Disability and Faith

Christine Boyle
  • 5.0 (18)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Hosted by Christine Boyle, "Disability and Faith - Invited In" is a podcast that explores the intersection of disability, caregiving, and faith. Christine is the mother of two adult children with disabilities—Courteney, who went home to Jesus in 2022 at the age of 21, and Kevin, who joined the Boyle family through adoption from El Salvador in 2013. With over two decades of lived experience, Christine shares the real and raw stories of the disability journey—the joys, the struggles, the griefs, and the victories. Her contagious hope and joy point listeners back to Christ, who meets us in every moment. This podcast is not only a source of encouragement and inspiration, but also a practical guide. Each episode offers insights and tools for caregivers walking the long road of disability or chronic illness, as well as for ministry leaders and volunteers seeking to create true belonging in disability ministry. Together, we’ll discover how Christ invites us in—to His presence, His strength, and the beauty and joy found in disability.

  1. FEB 19

    He's Still My Dad - What Schizophrenia Changed, and What It Didn't.

    The heart of this episode is deeply personal. I share my story as a daughter and caregiver to my dad, who has lived with schizophrenia for nearly 43 years. I was raised in a culture of stigma and secrecy around mental illness. We didn’t talk about it. We survived it quietly. And yet — he was still my dad. At 18 years old, I became his primary caregiver. In 2007, when his condition worsened significantly, I had to step into even more responsibility. I navigated difficult decisions. I talk honestly about broken systems. Limited resources. The lack of safety nets for people like my dad. I share what schizophrenia has looked like up close — the delusions, the crises, the emotional toll. And I speak candidly about the pain of being treated like the enemy during episodes, even when you’re the one holding everything together. This episode is about breaking the silence. It’s about naming the stigma. It’s about helping the Church understand that severe mental illness exists inside faithful families. I challenge churches and leaders to talk openly about mental health, to partner with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and to create environments where families can seek help without shame. I share how counseling has helped me — and I encourage you to pursue counseling sooner rather than later. Caregivers need care. And ultimately, I anchor this whole journey in Jesus. I do not have the strength for this on my own. My endurance as a caregiver depends on Christ — His strength, His purpose, and the hope that suffering is not wasted. My dad is not his diagnosis. He is a great dad. You are Invited In 🩵 Other Resources: www.christineboyle.com Disability and The Church Conference NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness

    1h 6m

  2. JAN 12

    Proms are Nice. Belonging is Better.

    In this episode of Disability and Faith, host Christine Boyle talks about the upcoming global Tim Tebow Prom event, 'Night to Shine', for people with disabilities. Christine passionately articulates her mixed feelings about the event, emphasizing the need for intentional, year-round disability ministry rather than one-time celebrations. She calls for strategic follow-ups, relationship-building, and the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of church life. Christine urges listeners to move beyond pity and superficial acts of kindness towards true discipleship and co-laboring with people with disabilities. The Five Stages of Changing Attitudes 00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Struggles 02:38 Rebranding and Ministry Goals 04:20 Tim Tebow Prom Night to Shine Overview 08:29 Critique of One-Time Events 12:18 The Need for Year-Round Disability Ministry 23:18 Theological Perspective on Disability Ministry 30:14 Call to Action for Volunteers 32:48 Building Friendships Beyond Social Media 33:36 Creative Ways to Connect with Disabled Friends 35:08 The Importance of Showing Up 40:02 Understanding the Five Stages of Disability Attitudes 41:42 From Pity to Co-Laborers: A Shift in Perspective 45:04 The Role of the Church in Disability Ministry 47:22 Practical Steps for Inclusive Church Environments 49:52 The True Meaning of Community and Belonging 57:32 Invitation to Get Involved 59:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

    1h 1m

  3. 11/26/2025

    The Unapologetic Advocate & Caregiver

    In this episode, Christine Boyle shares a raw and emotional recount of her recent experience with a case manager from the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The episode details an incident during her son's annual Medicaid Waiver assessment that turned adversarial, highlighting the systemic challenges caregivers face. Christine delves into her 25-year journey as a caregiver, the importance of advocacy, and the brokenness in the system that caregivers must navigate. She reflects on how her faith drives her advocacy efforts and encourages other caregivers to stand firm in their God-given roles, despite the challenges and misunderstandings they may face. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:25 The Incident and Initial Reactions 01:37 Medicaid Waiver Program Challenges 02:45 Case Manager Communication Issues 06:22 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving 08:07 Advocacy and Systemic Issues 27:05 Personal Reflections and Faith 32:03 Embracing Misunderstandings with Grace 33:24 Living for God and Honoring Our Kids 34:00 The Spiritual Significance of Caregiving 36:27 Standing Firm in Advocacy 37:57 Facing Adversity with Faith 38:48 The Struggles of Navigating the System 42:00 A Personal Story of Advocacy 53:15 The Importance of Strong Advocacy

    58 min

  4. 11/03/2025

    Hope & A Future - Two Teen Moms, One Faithful God

    In this deeply personal and hope-filled episode of Disability and Faith- Invited In with Christine Boyle, Christine welcomes her dear friend and mentor, Betsy Stretar, for a powerful conversation about God’s redemption and the beauty of spiritual friendship. Years ago, Betsy—herself once a teen mom—walked beside Christine during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life—as a teen mom searching for purpose and hope. Together, they revisit that journey of faith, resilience, and transformation, sharing how God wove their stories together through Young Life’s ministry for teen moms, YoungLives. With honesty and tenderness, Christine and Betsy reflect on life-changing moments, including the joy of Christine’s daughter Courteney’s birth and the heartbreak of her passing. Through it all, they reveal how God’s love turned pain into purpose—and how mentorship rooted in compassion can change generations. You’ll be inspired by their friendship, moved by their faith, and reminded that no story is beyond God’s redeeming grace. Tune in and discover how His promise of “a hope and a future” still holds true for every heart. To give to the incredible ministry of YoungLives: www.giving.younglife.org/younglives

    1h 17m

  5. 10/15/2025

    The End of My Young Life Era

    In this heartfelt episode of Disability and Faith, Christine Boyle opens up about closing one beautiful chapter and stepping boldly into another. After eight incredible years serving with Young Life, Christine reflects on how this ministry—especially Young Life Capernaum, which reaches teens with disabilities—deeply shaped her life, her faith, and her family. From the moment she first encountered Young Life to her powerful testimony of encountering Christ at an abortion clinic, Christine shares candidly about the joys, challenges, and moments that changed everything. As she announces her transition from Young Life to founding the Invited In Disability Ministry, she casts a compelling vision for what’s next: creating spaces of belonging for adults with disabilities and equipping churches to be faith communities that accurately reflect God's heart for people with disabilities and their families. With passion and gratitude, Christine invites listeners to be part of this new beginning—through prayer, volunteering, and financial support—to help ensure that every person with a disability knows they are seen, valued, and fully invited in. You are Invited In! www.invitedin.org www.younglife.org

    1h 1m

  6. 09/15/2025

    Why I Was Embarrassed to Say I Work in Disability Ministry

    In this episode, I share an honest story from a recent Content Creators Expo (CEX) in Cleveland, where I was asked again and again: “So, what do you do?” I would explain that I’m a podcaster who discusses disability and faith, and the Executive Director of a nonprofit disability ministry here in Cleveland. Those conversations opened the door for me to share not only what we do, but also the sobering statistics about disability and the Church—families leaving, churches doing little or nothing intentionally, and the urgent need for change. What surprised me most was the puzzled reaction and hard questions that I received—especially from non-Christians. In the world, accessibility is becoming expected and essential. Yet in too many churches, disability ministry is still seen as optional. These people whom I spoke with about this just couldn't understand why the Church is so far behind and not doing more. I began to realize that our failure to the disability community extends even further beyond the disability community. Skeptical non-Christians become even more skeptical when they hear stories of an entire people group having to advocate for a meaningful presence within the Church. They simply don't get it. And that's a good thing! As Christians, we shouldn't get it either. Too often, we remain complicit, defending the Church at any cost, rather than defending those whom Jesus defended, cared for, and made space for at the table. In this episode, I dive into that tension, talk about why we founded the Invited In Church Network to equip churches to become communities of true belonging, and wrestle with the hard truth that we often spend more energy trying to convince the Church to be missional toward the disability community when our efforts should be going toward being missional to a lost world. You are Invited In!

    16 min

  7. 08/20/2025

    Hell Lost, Heaven Won! - My Abortion Story

    Today we celebrated that 25 years ago, on August 16, 2000, I met Christ in this abortion clinic, Preterm Cleveland! God intervened, Courteney's life was saved, and my soul was saved! I am forever thankful to God for pursuing me, showing up in my darkest moment, and using His kindness to lead me to true repentance. Courteney was set apart for good works...made on purpose and for a purpose. What a perfect and great God we serve and love! Today was interesting to say the least, as we encountered such darkness from the abortion clinic workers....making sexual gestures as I recorded, blaring music to drown out my voice, calling the police, and taking pictures and recording us as we loaded into our car and drove away. This was a first for us. But Satan knew....Satan knew the story that was being declared: the hope, the triumph, the victory, and Jesus. So it was a privilege to encounter such persecution. Bring it! God prevailed!

    36 min

  8. 07/18/2025

    I'm Still Here

    After a whirlwind of life, ministry, and miracles, I’m back behind the mic, and I’ve got stories to tell. In this heartfelt episode, I'm Still Here, I’m catching you up on the last four months that have been nothing short of incredible. From speaking engagements to travel adventures, disability ministry milestones to powerful moments of connection — it’s been busy, beautiful, and a little bit crazy (to say the least!). Whether you’re a disability parent, a fellow advocate, a faith-filled friend, or someone just trying to keep going — this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like a blur, we’re still standing. Still showing up. Still here. I’ll share highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and encouragement for those of you who feel like you’ve been running on empty. God’s been moving, and I want you to hear about it. In this episode, you’ll hear: What I’ve been up to since the last episode — and why the silence was actually sacredStories from the road: speaking, advocating, connectingBeautiful moments of belonging in disability ministryA few vulnerable confessions (because life is real)And a whole lot of gratitude If you’ve ever felt like life has swept you up and you don’t know where to begin again — press play. This is your invitation to breathe, smile, and be reminded that God is not done yet.

    53 min
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5
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

Hosted by Christine Boyle, "Disability and Faith - Invited In" is a podcast that explores the intersection of disability, caregiving, and faith. Christine is the mother of two adult children with disabilities—Courteney, who went home to Jesus in 2022 at the age of 21, and Kevin, who joined the Boyle family through adoption from El Salvador in 2013. With over two decades of lived experience, Christine shares the real and raw stories of the disability journey—the joys, the struggles, the griefs, and the victories. Her contagious hope and joy point listeners back to Christ, who meets us in every moment. This podcast is not only a source of encouragement and inspiration, but also a practical guide. Each episode offers insights and tools for caregivers walking the long road of disability or chronic illness, as well as for ministry leaders and volunteers seeking to create true belonging in disability ministry. Together, we’ll discover how Christ invites us in—to His presence, His strength, and the beauty and joy found in disability.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine Boyle
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Christine Boyle
  • Show Website
    Disability and Faith