Wonderful Works Talks - Accessible Faith Podcast

Barb Stanley

Hey, I'm Barb Stanley, host of Wonderful Works Talks where we talk all about the disability ministry mission of making churches accessible for all. And I am so excited to invite you to dive deep into topics like ministry leadership, advocacy, and personal stories about disability and faith that will open your eyes and your heart. So, please join us each month as we talk to a new guest all about the wonderful work that they are doing for our mission. To learn more about our ministry check out https://www.wonderfulworksministry.org

  1. Sep 24

    Teaching the Gospel to Kids with Communication Disabilities with Laura Deepen

    “If you believe that the gospel is for every person, why do you think we usually only teach it in one way?”   Today we are talking to the founder of the Adapted Word and author of With Every Word: 9 Strategies for Teaching the Gospel to Children with Communication Disabilities, Laura Deeken. Join us as we learn ways to engage kids with communication disabilities at church, why safe people matter, and what happened to Laura when she wasn’t able to verbally communicate at her church.  This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about kids who communicate differently. Laura Deeken Bio Laura Deeken is a speech-language pathologist and church volunteer. Her church and professional worlds happily intersected. She equips churches and families to support children with communication disabilities using simple, practical strategies rooted in real-life experience. She is the creator of The Adapted Word, a website that provides tips and digital resources for disability ministry. She lives in Central Texas with her husband and has two adult children. Her passion is helping every child experience the Gospel in meaningful, understandable ways. To learn more from Laura check out her website at theadaptedword.com and get her book With Every Word today. A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!   One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Teaching the Gospel to Kids with Communication Disabilities with Laura Deepen
  2. Aug 24

    This Unexpected Life with Carrie M. Holt

    “If God has planted the seeds of a big dream in your heart, do you believe that he will continue to grow that dream. Or do you think that sometimes challenges in life mean that we need to have small dreams instead?” Today we are talking to author, speaker, podcaster and mom, Carrie M. Holt all about the unexpected life of being a special needs mom. Carrie shares her story, why no season of life is wasted, and how her faith has impacted her journey. Plus, I get more honest than I ever have been before. We go deep. So, get ready to buckle up and leave with a lot to think about and a little encouragement.  Carrie M Holt Bio Carrie is the host of This Unexpected Life podcast and co-author of The Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom. She is an expert in navigating hospital stays and the challenges of parenting a child with comprehensive medical, physical, and developmental challenges. She is passionate about helping other special needs moms. To learn more about Carrie please visit her website at carriemholt.com A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!   One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    This Unexpected Life with Carrie M. Holt
  3. Jul 19

    Faith, Community, and Special Needs Parenting with Elrena Evans - Summer Flashback

    "What if every kid who came to church felt welcome there?"   This month, we are finishing up our summer flashback series, where we have been sharing some of our favorite WW Talks episodes from past seasons. Today's interview comes from season 1 and really sums up the heart of our mission. So, join us as we talk to author, Elrena Evans, and learn what you should ALWAYS do when you see a parent struggling with a child's behavior, why people who are not impacted by disability need to read Elena's books, and discover the power of holding hope when others can't. Elrena is the author of Special Grace: Prayers and Reflections for Families with Special Needs, and When I Go To Church, I Belong, a book all about making EVERY child who walks through the church door feel welcome and loved. To learn more about Elrena, please visit her website at ⁠https://elrenaevans.com/⁠ A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening! One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Faith, Community, and Special Needs Parenting with Elrena Evans - Summer Flashback
  4. Jun 17

    Grace, Judgment, and Hidden Disabilities with Amy J. Brown - Summer Flashback

    "How would the world be different if we gave grace to everyone, even if we didn't know their back story?"   Join us as we continue our summer flashback series and share some of our favorite WW Talks episodes from past seasons. Starting with one of our most honest conversations ever, my interview with parent mentor and co-author of the Other Side of Special: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-filled life of a Special Needs Mom, Amy. J. Brown. Today we are going to talk all about what it feels like to be a parent of children with attachment disorder, whose behaviors are visible even when their disability is hidden. Learn what's more important than solving problems, what parents of children with hidden disabilities really want from church, and why it's important to not miss the bid for connection - even when it's awkward.  To learn more about Amy, please visit ⁠⁠amyjbrown.com⁠⁠ and listen to the ⁠⁠Take Heart Special Moms Podcast⁠⁠. And, don’t forget to order your copy of ⁠⁠The Other Side of Special⁠⁠: Navigating the Messy, Emotional, Joy-Filled Life of a Special Needs Mom today. To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry, please visit ⁠⁠wonderfulworks.net⁠⁠ and subscribe to us on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening! One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Grace, Judgment, and Hidden Disabilities with Amy J. Brown - Summer Flashback
  5. May 29

    Engaging Kids in the Church Classroom with Karl Bastian - Summer Flashback

    "It has been said that we get more of whatever it is that we focus on. Do you think that is true when it comes to working with kids? " Join us as we kick off our summer flashback series and share some of our favorite WW Talks episodes from past seasons. Starting with one of our most popular episodes ever, our interview with the Kidologist, Karl Bastian. Today we are going to talk to the founder of Kidology.org, Karl Bastian, and hear why where we choose to put our focus makes all the difference when teaching kids the Gospel. Plus, we'll learn tips for classroom engagement that can make behaviors disappear, the importance of five-minute encounters, and how Karl's mother's encouragement changed everything. One more thing, don't stop listening before the end, because Karl's last two stories might just blow your mind and fill your heart. To learn more great stuff from Karl, please visit ⁠kidology.org⁠. To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry, please visit wonderfulworksministry.org  and subscribe to us on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠. A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening! One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Engaging Kids in the Church Classroom with Karl Bastian - Summer Flashback
  6. Apr 24

    Disability Ministry FAQs with Leah Whicker

    “Do you think that creating inclusive children’s ministry requires creating a big program with a big budget?”     That is one of the questions that we are going to dive into today when we speak with Wonderful Works own Special Education Consultant, Leah Whicker. Leah is going to share with us what questions she hears most often when she coaches ministry leaders all over the nation. Lots of great stuff today to help you start or strengthen disability accessibility at your church. So, join us as we learn about the three tiers of support, how to train your ministry volunteers, and learn how you can get a free coaching session with Leah yourself!     Leah Whicker bio: Leah is the Special Education Consultant and Ministry Leader Coach for Wonderful Works Ministry. She has had a passion for working with children for as long as she can remember. After studying Early Childhood Education at The Ohio State University, she moved to Northern Virginia, where she started her career in education as a preschool teacher. Leah and her family moved back to Ohio in 2012, and in 2014, she began serving in her church’s Special Needs Ministry, 139 Kids. Here, Leah became the co-leader, specializing in creating positive support plans for children in the ministry. Leah attended Ashland University, where she earned an Intervention Specialist teacher’s licensure. She is passionate about equipping churches to have their own Disability Ministries. Leah is married, and she and her husband, Chris, have two children.   To set up a coaching session with Leah please visit the coaching tab on the Adapted Discipleship Library.   Recommended Resources from this Episode. Adapted Discipleship Library – Get tons of free disability ministry tools here.   Recommended Training Videos for Church Teams. Download the Talking Points on the Adapted Discipleship Library): WW Positive Behavior Support WW Setting ALL Kids up for Success WW Universal Design WW Transitions WW Invisible Buddy WW Welcoming a Student with Autism.   Wonderful Works 5 Questions for Ministry Planning Video Series. Download the Talking Points on the Adapted Discipleship Library:  Question 1 - What Do You Most Want to Accomplish  Question 2 -Who Do You Need  Question 3 – Where Are the Guardrails Question 4 How Do You Decide Question 5 – When Do You Grow?     A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!   One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Disability Ministry FAQs with Leah Whicker
  7. Mar 24

    Trauma Informed Church with Kim Botto

    "Do you think the way we respond to kids who have challenging behavior impacts the way they feel in the world? Do you think that makes a difference for the world?" Whew! That is the really big question that we are going to be wrestling with today as I sit down with author, Kim Botto. Kim’s book, Boundless Hope for Every Child: Compassion for the Misunderstood, Belonging for the Lonely, is one of my personal favorite books on trauma, children, and the church. And today our conversation gets deep. Join us as we learn why being safe and feeling safe are two different things, what the 2 x 10 principle is, and hear Kim’s own story of adopting her daughters from a Ukrainian orphanage. Some really powerful stuff today (and practical tips for churches too.)   Kim Botto bio: Kim is a mom of five and grandma of eleven. For the past several decades, she’s led children’s and student ministries in the local church while also leading initiatives around adoption and foster care. Sixteen of those years were at Crossroads, one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the country (according to Outreach Magazine) with sites in Kentucky and Ohio. She also served as Director of Training and Development at a Cincinnati nonprofit serving multi-system involved youth. She’s helped train thousands of children's ministry staff, educators, parents and nonprofit staff on engaging neurodivergent kids/teens and trauma informed care. She is a sought-after speaker and author of Boundless Hope for Every Child.   More from Kim: Visit her website at kimbotto.com Buy her book – Boundless Hope for Every Child on Amazon today. Check out her Podcast: Every Child Belongs   A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening!   One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Trauma Informed Church with Kim Botto
  8. Feb 27

    Walking By Faith, Not By Sight with Jennifer Rothschild

    "Do you think it is possible to have peace in your soul, even when your circumstances don’t feel so peaceful?" This is the question that we will be diving into today as I sit down with Jennifer Rothschild. Jennifer is the author of 20 books and Bible studies, a sought-after speaker, a podcaster, and the founder of Fresh Grounded Faith women’s events; she has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Dr. Phil, Billy Graham, and more. And Jennifer is also blind. Today, she  is going to share her story with us and give us some wisdom of all she has learned through her journey. It’s some really good stuff.  Jennifer Rothschild bio: Jennifer has shared her inspiring messages to audiences across the country and through media outlets including Dr. Phil, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and the Billy Graham Television Special. She is the author of many books and Bible studies, including Amos, Take Courage, Psalm 23, Hosea, Me, Myself, and Lies, and more. Jennifer is a C. S. Lewis junkie, an obsessive audiobook listener, a dark chocolate lover, and she drinks way too much strong coffee. She’s been blind since age fifteen and says the greatest lesson she’s learned in the dark is that it doesn’t have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul. Jennifer is a boy mom who lives in Missouri with her husband, whom she affectionately calls her very own Dr. Phil.  More from Jennifer: Get the latest news about Jennifer at ⁠jenniferrothschild.com⁠ Check out her book: Lessons I Learned in the Dark ⁠here⁠. Check out her new Bible Study: Heaven ⁠here⁠. Listen to her 4:13 Podcast⁠ here⁠. A quick note on disability terms: Before you listen, I wanted to talk to you about something important about our podcast, and that is how we will be referring to disability during our discussions. We want you to know that at Wonderful Works Ministry, we know that words matter. We will strive to use preferred language regarding disability. But we also understand that preferred terms change over time and also can be subjective and vary from person to person, even among those with a shared diagnosis. With this in mind, we ask that you understand that we, here at Wonderful Works, and our guests may use a variety of terms on this show and in our resources. Please know that we will always approach language with inclusion, dignity and respect, and we hope you will too. Thank for listening! One more quick note: The views and opinions expressed in our show are those of our guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry does not provide medical, legal, or therapeutic advice or services. Rather, we provide general information regarding disability ministry. The information provided in our content does not replace the advice of medical, legal, or educational professionals. Wonderful Works Ministry is not responsible for any information or services provided by third parties. It is recommended that you use independent judgement when considering any resource associated with serving those who have been impacted by disability. Thank you.

    Walking By Faith, Not By Sight with Jennifer Rothschild

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Hey, I'm Barb Stanley, host of Wonderful Works Talks where we talk all about the disability ministry mission of making churches accessible for all. And I am so excited to invite you to dive deep into topics like ministry leadership, advocacy, and personal stories about disability and faith that will open your eyes and your heart. So, please join us each month as we talk to a new guest all about the wonderful work that they are doing for our mission. To learn more about our ministry check out https://www.wonderfulworksministry.org