wakes up to the challenges of simply arriving at church. You’ll gain practical insight into what families experience, the stress points you may never see, and how your church can prepare to welcome them with understanding and compassion.Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/podcast/.

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 steps, reflection questions, and a weekly challenge for your team.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/ (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-147836388/edit/www.keyministry.org/podcast/)

In this episode, Sandra Peoples shares about the chapter she contributed to the new book, Children and Salvation. How is the conversation about salvation for children with disabilities different and how is it the same? Sandra shares from her experiences as a sister, mom, ministry leader, and theologian.   Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/ (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-1465611/episodes/e-147836388/edit/www.keyministry.org/podcast/)

In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Amy Kendall shares the value of having student volunteers in disability ministry. She highlights the unique energy, reliability, and relatability students bring, along with how serving builds their confidence and leadership skills. Listeners are encouraged to intentionally invite and mentor young people as vital members of their ministry teams.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/ (www.keyministry.org/podcast/)

This episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, with Dr. Chris Hulshof, explores the difference between simply welcoming someone and truly offering them belonging in the body of Christ. Drawing from Acts 9 and Saul’s encounter with Ananias, we see that belonging is expressed through relationships, the work of the Holy Spirit, and full participation in the life of the church. True belonging means people with disabilities are not just included but embraced as family, gifted by the Spirit, and fully engaged in fellowship and ministry.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/ (www.keyministry.org/podcast/)

In a powerful conversation with Dr. Steve Grcevich on the Key Ministry Podcast, Jesslyn McCutcheon shares her deeply personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and following God’s call to advocate for others facing similar struggles. Her story is not just about overcoming a diagnosis — it’s about turning suffering into purpose and creating a ministry that brings healing, hope, and the love of Christ to others.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast (https://keyministry.org/podcast/)

Join Sandra Peoples to learn how to support families of preschool-aged children showing early signs of disabilities in your church ministry. Discover practical steps for fostering empathy, offering hope, and creating an inclusive environment for every child. And, equip your team with biblical encouragement and actionable strategies.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/

This blog explores a Christian approach to mental health care through the insights of Dr. Warren Kinghorn, emphasizing the importance of seeing individuals as wayfarers on a spiritual journey rather than problems to be fixed. It highlights how faith, psychiatry, and the local church can work together to support healing, belonging, and human flourishing. The conversation challenges the medical-spiritual divide and invites both clinicians and churches to walk alongside those struggling with mental illness.Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast/ (https://keyministry.org/podcast/)