Disability and Faith

Night to Shine proms are just around the corner! On February 7, 2025, hundreds of churches worldwide will host Night to Shine proms. These proms are good if they lead to fruitful ministry with and alongside people with disabilities and to make disciples of people with disabilities. Christine dives deep into how families affected by disability need so much more than just a prom, a one-night event. She shares the deep longing that people with disabilities and their families have to belong, to be known, to be invested in, to be in community, and to be needed in the local church. She gives practical solutions to churches on how they can accomplish this before and after Night to Shine. You are Invited In! Referenced In Episode: The 5 Stages: https://www.wheaton.edu/wheaton-center-for-faith-and-disability/disability-foundations/stages-of-attitudes/Tim Tebow Foundation - Night to Shine: https://timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/

Christine interviews Dan Vander Plaats the creator of "The 5 Stages: Changing Attitudes," a resource used all over the world to teach about disability and attitudes toward disability. This simple, but profound, one-page resource is one of the greatest tools to equip, educate, and encourage Christians on God's heart for the Church and for people with disabilities within the Body of Christ. This can be life-changing and attitude-changing for you! You are Invited In! 5 stages PDF EnglishYoutube - The 5 Stages of Disability Attitudes

On this episode of Invited In, Christine and Dr. Steve Grcevich of Key Ministry, discuss the mental health crisis outside of and within the Church. Steve believes and shares that people with a mental health disability are the most underserved population by the church in North America. He encourages and provides resources from Key Ministry and his childhood psychiatrist experiences to help the Church see the need for mental health ministry. You Are Invited In! Resources from this episode:www.keyministry.orgDisability and The Church Conference - Washington D.C. at McLean Bible Church, May 29-April 1 . *Most Discounted Tickets will be on sale around Christmas!!*Special Needs and Disabilities Ministry Leaders Forum (SNAD) on Facebook

Christine records this episode from theme park Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney is well known for being inclusive, accessible, and a place of belonging for people with disabilities. Christine shares how the church can better love and care for people with disabilities and their families by learning from Disney's example.You are Invited In! October 10, 2024 - Joni Eareckson Tada Disability Research Center Global Access Online Community Event Christine is the Keynote Speaker, speaking about Serving and Serving Alongside Adolescents with DisabilitiesRegister for FREE! - https://joniandfriends.org/disability-research-center/global-access/

Episode 16 - An Obligation & An Opportunity - A Dad's StoryJohn Fela of Joni & Friends disability ministry shares his story of being a single, special needs dad near suicide to finding community and his purpose. John’s passion is coming alongside the special needs dad, who can often be overlooked and under-resourced. He teaches and educates churches to see disability ministry as an obligation and an opportunity! YOU are Invited In!Connect with John FelaFacebook:Personal: John Fela ( Felageller)Blog: www. facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog/Instagram: john_fela_1LinkedIn: John FelaTwitter: John Fela (Felageller)Alignable: John Fela (Felageller)Website: www.johnfelageller.comResources Referenced:Joni and Friends - www.joniandfriends.orgSpecial Fathers Network - https://21stcenturydads.orgRising Above Ministries - https://www.risingaboveministries.org/communityFatherhood Commission - https://www.fatherhoodcomission.com/

Episode 14 - Debunking the Lies, Special Marriages Can Thrive! Christine is joined by authors, speakers and disability parents, Todd & Kristin Evans. Todd and Kristin recently published a book called: How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities. Building a vibrant and joyful marriage is always a challenge. When you add the stresses inherent in parenting children with disabilities, it becomes both more difficult and more critical.Once on the brink of divorce, Kristin and Todd Evans uncovered the unique set of skills critical for growing a fulfilling relationship amid the extraordinary challenges of caring for their child with disabilities and medical complexities. They share honest and transparent stories as well as practical and tangible ways to improve your marriage while caregiving. Statistics will tell you that special needs marriages are doomed, but Todd and Kristin share the hope (and data!) that supports that special needs marriages can actually THRIVE!!! That's great news! Find their book: AmazonFind endless disability, marriage and caregiving resources at: www.DisabilityParenting.comInstagram: @disabilityparentingFacebook: www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895X: @AuthorKristinEv

Her friend, Scott Habeeb, joins Christine and together they talk about the journey of bringing friends and families affected by disability out of the margins and into true community. As executive director of Masterpiece Alliance, Scott also shares how they are reaching, equipping, and educating churches to become places of belonging for friends with disabilities and their families. YOU are Invited In!Masterpiece Alliance: www.masterpiecealliance.orgYoung Life Capernaum https://capernaum.younglife.orgThe 5 Stages of Changing Attitudes