Key Ministry the Podcast

Key Ministry
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Each week, Key Ministry: The Podcast will cover topics related to disability and mental health ministry. You will deepen your theology of disability, learn ways to reach and support special needs families, and equip your staff and volunteers to make church more accessible to students and adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Find out more at keyministry.org/podcast

  1. Sep 3

    191: The Heart of Care: Faith, Community, and Technology in Modern Ministry with Dr. Jedd Medefind

    Episode Summary In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, host Dr. Steve Grcevich welcomes Dr. Jedd Medefind, long-time President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Jedd reflects on his journey from public policy in the White House to leading a nationwide coalition of over 300 organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable children and families. Together, they explore the core principles of building collaborative movements, the role of local churches, and the intersection of faith, technology, and mental well-being. Key Topics Covered From Public Policy to Orphan Care: Jedd shares his transitional journey from working in the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to providing full-time leadership for CAFO.Building a Collaborative Movement: How dozens of competing organizations learned to "leave logos and egos at the door" to unite around shared core commitments for greater impact.The Role of the Local Church: Why local congregations—not just individuals or programs—are the essential environment for supporting foster and adoptive families.A Theology of Suffering: Understanding why walking alongside hurting children requires embracing complexity, pain, and long-term perseverance.Technology, Neuroscience, and Relationships: Jedd discusses his latest book on how technology impacts human flourish, mental health, relationships, and spiritual formation.Featured Guests & Leaders Mentioned Dr. Jedd Medefind: President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), author, and former White House official.Beth & Todd Guckenberger: Co-founders of Back2Back Ministries and long-time CAFO leaders.Jason Johnson: Director of Church Ministry Initiatives at CAFO.Resource Links & References Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)Key Ministry ResourcesDATC Tour Stops

  2. Jun 18

    190: 3 Simple Ways to Make VBS More Accessible

    Vacation Bible School season is here, and churches everywhere are preparing decorations, snacks, crafts, lessons, games, registrations, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with welcoming children for a week of gospel-centered ministry. But before VBS begins, there is one important question every church should ask: Is our VBS accessible for every family God has already placed in our care? Show notes at KeyMinistry.org

  3. Jun 4

    189: The Church as a Mental Health Front Door with Dr. Steve Grcevich & Dr. Karl Benzio

    In this episode of Key Ministry: The Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich talks with Dr. Karl Benzio, Chief Psychiatric Officer at Honey Lake Clinic and Medical Director for the American Association of Christian Counselors.  Together, they discuss the intersection of mental health care, Christian community, and the local church. Dr. Benzio shares why he believes the church has a vital role to play in caring for individuals and families impacted by mental health struggles, addiction, loneliness, adversity, and suffering. Show notes at KeyMinistry.org.

  4. May 28

    188: Catalyst or Hindrance with Dr. Chris Hulshof

    What if the church has been asking the wrong question about disability? Too often, disability is presented as a picture of spiritual weakness, brokenness, or a barrier to faith. But when Jesus encounters people impacted by disability, He often does something very different. He highlights their faith, elevates their testimony, and uses their lives to strengthen the faith of others. In this episode, Dr. Chris Hulshof examines the intertwined stories of Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5. By studying these two miracles together, we discover how Jesus used the faith of one woman as a catalyst for another person's faith during a moment of crisis. Along the way, Chris challenges churches to consider how disability is portrayed from the pulpit, in ministry, and in congregational life. Are people with disabilities viewed primarily as ministry recipients, or are they recognized as fellow disciples whose faith can encourage, equip, and strengthen the entire body of Christ? In This EpisodeWhy the language we use about disability mattersHow disability is often portrayed as a hindrance to faithThe connection between Jairus’ daughter and the woman with the issue of bloodHow Jesus used one person's faith to strengthen another'sWhy people with disabilities can serve as catalysts for faith within the churchPractical ways churches can create opportunities for meaningful participation and leadershipQuestions every church should ask about disability inclusion Key ScripturesMark 5:21–43Matthew 9:20–22Luke 8:43–48 Key Quote"Too often disability is portrayed as a hindrance to faith rather than a catalyst for faith. Jesus shows us another way." Questions for ReflectionHow is disability typically discussed in your church?Are people with disabilities regularly visible in meaningful ministry roles?When was the last time someone's disability-informed faith encouraged your own walk with Christ?What opportunities exist in your church for individuals with disabilities to serve, lead, pray, or share their testimony? Additional Show Notes at KeyMinistry.org.

  5. May 8

    187: Your First Three Conversations with Lauren Hickman

    Starting a disability ministry can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to begin with a full program, a big budget, or a perfectly trained team. Sometimes, it begins with three simple conversations. In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Lauren Hickman continues the Start Here series, also called the Rule of Three series, by walking through the first three conversations that can help a church begin removing barriers for families impacted by disability. Show notes at KeyMinistry.org/Podcast

  6. Apr 16

    186: Christ in You, the Hope of Glory with Stephanie Hubach

    This episode features a main stage message from the Disability & the Church Conference 2025, where Stephanie Hubach walks through the difference between human hope and Christian hope. Human hope is real and often motivating, but it’s uncertain and tied to circumstances that may or may not change. In disability ministry and everyday life, that kind of hope can quickly hit limits—systems fail, expectations fall short, and desired outcomes don’t always come. But Christian hope is different. It’s not wishful thinking; it’s a confident, future-oriented expectation grounded in God’s promises. At the center of that hope is the truth from Colossians: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” She explains that our hope isn’t rooted in a plan or outcome, but in a person—Jesus Christ. Through union with Him, believers receive His benefits, are connected to His body (the Church), and experience His constant presence. This means we don’t have to strive to prove ourselves, we already belong, and we are never alone in our suffering. Because Christ is our hope, the future is secure—sin and its effects will one day be gone, and we will be fully renewed. Until then, we live with a sure and steady hope, knowing that what we’ve begun to experience now will one day be fully realized in glory. Go to Disabilityandthechurch.com to register today!

  7. Apr 9

    185: From Curiosity to Compassion with Dr. Chris Hulshof

    On this episode of Key Ministry the Podcast, Dr. Chris Hulshof explores a vital question for disability ministry: how do we move from curiosity to compassion? Looking at John 9 and Acts 3, Chris shows how the way we respond to disability reveals what is shaping our hearts. This conversation offers a theological and practical framework for church leaders who want to move beyond questions and toward welcome, empathy, and action.  If disability ministry is going to reflect the heart of Christ, it cannot stop at curiosity. It must grow into compassion. In this episode, Chris helps us see how the disciples’ response to a man born blind in John 9 stands in contrast to Peter and John’s response to a man lame from birth in Acts 3. The difference is not just maturity. It is what happens when people spend time with Jesus and begin to see others the way He does. Show notes at KeyMinistry.org.

  8. Apr 2

    184: What Churches Get Wrong (and Right) About Mental Health Ministry with Dr. Steve Grcevich & Kimberly Britt

    In this episode of Key Ministry, the Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich is joined by Kimberly Britt, Executive Director of Anchor International, to talk about one of the most pressing needs in today’s church—mental health support that is both Christ-centered and practical. Kimberly shares how churches can move from uncertainty and stigma to becoming safe, supportive communities where people can talk about hard things. Drawing from her personal journey and professional experience, she unpacks how peer support, training, and simple next steps can equip everyday church members—not just professionals—to care well for those struggling with mental health challenges. Together, they explore what it looks like to build a culture of preparedness before launching programs, why confidence (not just compassion) is often the missing piece, and how churches can take meaningful steps toward mental health outreach and discipleship. If you’ve ever thought, “I know this matters… I just don’t know what to do,” this conversation will give you clarity—and a place to start. Show Notes at KeyMinistry.org

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Each week, Key Ministry: The Podcast will cover topics related to disability and mental health ministry. You will deepen your theology of disability, learn ways to reach and support special needs families, and equip your staff and volunteers to make church more accessible to students and adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses. Find out more at keyministry.org/podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Key Ministry
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Key Ministry the Podcast
  • Show Website
    Key Ministry the Podcast

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