I’m a physician
specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. I’ve been blessed with a
great wife, two terrific daughters and two fabulous churches in our 22
years as a family. I’m very thankful for the great teaching, authentic
friendships and opportunities to serve we’ve experienced through the
church.
While serving on the
Elder board of our first church, God opened my eyes to the reality most
families in a medical practice like mine will never experience the joy
of coming to know Christ and growing in faith in a local church that my
family has enjoyed, because the hidden disabilities manifested in their
children are barriers as real to church participation as stairs would be
to a person in a wheelchair.
In the U.S., we’re
experiencing an epidemic of problems like ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders
and autism spectrum disorders among our children and teens. Over 20% of
kids starting first grade meet criteria for one or more psychiatric
disorders. All of these conditions greatly reduce the likelihood that
the child’s family will be actively engaged in the ministry of a local
church. And that’s completely unacceptable to God!
During Jesus’ earthly
ministry, He spent a lot of time healing sick people and restoring
creation to the way it was meant to be. He expects us as the church to
continue His ministry until His return. We’re honored that God has seen
fit to let us join in that work through helping to connect with His
church families He loves who happen to have kids who don’t think or act
or feel like everyone else.
Our team prays that
the ideas we share, the experiences of others who have undertaken this
ministry and the stories of families who have come to know the love of
Christ through the churches we serve will inspire you. We’re convinced
that you are not encountering our ministry by accident. We wish that you
will spend at least a few moments in prayer, inquiring as to whether
God, in a small, quiet voice, may be calling you to join this noble
work!
In His Service,
Stephen Grcevich, MD
President, Board of Directors
Key Ministry
