By Barb Stanley
5
11 ratings
The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.
"Have you ever stopped to think about how parenting a child with a disability would impact military life?”
Join us as we talk to Army Chaplain Brad Lee about his experience raising his son, Kaydan, who has Down syndrome and autism, while being part of active-duty military. Find out what unique strengths and challenges exist for special needs military families, how he answers the “miracle” question, and what challenge we are throwing out to our listeners today.
Chaplain (Colonel-R) Brad Lee was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene for Christian ministry after graduation from Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee, IL (BA, 1994), and Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, MO (Master of Divinity, 1999). He served as an Army Chaplain from July 1999 and retired in June 2024. As a Chaplain, Brad served at various levels of rank and responsibility. He was assigned as Battalion Chaplain, Brigade Chaplain, Family Life Chaplain, in both the conventional and Special Operations communities, and as Command Chaplain in the Special Operations community and at the Theater echelon. In addition to numerous awards, he earned additional degrees and certifications including: Master’s degree in Community Counseling, Columbus State University, Columbus, GA (2009), Certified Professional Coach, International Coaching Federation (2018), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), an Approved LMFT Supervisor in the state of Alaska, a Clinical Fellow in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Certified Mental Health Advocate in the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Brad is currently the Director of the Special Needs Marriage and Family Institute (SNMFI), a ministry and academic partnership with Grace Church of the Nazarene, Nashville, TN, and Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, TN. He also works as an independent consultant with CORE-RECON, a company devoted to creating connection and community. He is also a doctoral student at Liberty University, with a concentration on the Special Needs Marriage. Brad is married with six children, including his son, Kaydan, who has Down syndrome and autism. Brad’s first book, “Walking with Kaydan: A Journey of Faith, Struggle, and Hope,” will be published in early 2025.
To learn more, please visit walkingwithkaydan.com
To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry or the Adapted Discipleship Library, please visit wonderfulworksministry.org
.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.
"What happens when you allow yourself to really change your perspective when it comes to disability and the church?" Join us as we talk to President of Ability Ministry, Ryan Wolfe. Find out what common myths regarding disability ministry need to be busted, how the relationship between children’s leaders and youth leaders can make or break your mission, what we can all learn from Jesus’s embrace in Luke 14, and so much more!
Ryan Wolfe, the President of Ability Ministry, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the emerging field of Disability Ministry. He completed 15 years of local church ministry at First Christian Church in Canton, OH where he was the full-time Disability Ministry Pastor. He spent time as a Church Consultant for Key Ministry and is also a featured speaker. Learn more about Ability Ministry here.
To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry or the Adapted Discipleship Library, please visit wonderfulworksministry.org
.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.
"What does it mean to really be part of the church?" Join us as we talk to Laura Deeken of The Adapted Word and Cortney Jenkins of Awe and Wonder Adapted Biblical Curriculum all about what true belonging means. Find out how to teach the gospel to students who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, why discourgement isn't always what is seems, and what moved one of our guests to tears and why it will move you too. So, if you are ready for a little practical knowledge, a lot of inspiration, and a new way of looking at belonging, then you won't want to miss this interview.
Laura Deeken is a speech-language pathologist and owner of The Adapted Word, which provides tips and digital resources for children with disabilities. When she’s not researching language disorders, Laura loves creating curriculum, volunteering in her church’s disability ministry, and going to musicals. To learn more about Laura and the Adapted Word, please visit theadaptedword.com.
Cortney Jenkins is a former special education teacher who originally went to school for Biblical studies. She has combined her passion for Biblical literacy with her experience in special education to create Awe & Wonder’s Adapted Bible Curriculum. She is committed to making the Gospel message accessible to everyone. Cortney serves on staff alongside her husband at Element Church in Forest City, NC where they live with their two children. To learn more about Cortney and Awe and Wonder, please visit specialneedsministryresources.com.
To learn more about Wonderful Works Ministry or the Adapted Discipleship Library, please visit wonderfulworksministry.org
.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.
"Have you ever read the Bible with disability in mind? If not, what do you think you might learn if you did?" Join us as we talk about that and so much more with disability ministry advocate and author, Sandra Peoples. Sandra is going to lead us through what she has learned helping churches start or strengthen disability ministries of their own. Find out why your church does not need to be afraid to get started, how the story of Moses and Aaron serves as a blueprint for buddy ministries, and why special needs families are a gift for every church. So, if you are ready for a little practical knowledge, some inspiration, and a whole new way of looking at the theology of disability, then you won't want to miss this interview.
Sandra Peoples (M. Div, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) has been part of a special-needs family her entire life—she grew up with a sister with Down syndrome and has a son with level 3 autism. These relationships are the inspiration and motivation for her advocacy work. She is the author of three books, including, Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family. Her next book, Accessible Church: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Including People with Disabilities and Their Families, will release in 2025 from Crossway Publishers.
Sandra is currently a PhD student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the area of family ministry with an emphasis on inclusion for special needs families. She serves the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention as their disability ministry consultant, helping churches around the state start and strengthen their disability ministries. Sandra partnered with Lifeway Christian Resources to create the free download, Be All In: A Ministry Guide for Special Needs Inclusion in Children’s Ministry. She is also an adjunct professor in Liberty University’s School of Divinity, teaching classes in the area of disability ministry. And Sandra is a monthly cohost for Key Ministry: The Podcast, where she shares her perspective on family aspects of disability ministry and inclusion.
To learn more about Sandra, please visit Sandrapeoples.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.
"When we see someone behaving in a way that we don't understand, how often do we ask ourselves - 'what's wrong with them?' And what question should we be asking instead?"
Join us today as we talk to Jolene Philo, author of the book, "Does My Child Have PTSD", and find out why learning more about trauma can make all the difference for children at home and at church. Also, discover what implicit memories are and why they matter, what we should learn from "Danny Kay" and "Elizabeth Taylor", and what the church should know about being a safe place for people who have experienced trauma. If you are someone who has been through some tough stuff, or you love someone who has (so that means everybody), then you won't want to miss this illuminating conversation about how we all can work together to help.
Jolene Philo grew up in a caregiving family and raised a son with medical special needs. As a teacher, she created an inclusive classroom for children with disabilities for 25 years. She has written several non-fiction books, including Does My Child Have PTSD? and Sharing Love Abundantly with Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages® for Parents Raising Children with Disabilities. She hosts the award-winning blog, www.DifferentDream.com and speaks nationally about disabilities and special needs. She blogs about writing fiction and daily life at www.jolenephilo.com. Her West River Mysteries, which feature characters with disabilities, are available on Amazon. See Jane Dig!, the fourth book in the series will be released in October of 2024.
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.
"When it comes to supporting families affected by disability, how often do we start by investing in marriages?" Well, today, we are going to talk to authors, Todd and Kristin Evans, from disabilityparenting.com about why investing in the marriages of couples who are parenting children with disabilities matters for everyone. Find out what churches should know, how couples can build a marriage that thrives, even when life feels hard, and why knowing how many positive or negative interactions you have with your spouse might be more important than you realize. This is good stuff for everyone, so listen and share!
To learn more from Todd and Kristin, please visit disabilityparenting.com. And don't forget to order your copy of their new book -How to Build a Thriving Marriage as you Care for Your Children with Disabilities. Available on Amazon and other retailers.
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.
“If you knew you could not fail, what is the one thing you would want to do for your mission?” Today, we are talking all about taking a leap of faith and what we have learned through our own experience starting Wonderful Works Ministry. So join, Leah Whicker and me, as we share what is "audience of one" and why it matters so much, why God isn't interested in perfection, and what you may want to consider if you are thinking about taking a leap of faith of your own!
Barb Stanley is the President and Founder of Wonderful Works Ministry. Leah Whicker is the Special Education Consultant for Wonderful Works Ministry. Wonderful Works Ministry is a 501c(3) organization that specializes in creating free online disability ministry resources for churches and families. To learn more visit wonderfulworks.net
And to hear more about what it really feels like to take a leap of faith (before you know where you might land), check out our blog - "The Best Cup of Coffee of My Life."
If you like our podcast, please follow and share!
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.
“What if every kid who came to church felt welcome there? What would that look like?” Today, we are going to be talking about that and more with author and special needs parent advocate, Elrena Evans. 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.
"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? "
Well, 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 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.
"How would the world be different if we gave grace to everyone, even if we didn't know their back story?" Well, today we are going to talk to author and podcast host, Amy J. Brown, 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.
The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.
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