Key Ministry the Podcast

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.For episode show notes go to KeyMinistry.org.

What does it look like to care with intentionality?Job’s friends are a fascinating contrast. At first, they do almost everything right. They show up. They stay. They sit in the dirt.And then, later in the book, they say almost everything wrong.This episode focuses on what they did in those first moments of suffering—and how their actions give us a surprisingly clear framework for how to care well when someone is in pain.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcast for show notes.

What does faithful discipleship look like when a teen struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, or other hidden disabilities?In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich is joined by Dr. Brian Barrineau, Pastor of Family Ministries at Fruit Cove Baptist Church, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation about discipling teens with learning differences.Hidden disabilities are often misunderstood. They aren’t always visible. They don’t always come with clear labels. And yet, they profoundly shape how teens experience church, school, relationships, and their own identity.Together, Steve and Brian explore how churches and families can move beyond fear and into faithful, intentional inclusion.This episode will help you think more clearly about:• Why hidden disabilities require intentional discipleship pathways• The overlap between neurodivergence and mental health struggles• How Deuteronomy 6 applies to families raising neurodivergent teens• What churches can do when volunteers feel intimidated or unprepared• Why belonging matters more than perfection in ministry• When pastoral care should involve professional mental health supportDr. Barrineau brings a unique perspective as a former high school teacher, pastor, researcher, and parent of a child with learning differences. His insights bridge the classroom and the church — helping leaders and families navigate both environments with wisdom.One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation:“If that family feels seen, known, and loved, the rest can be figured out.”Churches don’t have to get everything right to begin. But they do have to communicate welcome.If you’re a church leader, youth pastor, volunteer, or parent seeking to disciple a teen with hidden disabilities, this episode offers both theological grounding and practical encouragement.Resources Mentioned• Deuteronomy 6• Individual Spiritual Plans• IEPs and 504 Plans• Child Find early intervention services• Theory of Mind researchAbout Our GuestDr. Brian Barrineau serves as Pastor of Family Ministries at Fruit Cove Baptist Church in St. Johns, Florida. He holds a doctorate in education and is passionate about equipping churches to disciple students with learning differences in ways that are both biblically faithful and developmentally wise.

In many churches, grandparents are the ones bringing their grandkids to church—often stepping in as caregivers, spiritual anchors, and advocates, especially when disability is part of the story.In this episode, Sandra Peoples is joined by David Armijo, Special Needs Ministry Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church, to talk honestly about what churches need to understand when grandparents are the primary connection point. From communication gaps and generational differences to stigma, fatigue, and fear of “labeling,” this conversation names the real challenges—and the real opportunities.You’ll hear why disability ministry is not about punishment or behavior management, but discipleship. You’ll also learn practical ways churches can support grandparents, include them in spiritual development conversations, and honor the legacy they’re trying to leave with the time they have.This episode is especially helpful for church leaders, ministry volunteers, and anyone serving families where grandparents are carrying more than most people realize.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcast for show notes.

A single letter forced one pastor to confront what his church wasn’t ready for—and what God was calling him to lead. Pastor Jonathan shares his journey from awareness to conviction to action, offering an honest look at leadership, humility, and the slow work of cultural change in the local church.Visit https://disabilityandthechurch.com/ to register.

You don’t need the situational awareness of Jason Bourne to be effective in disability ministry. Jesus shows us that true disability awareness is much simpler and far more meaningful. It means going to where the need is, starting genuine conversations, and leading individuals with a disability into a personal and growing relationship with Him. This is the heart of faithful, gospel-centered disability ministry.Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcast for show notes.

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/Podcast 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/Podcast for show notes.Links: Joni & Friends released an updated version of Beyond SufferingAwe & Wonder released a salvation resource kit Key’s YouTube pagereview of Accessible Church for Christianity TodayEngaging Disability with the Gospel is launching Beyond the PewLetters to Lindsey: Seeing Your Child’s Autism through a Gospel LensRaising Autistic Disciples 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/Podcast 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/