Episodes

At a recent Key Ministry conference, Disability and the Church 2025, Dr. Lamar Hardwick delivered a moving and powerful message about what it truly means to serve the disability community in the church. Drawing from personal experience and deep reflection, his words challenged attendees to go beyond preparation—and embrace pursuit. Find the full Show-Notes at www.keyministry.org/podcast

Each year, Disability and the Church serves as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do—building inclusive, Gospel-centered communities where individuals with disabilities and their families are not just welcomed but truly belong. In episode 145 of the Key Ministry podcast, Sandra Peoples was joined by Kathy Kovalchuk, a first-time attendee and breakout speaker, to reflect on our experience at this year's conference in Washington, D.C. Listen to the full Show-Notes here: https://keyministry....

Enjoy this talk pulled from the archives of last year's Disability and the Church Conference by Kim Botto. Kim discusses ways to better include all kids in the Kingdom of God. Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Elaina chats with Dr. Terisha Lee about her professional experience cultivating a relationship between social services & practical theology. They also discuss the upcoming Disability and the Church Conference, and Dr. Lee's podcast with Dr. Lamar Hardwick. Find the full Show-Notes here; https://keyministry.org/podcast/

Dr. Steve Grcevich sits down with Melissa Ortiz to discuss her history with disability & advocacy, physician assisted suicide, along with what she will be sharing at Disability and the Church Conference. Find the full Show-Notes here.

Sandra Peoples shares how ministry leaders can use ChatGPT to know how to welcome kids with disabilities, train volunteers, make modifications, and support behavior challenges. Could it be your ministry accessibility advisor? Sandra says yes and teaches you how to get the most out of it. Find the full Show-Notes at:

In this episode, Larah has a conversation with Dr. Chris Hulshof to discuss what it means to cultivate a truly inclusive church culture—one that moves beyond passive acceptance to active participation for people with disabilities. They explore the foundations of disability-inclusive leadership and how pastors and church leaders can take practical steps toward shifting their congregations in this direction. Find the full Show-Notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/28/jesus-disability-theology...

In this episode, Larah Roberts sits down with Sara Dalgliesh to talk all things summer camp! Sara shares how her church’s disability ministry team plans, prepares, and runs an inclusive and gospel-centered summer camp for kids of all abilities. From organizing volunteers to adapting activities and creating a welcoming environment, she gives practical insights and encouragement for churches looking to do the same. If you’re thinking about launching or improving your disability ministry’s summer c...

Sandra Peoples interviews Pastor Jim Roden, and they talk about the characteristics of accessible churches that help make them healthy churches. You'll be surprised by the last three! Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/03/06/an-accessible-church-is-a-healthy-church-ep-138/

Elaina chats with Dawn Allen, the director of Bethel University's BUILD program, a special program equipping and encouraging students with intellectual disabilities to attend college! Find the full show-notes at: https://keyministry.org/2025/02/20/living-out-the-great-commission-within-the-walls-of-the-university-dawn-allen-from-build-at-bethel-university-ep-137/

Elaina sits down with Kari Baker, author of Finding KiND: Discovering Hope and Purpose While Loving Kids with Invisible Neurological Differences, and talks about special needs parenting, autism spectrum, and supporting other families on the same journey. Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

It’s February, and we’ve all somewhat settled into 2025 and are ready to look ahead to what the year will bring. To help you prepare for your church’s steps of accessibility and inclusive events, we’ve created a Ministry Planning Calendar! In this episode, Sandra Peoples will walk you through ideas for planning ahead and praying for what God will do in 2025. Download your calendar & find the full Show-Notes at: keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina Marchenko sits down with Rachael VerMeulen from A Little Extra Love Ministries to talk about the reality for families affected by special needs, the need for disability support in Colorado, and what Rachael will be sharing at Disability & the Church Conference. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Larah Roberts sits down with Beth Golik and talks about the annual Night to Shine Event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Beth gives a peek into what the event looks like and also shares how your church can prepare and host one of these events in your city! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Andrea Roseman from Access Ministry to discuss the wins of 2024, the changes she wants to make in 2025, and the way the Lord is working in and through Access Ministry. Find the full Show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples shares praise reports from churches across the country as we celebrate what God is doing through accessible churches. She also shares the biggest challenges churches say they are facing in the new year and lists resources to help with each challenge. Go to www.keyministry.org/podcast for the full show-notes!

Elaina sits down and shares a few of the many reasons we have to celebrate here at Key Ministry this year. We are so grateful for all that the Lord has done in and through our ministry in 2024, and we can’t wait to see what he does in 2025! Find the full shownotes at: www.keyministry.org/church4everychild

Sandra Peoples grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and now has a teenager with level 3 autism, so she knows how different the holidays can feel for a family like hers. But they don't have to feel different at church! With a few steps of consideration, she shares how families can feel included and valued. Let's make sure special-needs families can hear the message of hope this Christmas! Find the full Show-Notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Sandra Peoples interviews Lexi Melia on her experiences as a disability ministry intern, and they share advice for ministry leaders who are looking for an intern for next summer! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down with Pastor Sergei Marchenko to discuss his experience with mental illness both in his home and church. Pastor Sergei shares hope for the hurting and discussed the importance of mental health awareness in the church, and from the pulpit. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

Elaina sits down and talks with Lisa Jamieson from Walk Right In Ministries about family caregivers, the holidays, and ways the church can better support them. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In this episode, Lauren Hickman shares her personal journey and calling to disability ministry, describing how God has guided her every step of the way to serve families impacted by disability. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

In today’s episode, Sandra talks about the challenges small to normative-sized churches face in disability ministry and shares how the churches she’s been a part of have overcome these challenges. Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast

This week Elaina, from Key Ministry, sits down with Sergei Marchenko, Lead Pastor of Chatham Bible Church, and Special Needs Parent. They discuss preparing for the holiday season, church inclusion, special needs parenting and more! Find the full show-notes at: www.keyministry.org/podcast